Overview
The sieve bands are precise, and a supplier should be able to state them numerically rather than only by name.
Grades, cuts, and formats
These are the formats commonly traded from Egypt. They serve different applications rather than representing quality tiers, so the format should follow the finished product, not the price.
Extra Fine — under 7.5mm sieve
The smallest and sweetest grade, harvested young. Premium European retail positioning. Yield is lower, which affects availability more than it affects any fixed price relationship.
Fine — 7.5-8.2mm sieve
The mid band. Widely traded for retail packs.
Standard — 8.2-10.2mm sieve
Larger peas, higher yield, starchier profile. Used in mixed vegetable blends, soups, and catering.
Technical specifications
| Sizing Options | Fine: 7.5-8.2mm sieve. Standard: 8.2-10.2mm. Extra Fine: under 7.5mm. |
|---|---|
| Blanching Index | Peroxidase negative |
| Storage Temperature | -18°C or colder |
| Microbiology Limits | Total Plate Count < 100,000 cfu/g, E. Coli < 10 cfu/g, Salmonella: Absent/25g |
| Packing Configurations | 1×10kg carton bulk, 20×400g retail, or 10×1kg bags |
| Packing options | 1×10kg bulk; 20×400g retail; 10×1kg bags |
| Harvest season | Dec–Apr (peak Jan, Feb, Mar) |
| Container fit (40ft HC reefer) | 10kg cartons, 110 cartons per pallet, 20 pallets per container |
Sourcing notes for buyers
- Specify the sieve band numerically, not just by name. Grade names are used inconsistently between suppliers, but a sieve measurement is unambiguous.
- Blanching peroxidase negative.
- Harvest runs December through April with peak from January to March — a short window, so programs should be agreed ahead of the season.
- Microbiological limits: total plate count under 100,000 cfu/g, E. coli under 10 cfu/g, Salmonella absent in 25g.
- Container fit is 110 cartons per pallet at 10kg, denser than most products in the range.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Extra Fine, Fine, and Standard green peas?
They are sieve size bands. Extra Fine is under 7.5mm, Fine is 7.5-8.2mm, and Standard is 8.2-10.2mm. Extra Fine peas are harvested younger and are sweeter, carrying a premium in European retail, while Standard peas are starchier and used in blends and catering.
When is the Egyptian green pea season?
December through April, with peak volume from January through March. The window is relatively short, so programs are best agreed ahead of the season.
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