Which of these is considered a scorable defect in apricots?

In the context of inspecting apricots, a scorable defect refers to a flaw that significantly impacts the fruit's quality and may affect its marketability. Insect injury that penetrates the edible portions of the fruit is classified as a scorable defect because it compromises the integrity and safety of the fruit, potentially leading to disease or spoilage. Consumers expect fresh produce to be free of such severe damage, which makes this defect a critical consideration in quality assessments.

While superficial bruises, surface blemishes, and discoloration can negatively influence the appearance of apricots, they do not necessarily affect the fruit’s internal quality as significantly as insect damage. These latter issues often fall under cosmetic defects and may not involve the same level of concern regarding edibility. In dealing with scorable defects, it is essential to focus on those imperfections that compromise the overall safety and quality of the fruit, which is why insect injury that impacts the edible portions is regarded as a serious defect in quality inspections.