1 Scope
This standard applies to red-skinned dragon fruits with red or white flesh (from varieties (cultivars) grown from Hylocereus of the Cactaceae family, excluding Hylocereus triangularis) to be supplied fresh to the consumer, dragon fruits for industrial processing being excluded.

2 Normative references
TCVN 5102-90 (ISO 874 : 1980) Fresh fruits and vegetables – Sampling

3 Definitions
For the purpose of this standard the following definition shall apply:

3.1 Scale
Parts growing from the skin.

3.2 Pistil cavity
At one end of the fruit where originally contains pistil and stamen.

3.3 Damage
Any specific defect described in this section; or an 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 marketing quality of the dragon fruit. The following specific defects shall be considered as damage:
- Discoloration caused by scars, bruises or other means which materially damages the appearance of the fruit.
- Cuts, bruises, or scars which penetrate materially into the fruit.
- Pests. Pest holes which are unhealed. Superficial pest injury which materially detracts from the appearance of the fruit.

4 Provisions concerning quality
4.1 General
The purpose of the standard is to define the quality requirements of dragon fruit at the export control stage, after preparation and packaging.

4.2 Minimum requirements
4.2.1 Generally in all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the dragon fruits must be :
- Intact, sound, no bruise, no rots/rot spot/mould , no excessive scarring
- Fresh in appearance
- No pitting/cracking
- Naturally firm
- Clean, practically free of any visible foreign matter
- Free of abnormal external moisture, except just being taken out from the cold storage
- Free of any foreign smell and/or taste
- Varietally green-tipped, stiff scales
- 5-15mm long stem
- Practically free from pests,
- Practically free from damage caused by pests

4.2.2 Specifically the dragon fruits must be:

- Shape : normal shape with pistil cavity not deeper than 4 cm
- Color : glossy rosecamine color with green scales
- Aroma : typical dragon fruit odour
- Texture : typical dragon fruit texture
- Flavour : sweet and fragrant, no foreign flavour

4.2.3 The dragon fruits must properly be harvested. Their ripeness and condition must enable them :
- To withstand transport and handling, and
- To arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination.

4.3 Classification
Dragon fruits are classified in three classes defined below :

4.3.1 Extra Class
Dragon fruits in this class must be of superior quality. They must be characteristic of the variety and/or commercial type. They must be free from defects with the exception of very slight superficial defects provided that these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package.

4.3.2 Class I
Dragon fruits in this class must be of good quality. They must be characteristic of the variety.
The following slight defects, however, may be allowed provided these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package :
- Slight defects in shape
- Slight defects in colouring
- Very slight defects of the skin but with less than 2 spot due to insects and total defected area less than 1 square CM
- Very slight defects due to diseases provided that they are not progressive and do not affect the flesh.

4.3.3 Class II
This class includes dragon fruits which do not qualify for inclusion in Class I but satisfy the minimum requirements specified above.
The following defects may be allowed provided the dragon fruits retain their essential characteristics in regards to the quality, keeping quality and presentation :
- Defects in shape- Defects in colouring
- Slight defects of the skin but with total defected area not more than 2 square CM
- Slight defects due to diseases provided that they are not progressive and do not affect the flesh.

5. Provisions concerning sizing
Size is determined by weight. Normally the weight range is from 320 g to 750 g.
Size/count (i.e. total quantity of fruits in one 10kg carton) will be :
- Small size : 26/24/22 (320 – 500 grs/fruit)
- Big size : 18/16/14 (500 grs – 750 grs/fruit)

6. Provisions concerning tolerances
Tolerances in respect of quality and size shall be allowed in each package for produce not satisfying the requirements of the class indicated.

6.1 Quality tolerances
6.1.1 Extra Class
5 per cent by number or weight of dragon fruits not satisfying the requirements of the class but meeting those of Class I or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of that class.
All other requirements of the standard must be met.

6.1.2 Class I
5 per cent by number or weight of dragon fruits not satisfying the requirements of the class but meeting those of Class II or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of that class.

6.1.3 Class II

10 per cent by number or weight of dragon fruits satisfying neither the requirements of the class nor the minimum requirements, with the exception of dragon fruits affected by rotting or any other deterioration rendering them unfit for consumption.

6.2 Size tolerancesFor all classes: 10 per cent by number or weight of dragon fruits not satisfying the requirements of the size but satisfying those of the size immediately below or above that specified on the package.

7. Provisions concerning presentation

7.1 Uniformity
The contents of each package must be uniform and contain only dragon fruits of the same origin, variety and/or commercial type, quality and size (if sized).

7.2 Packaging
Dragon fruits must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage to the produce. The use of materials, particularly of paper or stamps, bearing trade specifications is allowed provided the printing or labelling has been done with non-toxic ink or glue.
Stickers individually affixed on the produce shall be such that, when removed, they neither leave visible traces of glue, nor lead to skin defects.
Package must be free of all foreign matter.

8. Marking or labelling
8.1 Identification
The exporter, packer and/or dispatcher shall be identified by name and physical address (e.g.
street/city/region) or code mark (optional)

8.2 Nature of produce
Where the contents are not visible from the outside:“Dragon fruits” or equivalent designation, where appropriate.

8.3 Origin of produce
Country of origin and, optionally, region or local place name where grown

8.4 Commercial Specifications
Class
Size

10. Hygiene
The produce covered by the provisions of this standard is grown, harvested, handled, packed in accordance with the appropriate sections of good agricultural practices (GAP) and hazard analysis and crytical control poitns (HACCP).

11. Duration of storage
Dragon fruits are perishable and they should therefore be stored and transported for the shortest time possible. The quality can be maintained for about 28-42 days at the optimum temperature of +5°C, 90% to 95% relative humidity and in modified atmosphere if possible. Dragon fruits should not be stored at the very low temperature, under +3°C, which chilling can cause damage.

12. Transport
Dragon fruits must be transported in reefer container at temperature +5°C and ventilation of 20-25 CBM/hour. It is not permitted to mix-load dragon fruits with odour produce in transport.

14. Illustration for selection standard

	Good	Normal	Unacceptable
1. Color	Glossy rosecarmine color, green scales.	Shallow rosecarmine color, moderately glossy surface, yellow scales	Dark red or green, matte surface, withered scales
2. Surface	Fresh, clean and firm	Clean but slightly withering <10%	Dirty, withering≥10%
3. Stem	Fresh and complete	Dry and withered	Rot and moldy
4. Damage	No mechanical defect or pest	Mechanical defect or pest<5%	Mechanical defect or pest≥5%
5. Rot(or moldy, water soaked sink)	Not rotten		Rotten or moldy