Understanding Our Grades
Every Esrog is a naturally grown fruit with its own shape, color, texture, and character. Our grades help customers understand the general level of visual quality they can expect, but they are not a promise that every Esrog will look identical.
All Esrogim sold by Altein Esrogim are carefully selected and is 100% kosher l’chatchila, regardless of grade. Our grading reflects differences in appearance and beauty – not differences in kashrus.
What We Consider When Grading an Esrog
Our selection process considers the Esrog as a whole, including:
- Overall shape and proportion
- Symmetry and balance
- Color and appearance
- Cleanliness of the upper portion
- Natural surface markings and discoloration
- Texture and growth patterns
- Pitom condition, when applicable
- Overall beauty and presentation
An Esrog may be especially strong in one characteristic and less exceptional in another. The final grade reflects its overall appearance rather than any single feature.
Entry-Level Grades
Our most economical grades provide an authentic, halachically kosher Esrog at an accessible price.
These Esrogim may have a less symmetrical shape, more noticeable natural markings, uneven coloring, or other cosmetic imperfections. They are a practical choice for bulk distributions, community programs, schools, and customers whose primary priorities are authenticity and affordability.
Mid-Level Grades
Mid-level grades receive additional selection for a more attractive overall appearance. They will generally have a pleasing shape and color, with fewer or less noticeable surface markings than entry-level grades.
These grades offer a strong balance of beauty, quality, and value. They are appropriate for many individual customers and community distributions.
Higher Grades
Higher grades are carefully selected for superior shape, symmetry, color, cleanliness, and overall presentation.
Natural variations may still be present, but cosmetic imperfections will generally be fewer or less prominent. These grades are intended for customers seeking a more distinguished and beautiful Esrog.
Top Selection
Our highest selections represent the finest Esrogim available within the season’s crop. They are chosen for exceptional overall beauty, proportion, color, cleanliness, and presentation.
Because these are natural fruits, even the highest grade may have subtle natural texture or minor markings. Availability is limited and varies from year to year.
Natural Variations
Variations in size, shape, shade, texture, curvature, and minor surface markings are a normal part of a naturally grown Esrog.
Product photographs illustrate the general type and quality of a grade but do not represent the exact fruit that every customer will receive.
Grade expectations should be based on the Esrog’s overall quality. Personal preference for a particular shape, exact shade, size, or individual characteristic does not change the assigned grade when the item is consistent with its description.
Special Requests
Customers may request characteristics such as a particular shape, size, shade, or pitom preference in the order notes.
We will make every effort to accommodate requests within the grade purchased. However, special requests are not guaranteed and remain subject to the season’s crop and available inventory.
Questions of Kashrus
Grading is not a substitute for a personal halachic determination. If a question arises regarding a specific Esrog, it should be shown promptly to a qualified Rov.
If a Rov identifies a possible concern, please contact us immediately so we can review the matter with you.