In India, kabuli chickpeas are usually graded by sieve size in millimetres, for example 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm and larger. Many international buyers instead use count per ounce, which is the number of seeds in one ounce. A lower count means bigger seeds.
Both systems work. What matters is that your contract states the system, the size band and how much off-size seed is allowed.
Millimetre grading
Processors pass cleaned chickpeas over a series of round-hole sieves. A lot described as 10 mm, for example, should be mostly seeds that do not pass the 10 mm sieve. Some sellers state a band, such as 9 to 10 mm, meaning seeds held between those two sieves.
Bigger sizes are scarcer and usually command a premium. Smaller sizes are used for canning, hummus and processing, where appearance matters less.
Count per ounce
Count per ounce is common in the Mediterranean, Middle East and North American trade. A sample is weighed, the seeds are counted, and the result is expressed per ounce. Counts are usually given as a narrow band, such as 42 to 44 or 44 to 46, for illustration.
There is no fixed conversion between millimetres and count. Seed shape, density and moisture all affect it. If you buy by count, ask the supplier to measure count on the actual lot, not to convert from sieve size.
What to put in the spec
- Grading system: sieve size in millimetres or count per ounce.
- Size band: for example a minimum sieve size, or a count range.
- Undersize and oversize tolerance: the share by weight allowed outside the band.
- Splits and broken seeds: a separate limit, because they affect canning and appearance.
- Wrinkled, shrivelled and immature seeds: a limit, as these look poor in retail packs.
- Colour: cream and uniform, with a limit on discoloured or stained seeds.
- Moisture, foreign matter, weevil damage and live insects.
- Crop year: new crop usually looks brighter than old crop.
Checking size at inspection
- Draw samples from many bags across the lot, not from the top layer only.
- Run the sample through the agreed sieves and weigh each fraction.
- Count seeds in a weighed sample if the contract uses count per ounce.
- Compare with the approved sample by eye for colour and shape.
- Record results with photos, so any claim later has evidence.
Common problems
The most common complaint is mixed sizes: a lot sold as bold that contains a share of smaller seeds. Another is older crop mixed with new, which shows as duller colour. How to check that pulses are not mixed with older crop covers that. Writing a full spec helps avoid both, as in how to write a specification for chickpeas or millets.
How we help
We agree the size system and tolerances with you, then check size grading at the processor before loading, with sieve results and photos. Samples go to NABL-accredited labs for moisture and residues. Ask for a free sourcing review.