Sorting Raisins by the Airstream Method: An Evaluation of Mechanical Sorting of Natural-Condition Raisins for Maturity and Trash Content

Excerpts from the report Preface: Construction of the first experimental airstream-sorting unit for raisins was financed by the California Raisin Advisory Board. Construction of the second unit and the research on testing and sampling were conducted under research contracts between the Agricultural Marketing Service of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, and the Coast Laboratories, of Fresno, Calif. , a private research company. The study of an improved method of sorting samples of natural condition raisins, reported here, is part of a national research program to improve efficiency and maintain quality in marketing farm products.