About a year ago I ran a post about PLUs. These are the numbers listed on the little stickers of the produce we purchase. Did you remember that PLUs (“Product {or Price} Look-Up” labels) actually mean something?… they aren’t just random numbers.
I have them in long-term memory but I was reminded about them during my recent grocery store trip when I realized (while standing in line, of course!) that I had forgotten to purchase tomatoes. I asked my 10-year old to run back to the produce section and bring back three tomatoes. I did, however, forget to be specific… ugh-oh. Well, lo and behold, she returned with three lovely tomatoes and said “Don’t worry… they’re 9 Mom!” Yes, she remembered!
So, it’s a good time for a reminder: the important number is actually the first digit and they can tell you a whole lot about the produce you purchase. It tells you exactly how it was grown.
Here are the digits you need to remember (with an update from my past post) :
- 3 or 4 – indicates conventionally grown produce (grown with pesticides, herbicides & fertilizers)
- 8 – originally I had indicated that this identifies genetically-modified (GMO) or genetically-engineered (GE) produce but more evidence is showing that this may not be so and there is no true designation for GMO.
- 9 – indicates that the produce is ORGANIC
The next time you pick up a piece of produce: (1) look at the first digit of the PLU label, (2) remember these numbers, (3) know what you’re buying and then (4) rest assured that they’ll tell you more about the food you’re buying for (and serving to) your family. And, even when you don’t expect it, your kids may catch on too!