Stickers On Apples or Oranges? Here's What You Should Check Before Buying

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away," is a saying you have heard and read from growing up days. However, not all apples or oranges we might be buying from the market can keep the doctor away. You must have seen some apples or fruits with stickers labelled on them in the market. We often believe the fruits with stickers and labels are tested for quality and are of premium quality. We also end up paying more for such apples. But have you ever thought about what these stickers with numbers mentioned on the fruit signify? As a buyer, you must have seen the stickers. In this article, we are going to tell you what these numbers on the fruits signify. It is very important to know that meaning so that the next time you buy fruits, you don't end up bringing home something that can directly affect your health. 

Most of us think that the sticker on it signifies that it is a new crop, expensive, or of export quality. But in reality, it is none of these. Apples with stickers can be high-priced, and sellers often charge hefty prices for them. Some people also think that the sticker is added to hide the bad parts of the fruit.

But in reality, almost every apple is sold with a sticker on it. And not only apples—nowadays, oranges are also sold with stickers. These stickers, which we might think are related to the price, are actually related to your health. These numbers can tell you how the fruit was produced - organically or otherwise. 

What the Stickers Signify About the Fruit:

The stickers on the fruits come with numbers written on them. These numbers indicate the quality of the fruit and how it was grown. Here are the three types of numbers you’ll see on apples and oranges:

• Some fruits come with 4-digit numbers like 4889 or 4047. These numbers indicate that the apples are grown using pesticides and chemicals. Farmers often use pesticides to protect crops from various threats and pests while growing. These fruits are cheaper because they contain chemicals.
• Another type of number is a 5-digit number that starts with the digit 8, such as 86344 or 80934. These fruits are genetically modified and are not natural. These types of fruits are generally more expensive than those with pesticides and have their own set of pros and cons.
• The last type of fruit also has a 5-digit number, but it starts with 9 and looks like 98364. These 5 digits starting with 9 signify that the fruit is grown organically, without using pesticides or chemicals. As they are grown naturally and are safe, they are sold at a slightly higher price. However, they are the healthiest option of all.

So, the next time you buy fruits with stickers on them, try to choose the natural ones. Although some people use fake stickers to claim that their fruits are of export quality, be careful while buying.