Almonds are classified by strict quality standards—primarily set
by the USDA—and require specialized packaging to protect their
high oil content from spoilage.
1. Almond Specifications
Quality is determined by grade, size (count per ounce), and
physical/chemical integrity.
Standard USDA Grades
Grades define the tolerance for defects like "chip and scratch,"
"split and broken," or "foreign material":
* U.S. Fancy: Highest quality; lowest tolerance for dissimilar
varieties (max 5%) and damage.
* U.S. Extra No. 1: Primarily used for high-end retail where
appearance is critical.
* U.S. No. 1 (Supreme): The standard for premium snacks and
whole-nut confectionery.
* Select Sheller Run (SSR): Common for further processing like
slicing, dicing, or flour.
Size Classifications
Almond size is measured by the number of whole kernels per ounce.
Lower numbers indicate larger nuts:
* *8/*0 to *0/*2: Very large/Large; preferred for gifting and
snacking.
* *3/*5: Medium; the most versatile retail size.
* *7/*0 to *6/*0: Small/Extra-Small; typically used for grinding
into flour, paste, or inclusions.
Chemical & Nutritional Profile
Typical values for **0g of raw almonds:
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2. Packaging Options
Packaging must provide a barrier against oxygen, moisture, and
light to maintain a shelf life of ***4 months.
| Format | Common Sizes | Key Features | Best Use Case |
|**-|**-|**-|**-|
| Retail Pouches | **0g 1kg | Stand-up design, resealable
zippers, transparent windows | Supermarkets |
| Vacuum Bags | 1kg *0kg | Removes air to prevent oxidation and
rancidity | E-commerce shipping |
| Bulk Cartons | *5 lbs / *0 lbs | Corrugated boxes with PE
liners (often nitrogen-flushed) | Commercial kitchens |
| Industrial Sacks | *5kg 1,**0kg | Woven PP sacks or "Big Bags"
(FIBCs) | Large-scale export |
Preservation Technologies
* Nitrogen Flushing: Replaces oxygen with inert nitrogen to
inhibit microbial growth and oil degradation.
* Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP): Controls internal gas
levels to significantly extend shelf life.
* Multi-layer Films: Combines Aluminum Foil for light/oxygen
blocking and Nylon/PE for puncture resistance.
Storage Requirements: For maximum freshness, almonds should be
stored at temperatures between *5°F and *5°F (2°C7°C) with
relative humidity below *5%.
