Avocados have skyrocketed in popularity, thanks to their creamy texture and health benefits. But have you ever wondered why some avocados look flawless while others seem blemished or undersized? The answer lies in a standardized avocado grading system that ensures quality and consistency. Let’s break down how avocados are graded, what those labels mean, and how this affects your choices at the grocery store.
Understanding USDA Quality Grades
In the U.S., the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) sets the grading standards for avocados. These grades focus on appearance, texture, and maturity—not taste or size. Here’s what you need to know:
U.S. No. 1 (Grade A)
This is the highest quality. These avocados are uniform in shape, free of scratches, bruises, or discoloration, and have a “clean” appearance. The skin may have minor imperfections, but they don’t affect the flesh inside. They’re also mature (ready to ripen) but not overripe. You’ll typically find Grade No. 1 avocados in supermarkets, priced at a premium.
U.S. No. 2 (Grade B)
These avocados may have slight defects, such as surface scarring, uneven coloring, or minor shape irregularities. However, the flaws don’t impact the edible portion. Grade No. 2 avocados are often used in food service (e.g., restaurants or pre-made guacamole) where appearance matters less.
U.S. No. 3 (Grade C)
These are the lowest grade, with significant imperfections like deep scratches, bruising, or misshapen forms. They’re still safe to eat but are usually sold for processing into products like oils, sauces, or frozen avocado pulp.
Size Matters: How Avocados Are Classified
Separate from quality grades, avocados are sorted by size. This is determined by the number of avocados in a 25-pound carton:
Small: 43–48 avocados per carton (~8–10 oz each)
Medium: 36–40 avocados (~11–14 oz each)
Large: 28–32 avocados (~15–18 oz each)
Extra Large: 20–24 avocados (~19–22 oz each)
Lower numbers mean larger fruit. For example, “Size 20” avocados are hefty, while “Size 48” are smaller. Retailers often label these as “small,” “medium,” or “large” for simplicity.
What This Means for You
Most avocados in grocery stores are USDA No. 1 and medium to large in size. Here’s how grading impacts your experience:
Price: Higher grades cost more due to stricter quality control.
Use Case: Perfect-looking No. 1 avocados are ideal for salads or avocado toast, while No. 2 grades work well in mashed dishes.
Selection Tips:
Check for firmness (slightly soft when ripe) and intact stems.
Avoid bruises or dark spots, which indicate mishandling.
For Hass varieties, color changes from green to purplish-black when ripe.
Beyond the U.S.: Global Variations
Other countries may use different standards. For example, Mexico (the world’s largest avocado producer) prioritizes dry matter content—a measure of oil and ripeness—alongside visual criteria. However, USDA grades remain the benchmark for imports to the U.S.
After avocado grading, avocados with superior quality and good appearance can be marketed as high-quality products to meet consumers’ demand for high-end fruits, thereby obtaining higher selling prices. For example, the price of premium avocados is often much higher than that of ordinary avocados, which can bring more economic benefits to producers and sellers. If you are interested in this business, you can contact us at any time. We have an avocado grading line that can be customized according to processing needs.