Peanut Inspector Certification Practice Exam

When is a peanut scored as being discolored based on its shell?

1. When it is completely black

2. When 10% or more of the shell is discolored

3. When 25% or more of the shell is discolored

4. When 50% or more of the shell is discolored

The correct answer is: When 25% or more of the shell is discolored

A peanut is scored as being discolored based on its shell when 25% or more of the shell shows discoloration. This criterion is used to maintain quality standards, as excessive discoloration can indicate various issues, such as deterioration, fungal infection, or poor harvesting and storage practices. By establishing a specific percentage, inspectors can ensure consistent and objective evaluations when grading peanuts, which is crucial for market quality and consumer safety. The threshold of 25% is significant as it distinguishes between acceptable and unacceptable levels of discoloration, providing a clear guideline for inspectors to follow during their evaluations.