Indonesian Mace Grades & Quality Standards
2 min read
Indonesian mace is graded based on physical form, color, moisture content, oil content, and the presence of foreign matter. The grading determines pricing, application suitability, and market positioning.
The Three Standard Grades
Grade A — Whole Mace (Premium)
Grade A represents whole, unbroken mace blades. These are the highest-value product, prized for their visual appeal, higher essential oil content, and longer shelf life. Grade A whole mace is typically used in premium retail packaging, gourmet food manufacturing, and direct culinary applications where appearance matters.
Key specifications:
- Form: Whole, intact blades
- Moisture: ≤12%
- Color: Deep red to orange-red
- Oil content: High (typically 8–15%)
- Foreign matter: ≤1%
Grade B — Broken Mace
Grade B consists of broken mace pieces — blades that fractured during harvesting, drying, or processing. Quality is comparable to Grade A in terms of flavor and oil content, but the broken form reduces visual appeal. Grade B is commonly used in food manufacturing where the mace will be ground or processed further.
Key specifications:
- Form: Broken pieces, varied sizes
- Moisture: ≤14%
- Color: Orange to reddish-orange
- Oil content: Medium to high
- Foreign matter: ≤2%
Grade C — Mace Pieces
Grade C includes small fragments, tips, and lower-quality pieces. This grade is primarily used for essential oil extraction, industrial spice blending, and large-scale food manufacturing where the mace is processed into powder.
Key specifications:
- Form: Small pieces and fragments
- Moisture: ≤14%
- Color: Mixed, variable
- Oil content: Standard
- Foreign matter: ≤3%
Quality Parameters Explained
Moisture Content
Moisture is the single most critical quality parameter. High moisture leads to mold growth during storage and transit. Indonesian exporters typically dry mace to below 14% moisture, with premium grades achieving 12% or lower.
Color
Color indicates freshness and processing quality. Bright red-orange mace signals proper drying and recent harvest. Dull, dark, or blackened mace suggests age, improper drying, or quality issues.
Foreign Matter
Foreign matter includes shell fragments, dust, insects, and other non-mace material. Lower foreign matter percentages indicate better sorting and quality control at the processing facility.
Which Grade Should You Buy?
The right grade depends on your end use:
- Retail packaging and premium brands → Grade A
- Food manufacturing and grinding → Grade B (best value for processed applications)
- Essential oil extraction and industrial use → Grade C
- Not sure → Request a consultation and we will recommend based on your requirements
Sourcing Graded Indonesian Mace
Agro Fresh Global processes and grades mace at our Indonesian facilities, ensuring consistent quality standards across every shipment. Each grade is available in bulk/loose supply or Mandara branded packaging.