Quick Tips: Deciphering PLU Codes

An organic PLU code

Ever wonder what those numbered stickers on your produce actually mean? Those numbers represent a code called a PLU, or price look-up code. The idea behind these stickers is to tell you how your produce was grown (and to help cashiers give you a speedier check-out). The code will indicate whether your produce was raised conventionally, organically, or is genetically modified. 

Most people already know the difference between conventionally grown and organically grown crops (pesticides vs. no pesticides) but the newest hot-button issue is whether or not GMOs are safe to eat. (For those new to the topic, GMO means that it contains genes from other organisms.) The most widely sold genetically modified items are corn, soybeans, canola, cotton, papaya, and squash. Again, because PLU codes aren't required, these GMOs might be labeled as conventional. The jury is still out on the long-term implications of eating GMOs, but some researchers cite an increase in allergies as a possible side effect. 

Not sure which items are worth the investment of buying organic? Check out our previous post about the dirty dozen.

Here's a quick guide to reading PLU codes: 

• A five-digit code that starts with an 8=genetically modified
• A five-digit code that starts with a 9=organic 
• A four-digit code that starts with a 3 or 4=conventionally grown

Remember, buyer beware! The only way to absolutely guarantee that you are not eating genetically modified food is to only eat foods labeled as certified organic, or items that you choose to grow yourself. Hopefully this information will help guide you during your next shopping trip! 

Come Support the Pearl Harbor Kai Farmers' Market!

In our opinion, it doesn't get much healthier and fresher than a good Farmers' Market!

Recently, the Pearl Harbor Kai Farmers' Market has started up again! It's every Wednesday from 12:30-4:00pm. The vendor has a wide variety of local produce at reasonable prices. But, she needs our support! Attendance has been low the past few weeks, and she may not be able to continue if she does not get some more customers. Please consider dropping by for a few minutes this week! Her location is central to much of Navy and Air Force housing, and it's perfect for mid-week shopping! Here are the items we saw and purchased last week: 

Jenny's haul: green onions, yellow onions, mint and star fruit for $7! 

Christina's haul: seedless watermelon, red cabbage, lychee, star fruit, bell peppers, kiwi, leeks, corn, and a huge avocado for $16! 

Organic Living: Kula Fields

Last week I received my very first produce box from Kula Fields Delivery. Kula Fields offers Oahu and Maui residents front-door delivery of local, fresh produce. Most of the fruits and vegetables are organic, and all produce is straight from Oahu farmers. The fruits and vegetables are picked up from the farmers 24-48 hours before they are delivered to your doorstep. Essentially, it's a farmers' market in a box! You get to eat healthy, sustainable food and also help stimulate the local economy. That sounds like a win-win to me! 


The contents of our first box were: 

• Rainbow Chard
• Lettuce 
• Tomatoes
• Baby Bok Choy
• Celery
• Green Beans 
• Strawberry Papaya
• Basil
• Rambutan
• Eggs 

Contents of our first Kula Fields produce box. Yum! 

What I really loved about the box is not only that it was delivered right to my door, but also that it allowed my family to explore some new items in a fun way! My daughter absolutely loved the rambutan...after I Googled how to eat them. Ha! 

Rambutan...Trinity approved! 

If you're interested in learning more, visit the Kula Fields site. The good news is that there is no obligation to buy more than one week at a time, so I definitely encourage you to try it out at least once! If you're a small family, you could even split a box with a friend until you decide if it's a good fit for you.