The grading scale for peanuts is based on U.S. standards that categorize peanuts into various quality levels, with "U.S. Fancy" representing the highest quality and progressing down to "U.S. No. 4," which indicates a lower quality. This grading system is specifically designed to provide a clear and consistent way to assess and classify peanuts for commercial sale and consumption.
The classification reflects specific criteria related to kernel size, moisture content, damage, and other attributes that are crucial for determining quality. The U.S. Fancy grade denotes the best quality, ensuring that consumers receive peanuts that meet premium standards regarding appearance and taste. As the grades decrease, the quality and market value of the peanuts also decline, allowing buyers to choose products that meet their specific needs based on quality and budget.
Other grading scales mentioned, like "Low-grade to High-grade," "Elite to Standard," and "Premium to Substandard," do not reflect the established and widely recognized categorization in the peanut industry. These terms lack the specificity and acceptance among regulatory agencies and the peanut industry stakeholders that the U.S. grading system provides. Thus, the correct choice clearly aligns with the official grading standards used for peanuts.