Frozen Asparagus Spears
Description
Technical Parameters
IQF Frozen Asparagus Spears for Foodservice, Retail Packs and Bulk Vegetable Supply
We supply IQF frozen green asparagus spears for importers, foodservice distributors, retail frozen brands, ready-meal factories and private-label programmes. Each quotation identifies spear length, diameter grade, intact-spear ratio, tip condition, woody-base tolerance, blanching state, defect limits, packing, laboratory panel and cold-chain shipment plan.
Our standard whole-spear lengths are 15 cm and 17 cm. Commercial diameter groups include 6–12 mm, 8–10 mm, 8–12 mm, 10–16 mm, 12–16 mm and 16–22 mm. We also supply tips, cuts and centre cuts under separate form specifications; those pieces are not substituted into a whole-spear order beyond the stated broken-piece allowance.
Actual IQF green asparagus spears showing complete tips, trimmed bases, natural diameter variation and frozen surface condition.
IQF Frozen Asparagus for B2B Buyers
IQF frozen asparagus spears are prepared for importers, foodservice distributors, retail frozen brands, private-label buyers, ready-meal factories, soup and stir-fry producers, vegetable mix packers and industrial processors. The buying decision should define form, diameter, length, tip condition, woody stem tolerance, color, blanching level, packing and document scope.
Foodservice and Catering
We supply whole spears, tips or cuts for restaurants, hotels, catering companies, central kitchens and visible side dishes.
Retail and Private Label
We review spear length, diameter, bag weight, label language, barcode, carton marks and destination-market documents before retail packing.
Ready Meals and Processing
We match asparagus cuts, center cuts or tips with soups, stir-fries, tray meals, side dishes, vegetable mixes and industrial processing lines.
Buyer Risks & GreenLand-food Controls
Asparagus orders can fail when the size range, tip condition, woody stem control, breakage tolerance, blanching level or cold-chain plan is unclear. We translate each risk into a numerical specification, inspection record or shipment control.
| Buyer Concern | Product / Order Risk | GreenLand-food Control | Buyer Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unclear diameter range | Thin, medium and large spears differ in texture, cooking time, price and retail appearance. | We grade 6–12 mm, 8–10 mm, 8–12 mm, 10–16 mm, 12–16 mm, 16–22 mm or a contracted range. | More accurate price comparison and repeat-order standard. |
| Tip breakage | Damaged tips reduce visual value for whole spears, retail packs and premium foodservice. | We inspect tip condition, broken spears and damaged pieces according to buyer tolerance. | Cleaner appearance for retail and menu presentation. |
| Woody or fibrous stems | Over-mature or lower stem portions may be tough after cooking. | We review raw material maturity, trimming, diameter grading and root-end residue control. | Better texture stability after proper cooking. |
| Weak color after shipment | Yellowing, browning, pale color or dark spots can reduce buyer acceptance. | We control blanching, cooling, inspection and frozen storage by product specification. | Natural green appearance and stronger QA evidence. |
| Clumping and breakage | Temperature fluctuation or rough handling can cause frozen blocks, frost, broken spears and soft texture. | We review free-flowing condition, carton strength, loading temperature and reefer shipment plan. | More stable receiving condition for importers and foodservice buyers. |
Commercial Processing Controls for Frozen Asparagus Spears
Frozen spear performance depends on raw-material maturity, uniform diameter grading, trimming, controlled blanching, rapid cooling, drainage, IQF freezing and gentle packing. We organise the production record around those procurement controls.
Raw Selection and Trimming
We inspect compact tips, colour, straightness, maturity, pest damage and lower-stem condition, then remove unsuitable and woody root-end material.
Blanching and IQF Freezing
We wash, blanch by diameter group, cool rapidly, drain and individually quick freeze the spears to stabilise colour and frozen handling.
Frozen Release Inspection
We inspect length, diameter, intact spears, tip damage, loose material, clumps, ice, colour, tenderness, foreign material, net weight and pack integrity.
Available Asparagus Forms
The right form depends on visual appearance, cooking method, finished product type, price target and packing plan. We help your purchasing team choose spears, tips, cuts, center cuts or customized lengths.
Whole Asparagus Spears
Whole spears work for retail packs, premium foodservice, side dishes and restaurant menus where full spear appearance matters.
Asparagus Tips
Tips are reviewed for premium dishes, soups, salads, side dishes, ready meals and retail packs where tender top portions are preferred.
Asparagus Cuts
Cuts are used in soups, stir-fries, ready meals, vegetable mixes, foodservice packs and industrial food processing.
Center Cuts
Center cuts fit applications requiring consistent stem pieces without tips or root ends.
Customized Cut
Customized length, diameter and packing are reviewed when the buyer has a specific formula, production line or retail pack design.
Selection Logic
Choose spears or tips for visual presentation, cuts for soups and stir-fries, and center cuts for uniform texture and cost control.
Fresh green asparagus raw material showing the compact heads, base cuts and diameter variation assessed before blanching and IQF freezing.
This photograph shows tips and cut stems, not whole spears. It illustrates why cuts, tips and whole spears need separate names and acceptance standards.
Size Grading for Spears and Cuts
Diameter and length affect product texture, cooking time, breakage risk, retail appearance and price. We state the grading range, measurement point, tolerance and sampling basis so the specification is repeatable.
Whole Spear Size S
Diameter 6-12 mm, 8-10 mm or 8-12 mm; length 15 cm or 17 cm.
Whole Spear Size M
Diameter 10-16 mm or 12-16 mm; length 15 cm or 17 cm.
Whole Spear Size L
Diameter 16-22 mm; length 15 cm or 17 cm.
Cuts and Center Cuts
Diameter 6-10 mm, 6-12 mm or 10-16 mm; length 2-3 cm, 2.5-3.5 cm, 2-4 cm or 3-5 cm.
Measurable Whole-Spear Acceptance Standard
The word "spears" must describe the contents of the carton. We therefore separate intact whole spears from tips, stem cuts, broken pieces and loose head material. The following limits are commercial quotation starting points. USDA Grade A allows no more than 5% loose material by weight and Grade B no more than 10%; our table adds the dimensional and frozen-condition controls that importers need for an executable contract.
| Acceptance item | Grade A starting limit | Grade B / processing limit | Inspection basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Declared diameter range | ≥90% of units in range; none more than 2 mm outside the adjacent limit | ≥85% of units in range | Measure at the agreed point, normally near the base of the restored spear. |
| Declared length | ≥90% within 15 cm or 17 cm ±1 cm | ≥85% within stated length ±1 cm | Straight-line tip-to-cut-base measurement. |
| Intact whole spears | ≥90% by weight | ≥80% by weight | Complete head and stem meeting the minimum contracted length. |
| Loose material | ≤5% by weight | ≤10% by weight | Detached buds, small head fragments and small pieces separated from usable units. |
| Damaged or open tips | ≤5% by count | ≤10% by count | Crushed, seriously spread, broken or missing head material. |
| Woody or seriously fibrous bases | ≤3% by count | ≤6% by count | Cut-and-chew tenderness check after the stated cooking method. |
| Seriously bent or misshapen spears | ≤10% by count | ≤20% by count | Shape materially interferes with retail or plate presentation. |
| Yellow, brown or abnormally dark units | ≤3% by weight | ≤6% by weight | Natural purple-green scale colour is assessed separately. |
| Clumps | ≤2% by weight | ≤4% by weight | Units not separable by gentle hand pressure while frozen. |
| Loose ice | ≤1% by weight | ≤2% by weight | Free ice separated from the representative frozen sample. |
| Decay, mould and foreign material | Absent | Absent | Visual inspection of the representative sample. |
We state whether each tolerance is measured by count or weight. This prevents a small number of heavy thick spears or a large number of tiny broken tips from distorting the result. For a retail programme, the approved frozen sample should show head compactness, green colour, diameter distribution, base trimming and the expected natural frost level.
Product Features of IQF Frozen Asparagus Spears
Uniform Diameter Grading
Diameter affects texture, cooking time, price and application. Common ranges include 6-12 mm, 8-10 mm, 8-12 mm, 10-16 mm, 12-16 mm and 16-22 mm.
Stable Spear Length
Whole asparagus spears are commonly supplied in 15 cm or 17 cm length, or customized according to buyer packing and retail requirements.
Natural Green Color
We inspect yellowing, browning, dark spots, pale color and tough lower stems according to the approved specification.
Blanched and IQF Frozen
Blanching supports color and texture stability. IQF freezing helps spears and cuts remain separated for portioning and packing.
Tender Texture
We review raw material maturity and trimming to reduce woody, fibrous or over-mature stem sections.
Flexible Formats
Whole spears, tips, cuts, center cuts and customized lengths can be supplied according to application and packing requirement.
Nutrition values and label claims follow the final recipe, applicable laboratory data and destination-market labelling rules; they are not inferred from the product photograph.
Procurement-Focused Specification
A useful asparagus quotation should specify form, diameter, length, grade, color, tip condition, cut size, blanching, packing, MOQ, loading plan, documents and destination market requirements.
| Product Name | IQF Frozen Asparagus Spears |
| Alternative Name | Frozen Green Asparagus Spears, IQF Green Asparagus, Frozen Asparagus Tips, IQF Asparagus Cuts, Frozen Asparagus Center Cuts |
| Ingredient | 100% asparagus, no additives unless otherwise agreed in the specification |
| Raw Material | Selected fresh green asparagus; white asparagus if specified |
| Origin | China, subject to sourcing plan |
| Crop Season | According to origin and annual crop condition |
| Supply Period | Frozen stock supply planning available year-round |
| Processing Method | Selected, trimmed, washed, blanched, cooled, IQF frozen, inspected, metal detected and packed |
| Freezing Method | IQF, individually quick frozen |
| Available Forms | Whole spears, tips, cuts, center cuts, customized cuts |
| Whole Spear Size S | Diameter 6-12 mm / 8-10 mm / 8-12 mm, length 15 cm or 17 cm |
| Whole Spear Size M | Diameter 10-16 mm / 12-16 mm, length 15 cm or 17 cm |
| Whole Spear Size L | Diameter 16-22 mm, length 15 cm or 17 cm |
| Cut Asparagus Size | Diameter 6-10 mm, 6-12 mm, 10-16 mm; length 2-3 cm, 2.5-3.5 cm, 2-4 cm, 3-5 cm |
| Center Cut Size | Diameter 6-10 mm, 10-16 mm; length 2-3 cm, 2.5-3.5 cm, 2-4 cm, 3-5 cm |
| Color | Natural green asparagus color; white asparagus if specified |
| Flavor and Aroma | Typical mild asparagus flavor, free from off-flavor |
| Texture | Tender after proper cooking, not seriously woody or fibrous |
| Blanching | Blanched according to specification |
| Grade | Grade A, foodservice grade or processing grade according to buyer requirement |
| Defect Control | Woody stems, fibrous pieces, yellowing, browning, broken spears, damaged tips, over-mature stems, root-end residue and off-color pieces controlled according to specification |
| Tip Condition | Tips should be compact and not seriously damaged for whole spears and tip products |
| Cut End Control | Cut ends should be neat, not seriously frayed or crushed |
| Foreign Material | Absent; washing, trimming, visual inspection and metal detection form the control programme |
| Residues and Metals | Destination MRL panel; EU-oriented Pb ≤0.10 mg/kg and Cd ≤0.030 mg/kg reference |
| Microbiology | TPC ≤100,000 CFU/g; yeast ≤1,000; mould ≤1,000; coliforms <100; E. coli <10; Salmonella absent/25 g; Listeria absent/25 g when included |
| Storage Condition | Keep frozen at −18°C or below |
| Shelf Life | 24 months under proper frozen storage |
| Bulk Packing | 1x10kg/carton, 20lb/carton, 1x20kg/carton or customized |
| Foodservice Packing | 1kg x 10/carton, 4 x 2.5kg/carton, 2.5kg bag, 5kg bag or customized |
| Retail Packing | 400g x 20/carton, 500g x 20/carton, 1lb x 12/carton, 500g, 1kg or private label pouch according to MOQ |
| Tote Packing | Reviewed if suitable for industrial buyers and actual supply capability |
| MOQ | 10 MT for one standard bulk specification; 15 MT per printed retail artwork |
| Loading Capacity | About 10–12 MT per 20 ft reefer and 20–24 MT per 40 ft high-cube reefer, depending on carton and pallet plan |
| Price Terms | FOB, CFR or CIF can be reviewed according to destination port |
| Loading Port | Xiamen, Qingdao, Shanghai or the contracted China port shown on the quotation |
| Delivery Time | 15–25 days after the signed specification, payment and packaging approval; crop, stock and vessel space apply |
| Certificates | Certificate copies supplied only where the named facility, product and order fall within the certificate scope |
| Documents | Specification, COA, packing list, commercial invoice, certificate of origin, health certificate and other export documents upon request |
| Delivery | By reefer container and sea shipment |
| Brand Option | GreenLand-food brand, buyer-owned brand or OEM private label under the stated artwork and packing MOQ |
Quality Control Points for IQF Frozen Asparagus Spears
Quality control for frozen asparagus should follow the product risks: raw freshness, diameter, length, tip condition, woody stems, color, blanching, cut ends, breakage, moisture, foreign material, microbiology, residues and cold chain.
| Control Point | GreenLand-food Action | Buyer Value |
|---|---|---|
| Raw material freshness | We review raw asparagus condition and process suitable material quickly after harvest planning. | Better color, aroma, texture and spear integrity. |
| Diameter grading | We grade thin, medium and large spears according to agreed diameter ranges. | Clearer market positioning and cooking performance. |
| Spear length control | Whole spears are checked against 15 cm, 17 cm or custom length. | Better retail packing and foodservice presentation. |
| Tip condition | We inspect damaged tips, loose tips, broken tips and crushed tips for whole spear and tip orders. | Stronger visible quality for premium channels. |
| Woody stem control | Trimming and grading help reduce tough root-end portions and fibrous lower stems. | More reliable tenderness after proper cooking. |
| Blanching control | Blanching time and cooling are reviewed by product form and specification. | Better color, texture and storage stability. |
| Broken piece control | Whole spears and tips are checked for breakage and packed carefully by channel. | Lower receiving loss and clearer tolerance standard. |
| Moisture and surface ice | We review draining, IQF condition, frozen storage and loading temperature. | Reduced clumping, frost build-up and texture damage. |
| Foreign material and reports | Washing, trimming, inspection and metal detection help reduce soil, sand, plant debris, plastic and metal. Reports are reviewed by buyer requirement. | Better QA-file and import approval support. |
A caliper check demonstrates how spear diameter is measured against the contracted millimetre range.
Actual frozen spears beside a sizing plate marked 8–10 mm; the image supports diameter grading rather than a generic "whole" description.
Batch COA and Laboratory Release Panel
We issue the COA for the identified production lot rather than presenting a generic limit sheet as a shipment result. The document identifies product form, declared size, lot number, production date, best-before date, pack and storage condition. The specification column states the acceptance criterion; the actual-result column contains the value measured for that lot or the laboratory reporting statement.
| COA item | Commercial acceptance limit | Batch reporting format |
|---|---|---|
| Sensory / appearance | Natural green colour; characteristic flavour and odour; no off-odour | Conforms / does not conform with inspector date. |
| Declared size | Contracted diameter and length conformity | Actual percentage in range. |
| Total plate count | ≤100,000 CFU/g | Actual CFU/g. |
| Yeast | ≤1,000 CFU/g | Actual CFU/g. |
| Mould | ≤1,000 CFU/g | Actual CFU/g. |
| Coliforms | <100 CFU/g | Actual CFU/g or below the reporting limit. |
| E. coli | <10 CFU/g | Actual CFU/g or below the reporting limit. |
| Salmonella | Absent in 25 g | Absent / detected. |
| Listeria monocytogenes | Absent in 25 g when included | Absent / detected. |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤0.10 mg/kg for the stated EU-oriented reference | Actual mg/kg or |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤0.030 mg/kg for the stated EU stem-vegetable reference | Actual mg/kg or |
Pesticide residues: we build the analyte panel around the destination MRL schedule and the buyer programme. For EU-oriented supply, the general 0.01 mg/kg default applies where Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 does not provide a different specific MRL or exemption. The laboratory report identifies the tested lot, analytes, method, LOQ and actual findings without making absolute residue claims.
Tenderness and cooking test: frozen appearance alone cannot reveal a woody lower stem. For foodservice and ready-meal projects, we can use a recorded water or steam cook test by diameter group, then assess tip integrity, colour, fibrous base, bite and drained weight. The agreed time and temperature are written with the acceptance rule so that supplier and buyer repeat the same method.
Applications of IQF Frozen Asparagus
Application affects whether the buyer should choose whole spears, tips, cuts, center cuts, a specific diameter range, a length standard or a packing format.
Foodservice and Catering
Whole spears and tips are reviewed for restaurants, hotels, catering companies, central kitchens and premium side dishes.
Retail Private Label
400g, 500g, 1lb, 1kg or customized retail packs can be developed for supermarkets, frozen vegetable brands and online grocery channels.
Ready Meal Factories
Spears, tips and cuts can be used in frozen rice meals, pasta meals, tray meals, vegetable meals, meal kits and ready-to-cook products.
Soups and Stir-Fry Products
Asparagus cuts and center cuts are reviewed for soups, stir-fries, Asian vegetable blends and foodservice cooking.
Vegetable Mixes
Asparagus can be blended with broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, green beans, mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers or other vegetables by formula.
Industrial Food Processing
Cuts and center cuts are reviewed for fillings, sauces, soups, vegetable bases and further processing.
Bulk Packing and Private Label Options
Packing should match the product form. Whole spears and tips need stronger protection to reduce breakage, while cuts and center cuts fit foodservice and industrial packs more easily.
Bulk Carton Packing
1x10kg/carton, 20lb/carton, 1x20kg/carton or customized industrial carton.
Foodservice Packing
1kg x 10/carton, 4 x 2.5kg/carton, 2.5kg bag, 5kg bag or customized pack for restaurants, distributors and central kitchens.
Retail Packing
400g x 20/carton, 500g x 20/carton, 1lb x 12/carton, 500g, 1kg or private-label pouch by MOQ and market plan.
Tote Packing
Tote packing is reviewed when it matches industrial handling, product form and actual supply capability.
OEM Private Label
We review buyer brand, retail bag design, carton marks, barcode, label information and private-label packing by destination market.
Export Packing Details
The packing specification states carton size, inner bag, net weight, gross weight, lot code, production date, shelf life and storage condition.
Actual asparagus tips in clear inner bags inside a carton. Whole-spear packs use the agreed bag and carton dimensions with additional breakage protection.
Documents Available for Import Buyers
For frozen asparagus importers, foodservice distributors and ready-meal manufacturers, documents are part of the product. We provide the batch specification, COA, dimensional inspection record, packing record, carton label record and loading record so the lot can be matched across the shipment file.
The document scope may include product specification, batch COA, microbiological report, pesticide-residue report, heavy-metal report, blanching record, diameter and length inspection photos, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, health certificate, phytosanitary certificate where applicable, facility certificate copies, loading photos and cold-chain record.
Organic frozen asparagus is reviewed only when valid organic certification covers raw material, processing, packing and final product scope.
General company and facility certificate display. It is not an asparagus batch COA, and certificate applicability depends on the producing facility and product scope.
Cold Chain and Shipment Control
IQF frozen asparagus should be stored at -18 C or below. We review carton condition, label, batch number, loading temperature, container setting and shipment documents before sea shipment.
Frozen Storage
Keep frozen at -18 C or below and avoid repeated thawing and refreezing during storage and transfer.
Reefer Shipment
Reefer container shipment helps reduce clumping, frost build-up, breakage, soft texture and color loss.
Whole Spear Handling
Whole spears and tips require careful handling and packing to reduce breakage and damaged tips.
Mixed Container
Mixed shipment with other frozen vegetables, fruits or mushrooms can be reviewed by compatibility, packing and order quantity.
Why Choose GreenLand-food for IQF Frozen Asparagus
Spears / Tips / Cuts Supply
We supply whole spears, tips, cuts or centre cuts under separate dimensional and defect specifications.
Diameter and Length Grading
We record diameter, length, colour, tip condition, cut size and packing against the contracted lot standard.
Asparagus-Specific QC
We focus on tip condition, woody stem control, diameter grading, spear length, color, blanching, breakage and cold-chain condition.
Batch-Based Documentation
Specification, COA, microbiological data, packing details, carton label and shipment documents can be matched by batch.
General frozen-food reefer loading, carton handling and temperature checks. The cartons are not identified as a specific asparagus shipment.
FAQ for IQF Frozen Asparagus Buyers
Whole spears are normally 15 cm or 17 cm. Diameter ranges include 6–12 mm, 8–10 mm, 8–12 mm, 10–16 mm, 12–16 mm and 16–22 mm. The order states one range and its conformity percentage.
2. How much of the carton must be intact whole spears?Our Grade A starting point is at least 90% intact whole spears by weight; Grade B starts at 80%. Loose material is limited to 5% for Grade A and 10% for Grade B.
3. What is the difference between spears, tips, cuts and centre cuts?Spears retain the complete head and contracted stem length. Tips are short upper sections, cuts contain mixed head and stem pieces, and centre cuts are stem sections without the tip or woody base.
4. Are frozen asparagus spears blanched?Yes. Our standard IQF asparagus is blanched, cooled and drained before quick freezing. We grade by diameter so thin and thick spears receive a suitable process and more consistent texture.
5. How are woody or fibrous bases controlled?We select younger raw material, trim the lower base and use a recorded cooking and bite test. The commercial starting limits are 3% seriously fibrous units for Grade A and 6% for Grade B.
6. What tip defects are measured?We count crushed, seriously open, broken or missing heads. The starting maximum is 5% by count for Grade A and 10% for Grade B.
7. What microbiological limits are available on the COA?The standard panel uses TPC ≤100,000 CFU/g, yeast ≤1,000, mould ≤1,000, coliforms <100, E. coli <10 and Salmonella absent in 25 g. Listeria monocytogenes absent in 25 g can be included.
8. Can pesticide-residue and heavy-metal reports be supplied?Yes. We arrange the destination and buyer panel with lot-specific results and LOQs. The EU-oriented references on this page use Pb ≤0.10 mg/kg and Cd ≤0.030 mg/kg for stem vegetables.
9. Which bulk and foodservice packs are available?Common packs are 1 × 10 kg per carton, 20 lb per carton, 1 kg × 10, 4 × 2.5 kg, 2.5 kg and 5 kg bags. Whole spears use bag and carton dimensions selected to reduce tip breakage.
10. Can you produce private-label retail bags?Yes. We support 400 g, 500 g, 1 lb, 1 kg and buyer-designed packs. Printed film normally starts from 15 MT per artwork and includes barcode, legal copy, date code and carton marks.
11. What are the MOQ and normal lead time?The working MOQ is 10 MT for one standard bulk specification and 15 MT per printed retail artwork. Normal lead time is 15–25 days, subject to crop, stock, packaging and vessel space.
12. How much fits in a reefer container?A 20-foot reefer normally carries about 10–12 MT net and a 40-foot high-cube reefer about 20–24 MT. Actual quantity follows the carton dimensions, pallet choice and legal payload.
13. What is the shelf life and storage temperature?The standard shelf life is 24 months for unopened packs held continuously at −18°C or below. Repeated thawing and refreezing can increase clumping, ice and texture damage.
14. What information is needed for an accurate quotation?Send form, length, diameter, grade, intact-spear ratio, loose-material limit, tip and woody-base tolerances, pack, quantity, destination, Incoterm, test panel, certificate list and shipment date.
Plan Your Frozen Asparagus Purchase
To prepare an accurate quotation, please share the product form, diameter, spear length or cut length, color requirement, blanching requirement, grade, defect tolerance, packing format, order quantity, destination market, certificate needs, private-label plan and target shipment schedule. We can also review mixed-container plans with other IQF vegetables, fruits or mushrooms.
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Technical specification · reference schedule
Frozen Asparagus Spears
We review the selected form, grade, process and packing against the technical schedule below. Published and TDS values are specification references for order review. External benchmarks apply only within their stated scope. Acceptance is governed by the signed SKU specification; the identified lot COA reports actual measured results.
01 / Physical & Sensory
| Parameter | Specification / reference | Verification & order basis |
|---|---|---|
| Declared diameter range - Grade A starting limit | ≥90% of units in range; none more than 2 mm outside the adjacent limitPublished reference | Measure at the agreed point, normally near the base of the restored spear. Programme: Grade A starting limit. |
| Declared diameter range - Grade B / processing limit | ≥85% of units in rangePublished reference | Measure at the agreed point, normally near the base of the restored spear. Programme: Grade B / processing limit. |
| Declared length - Grade A starting limit | ≥90% within 15 cm or 17 cm ±1 cmPublished reference | Straight-line tip-to-cut-base measurement. Programme: Grade A starting limit. |
| Declared length - Grade B / processing limit | ≥85% within stated length ±1 cmPublished reference | Straight-line tip-to-cut-base measurement. Programme: Grade B / processing limit. |
| Seriously bent or misshapen spears - Grade A starting limit | ≤10% by countPublished reference | Shape materially interferes with retail or plate presentation. Programme: Grade A starting limit. |
| Seriously bent or misshapen spears - Grade B / processing limit | ≤20% by countPublished reference | Shape materially interferes with retail or plate presentation. Programme: Grade B / processing limit. |
| Origin | China, subject to sourcing planPublished reference | Reconcile source declaration, intake lot and shipment documents. |
| Available Forms | Whole spears, tips, cuts, center cuts, customized cutsPublished reference | Confirm method, representative sample and acceptance basis in the signed specification. |
| Whole Spear Size S | Diameter 6-12 mm / 8-10 mm / 8-12 mm, length 15 cm or 17 cmPublished reference | Measure a defined frozen sample with caliper or size gauge; report distribution and tolerance. |
| Whole Spear Size M | Diameter 10-16 mm / 12-16 mm, length 15 cm or 17 cmPublished reference | Measure a defined frozen sample with caliper or size gauge; report distribution and tolerance. |
| Whole Spear Size L | Diameter 16-22 mm, length 15 cm or 17 cmPublished reference | Measure a defined frozen sample with caliper or size gauge; report distribution and tolerance. |
| Color | Natural green asparagus color; white asparagus if specifiedPublished reference | Compare with the approved sensory reference using the stated frozen/thawed/prepared condition. |
| Flavor and Aroma | Typical mild asparagus flavor, free from off-flavorPublished reference | Compare with the approved sensory reference using the stated frozen/thawed/prepared condition. |
| Texture | Tender after proper cooking, not seriously woody or fibrousPublished reference | Compare with the approved sensory reference using the stated frozen/thawed/prepared condition. |
| Grade | Grade A, foodservice grade or processing grade according to buyer requirementPublished reference | Confirm method, representative sample and acceptance basis in the signed specification. |
| Cut End Control | Cut ends should be neat, not seriously frayed or crushedPublished reference | Measure a defined frozen sample with caliper or size gauge; report distribution and tolerance. |
| Size-grade inspection | Use the selected diameter, length, piece mass or count-per-weight grade; state the proportion permitted outside the range. | Measure the named anatomical dimension; count and weigh the same representative sample. |
02 / Physicochemical & Residue Controls
| Parameter | Specification / reference | Verification & order basis |
|---|---|---|
| Residues and Metals | Destination MRL panel; EU-oriented Pb ≤0.10 mg/kg and Cd ≤0.030 mg/kg referencePublished reference | Challenge the actual packed product on the selected line with validated test pieces. |
| Pesticide residue schedule | Named active ingredients and commodity-specific limits are selected for the destination market. EU source | Link farm spray history, laboratory LOQ and batch result to the destination MRL. EU database is one market reference; apply the actual destination rule. |
| Lead, cadmium and other contaminants | Apply the limit for the exact commodity and processed form in the destination market. EU source | State analyte, preparation basis, method, LOQ and lot result. Do not transfer a fresh-commodity limit to a processed form without the required assessment. |
03 / Microbiological Criteria
| Parameter | Specification / reference | Verification & order basis |
|---|---|---|
| Microbiology | TPC ≤100,000 CFU/g; yeast ≤1,000; mould ≤1,000; coliforms <100; E. coli <10; Salmonella absent/25 g; Listeria absent/25 g when includedPublished reference | Report the named organism, analytical method, sample mass, sampling plan and lot result; use CFU/g for enumeration and a stated mass for detection. |
| Hygiene-indicator panel | Select aerobic count and relevant Enterobacteriaceae, coliform or E. coli indicators for the declared process and intended use. Codex | Report each quantitative result in CFU/g, method/reporting limit, sample plan and lot identity. |
| Pathogen acceptance programme | Define Salmonella and Listeria criteria when applicable to the destination, ready-to-eat status and buyer programme. Codex | State analytical portion, sample-unit plan, method and detected/not-detected reporting; identify the treatment and release basis. |
| Acceptance schedule | Select the test panel and limits by intended use (ready-to-eat or further processing), product form and destination. EU source | State organism, analytical method, sample mass and n/c plan; report actual lot results. A universal APC, coliform, Salmonella or Listeria limit is not assigned to every frozen product. |
04 / Freezing & Cold Chain
| Parameter | Specification / reference | Verification & order basis |
|---|---|---|
| Freezing Method | IQF, individually quick frozenPublished reference | Confirm method, representative sample and acceptance basis in the signed specification. |
| Storage Condition | Keep frozen at −18°C or belowPublished reference | Confirm method, representative sample and acceptance basis in the signed specification. |
| Separation & loose-ice assessment | Keep inherent moisture, loose ice and permanently frozen clusters as separate inspection categories. | Weigh separated loose ice and welded clusters against initial sample mass; distinguish natural paired pieces or blocks. |
| Product thermal centre | −18°C or colder after freezing and thermal stabilization; maintain the agreed frozen distribution condition.External reference Codex | Probe the thickest representative pack and retain storage/transport temperature records. Codex quick-frozen reference; selected product form and route must be frozen. |
| Frozen condition at dispatch | Hard frozen, correctly sealed and coded, without thaw/refreeze evidence or excessive loose ice. Codex | Check pack integrity, free-flow or block condition as declared, carton condition and loading temperature. |
05 / Pack Size & Shelf Life
| Parameter | Specification / reference | Verification & order basis |
|---|---|---|
| Shelf Life | 24 months under proper frozen storagePublished reference | Verify unopened-pack validation, declared storage condition and production/best-before coding. |
| Bulk Packing | 1 × 10 kg/carton, 20lb/carton, 1 × 20 kg/carton or customizedPublished reference | Check approved pack drawing, calibrated scale and production records. |
| Retail Packing | 400 g x 20/carton, 500 g x 20/carton, 1lb x 12/carton, 500 g, 1 kg or private label pouch according to MOQPublished reference | Check approved pack drawing, calibrated scale and production records. |
| Tote Packing | Reviewed if suitable for industrial buyers and actual supply capabilityPublished reference | Check approved pack drawing, calibrated scale and production records. |
| Declared net contents | Verify each selected pack format against the artwork and applicable quantity-control rule. Codex | Calibrated checkweigher or scale; defined sample and tare. |
| Shelf-life basis | The labelled period applies only to its validated pack and continuous stated storage condition. Codex | Review stability study or approved shelf-life file and production-date code. |
06 / Process Controls
| Parameter | Specification / reference | Verification & order basis |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Method | Selected, trimmed, washed, blanched, cooled, IQF frozen, inspected, metal detected and packedPublished reference | Check the approved product flow, line settings and identified production record; validate numerical critical limits within the site HACCP plan. |
| Blanching | Blanched according to specificationPublished reference | Check the approved product flow, line settings and identified production record; validate numerical critical limits within the site HACCP plan. |
| Raw-material preparation checks | Separate green and white grades; trim woody bases and check tip-to-stem distribution. | Verify the selected product flow and the relevant trimming, sorting and pretreatment record. |
| Blanching / enzyme inactivation | Time and temperature are product- and cut-specific; confirm residual-enzyme endpoint when relevant. Codex | Record validated line set-points and product sample test; assess colour and texture after treatment. Only classify as a CCP when the site's HACCP plan identifies it as one. |
| Cooling and dewatering | Control prompt cooling and surface-water removal before IQF to avoid clumping and loose ice. Codex | Review line time/temperature record, draining check and frozen separation. |
| CCP designation | Use the site-approved HACCP plan to identify true CCPs and their validated critical limits. Codex | Check hazard analysis, monitoring, deviation and corrective-action records. A quality-control step is not automatically a CCP. |
07 / Ingredients, Additives & Allergens
| Parameter | Specification / reference | Verification & order basis |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredient | 100% asparagus, no additives unless otherwise agreed in the specificationPublished reference | Verify approved formula, supplier declarations and line-specific allergen assessment. |
| Added glaze / coating declaration | Declare any intentionally added water glaze, syrup, oil or coating and the measurement basis; loose ice is assessed separately. | Verify formula/addition records; agree a deglazing or coating test and net-content basis where applicable. |
| Additive use | Declare any colour-protection agent, acidulant or other additive by ingredient and maximum permitted use for the target market. NHC standard | Check approved formula, actual addition record and market-specific additive category. GB 2760-2024 applies to China; export rules are checked separately. |
| Allergen and cross-contact assessment | Declare inherent allergens and assess shared-line cross-contact from the actual facility schedule. FDA | Review line matrix, cleaning validation and buyer label approval. Do not claim a shared-line allergen or allergen-free status without facility evidence. |
08 / Defects & Foreign Matter
| Parameter | Specification / reference | Verification & order basis |
|---|---|---|
| Damaged or open tips - Grade A starting limit | ≤5% by countPublished reference | Crushed, seriously spread, broken or missing head material. Programme: Grade A starting limit. |
| Damaged or open tips - Grade B / processing limit | ≤10% by countPublished reference | Crushed, seriously spread, broken or missing head material. Programme: Grade B / processing limit. |
| Clumps - Grade A starting limit | ≤2% by weightPublished reference | Units not separable by gentle hand pressure while frozen. Programme: Grade A starting limit. |
| Clumps - Grade B / processing limit | ≤4% by weightPublished reference | Units not separable by gentle hand pressure while frozen. Programme: Grade B / processing limit. |
| Loose ice - Grade A starting limit | ≤1% by weightPublished reference | Free ice separated from the representative frozen sample. Programme: Grade A starting limit. |
| Loose ice - Grade B / processing limit | ≤2% by weightPublished reference | Free ice separated from the representative frozen sample. Programme: Grade B / processing limit. |
| Decay, mould and foreign material - Grade A starting limit | AbsentPublished reference | Visual inspection of the representative sample. Programme: Grade A starting limit. |
| Decay, mould and foreign material - Grade B / processing limit | AbsentPublished reference | Visual inspection of the representative sample. Programme: Grade B / processing limit. |
| Defect Control | Woody stems, fibrous pieces, yellowing, browning, broken spears, damaged tips, over-mature stems, root-end residue and off-color pieces controlled according to specificationPublished reference | Inspect a defined representative sample; record count or mass basis and disposition. |
| Foreign Material | Absent; washing, trimming, visual inspection and metal detection form the control programmePublished reference | Inspect a defined representative sample; record count or mass basis and disposition. |
| Intrinsic defect classification | Open or damaged tips, tough basal fibres, crooked spears, discolouration and broken tips. | Record each defect class separately by count or mass; state sample size, denominator and combined-limit rules. |
| Hazardous foreign matter | No foreign matter detected in the defined inspection sample; reject and investigate any finding.External reference Codex | Define visual-inspection sample size and detector challenge in the signed quality schedule. "None detected" is a sampling statement, not an absolute guarantee of zero particles. |
09 / Packaging Materials & Label
| Parameter | Specification / reference | Verification & order basis |
|---|---|---|
| Food-contact pack | Specify inner-contact material and obtain the applicable food-contact compliance declaration. NHC standard | Review film structure, supplier DoC, migration evidence and actual intended conditions. GB 4806 series is China-specific; EU export also checks Regulations 1935/2004 and 10/2011. |
| Carton and seal integrity | Define carton stacking strength, bag seal and puncture resistance for the confirmed net weight and pallet plan. EU source | Inspect pack drawing, compression/seal test and shipment configuration. |
| Label verification | Match product name, ingredient/allergen statement, net weight, lot/date, shelf life and storage instruction to the destination artwork. Codex | Approve artwork against the signed specification and destination rules. |
10 / Detection & Traceability
| Parameter | Specification / reference | Verification & order basis |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign-body detector | Validate Fe, non-Fe and stainless-steel challenge pieces for the actual product, aperture, pack and line; record the proven sensitivity. Codex | Challenge at defined start, changeover, interval and end points; retain rejection records. Do not copy generic detector sizes into a plant capability claim. |
| Lot traceability | Link input source lot, processing run, packaging code, test records, frozen storage and shipment to one finished lot. Codex | Trace one sample lot forward and backward in a recorded mock recall. Recall speed is stated only when the site has a validated target and record. |
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