HAR §4-41-31. Standards for Hawaii-grown broccoli

(a) As used in this section: "Clean" means the broccoli is practically free from dust, dirt, or other foreign matter. "Damage" means any of the following specific defects, or any equally objectionable variation of any one of these defects, any other defect, or any combination of defects, which materially detracts from the appearance, or the edible or shipping quality of the broccoli: (1) Discoloration, when more than very slight; (2) Hollow stem or pithiness, when discolored or when affecting appearance more than slightly; (3) Insects, when worms or worm frass are present, or when more than slightly infested with insects; or §4-41- 41-37 (4) Scars, when discolored or when more than slight or superficial. "Fairly compact" means the head is not open or spread to the extent that it has a loose appearance, and the individual florets are fairly tightly formed and not more than moderately elongated. "Fresh" means the broccoli is not flabby or more than slightly wilted. "Good characteristic color" means the stem and external portion of the head have a light green or darker shade of green color. "Length" means the distance from the top of the broccoli head to the stem butt. "Serious damage" means any defect or combination of defects which seriously detracts from the appearance, or the edible or shipping quality of the broccoli. "Stem diameter" means the greatest thickness of the stem measured at the base. "Tender" means the broccoli is succulent and the stem is not fibrous, tough, or stringy. "Well trimmed" means all coarse, damaged, and discolored leaves and leaves extending more than one and one-half inches above the top of the head have been removed, and cross cuts on butts and lengthwise cuts on split stalks are smooth. (b) Hawaii No. 1 (Hawaii Grade A) broccoli consists of Hawaii-grown broccoli stalks which show good characteristic color and are well trimmed, fairly compact, fresh, tender, and clean; and which are free from decay and from damage caused by discoloration, freezing, hollow stem or pithiness, scars, disease, insects, or mechanical or other means. Unless otherwise specified, the length of each stalk shall be not more than eight inches nor less than three inches, and stem diameter shall be not less than one-fourth inch. In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading, sizing, and handling, the following tolerances, based on weight, are provided: (1) For defects, not more than ten per cent of the stalks in any lot may fail to meet the requirements of this grade, provided not more than one-half of this amount, or five per cent, shall be allowed for stalks which are seriously damaged by any cause, including not more than one per cent affected by decay; and (2) For off-size, not more than five per cent of §4-41- 41-38 the stalks in any lot may vary from the stalk length and stem diameter specified. [Eff 5/29/81; am and comp 8/18/83; am and comp 3/24/86] (Auth: HRS §147-4) (Imp: HRS §147-4)