How do I know if my strawberries are organic?

October 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), strawberries have consistently topped the 'Dirty Dozen' list of produce with the highest pesticide residues. This fact makes it even more important for consumers to know how to identify if their strawberries are truly organic, as opposed to conventionally grown.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the key indicators for identifying organic strawberries, covering official certifications, Price Look-Up (PLU) codes, and visual cues. Learn how to shop for organic berries at grocery stores or farmers' markets and understand the differences in appearance, shelf life, and flavor between organic and conventional varieties.

Key Points

Look for Official Certification: The most reliable method is to find the USDA Organic seal on packaged strawberries or the five-digit PLU code beginning with '9' on loose berries.
Check Produce Stickers: A five-digit PLU code starting with a '9' indicates organic produce, while a four-digit code signifies conventionally grown.
Observe Size and Uniformity: Organic strawberries often appear smaller and less uniform because they are not bred for large, perfect shapes using synthetic fertilizers.
Note Appearance and Shine: Organic berries lack the glossy sheen that often comes from wax or preservatives applied to conventional produce to enhance appearance and shelf life.
Trust Your Taste and Smell: Many find organic strawberries to have a more intense, sweeter flavor and stronger aroma due to natural growing methods.
Consider Shelf Life: Organic strawberries generally have a shorter shelf life than conventional varieties because they are not treated with preservatives.

Official Certifications: Your Best Indicator

In a retail setting, the most reliable way to know if your strawberries are organic is by looking for official certification. In the United States, this is the USDA Organic seal. This seal means the product has been produced and handled according to strict federal guidelines that address soil quality, pest control, and additives. Certified organic strawberries must be grown on soil that has not had prohibited substances applied for three years prior to harvest. For products labeled simply "organic," at least 95% of the content must be organic. Products with a "Made with Organic Ingredients" label only need to contain a minimum of 70% organic content and cannot display the USDA seal.

The Importance of the PLU Code

For loose, unpackaged strawberries, the Price Look-Up (PLU) code on the sticker is your key identifier. Conventional produce is typically marked with a four-digit code, while organic produce is marked with a five-digit code that begins with the number '9'. For example, conventional bananas might have a PLU code of '4011,' while organic bananas would have a code of '94011'. Keep in mind that not all organic produce has a sticker, especially at farmers' markets. However, in standard grocery stores, this is an excellent tool for quick identification.

Visual and Sensory Cues for Organic Strawberries

Beyond labeling and codes, some visual and sensory characteristics can help distinguish organic strawberries from conventional ones. While these aren't foolproof, they can be helpful, especially when shopping at a farmers' market where certification may not be prominently displayed.

Appearance, Size, and Uniformity

Organic strawberries often have a less uniform and more rustic appearance than their conventional counterparts. Because they aren't treated with chemical fertilizers to maximize size and appearance, they may be smaller and vary in shape and color. Some organic farmers deliberately cultivate smaller, more flavorful varieties. Conventional berries, conversely, are often bred for uniformity and visual appeal. The glossy sheen sometimes seen on conventional produce is often from wax or preservatives, which is not used on organic berries.

Taste and Aroma

Many people report that organic strawberries have a stronger, sweeter flavor and aroma. Research supports this, suggesting that natural growing methods and healthier soil can lead to more flavorful fruit. One study found that organic strawberries had higher soluble solids content and firmer pulp, contributing to a better flavor profile. In contrast, some conventional berries can taste watery or less sweet, prioritizing size over flavor.

Shelf Life and Imperfections

Organic strawberries tend to have a shorter shelf life because they are not treated with post-harvest preservatives. They may show small imperfections or blemishes, which is a natural result of not using synthetic chemicals to control pests. A longer-lasting, blemish-free berry could be a sign of conventional growing methods.

Comparison Table: Organic vs. Conventional Strawberries


Feature	Organic Strawberries	Conventional Strawberries
Certification	USDA Organic Seal or similar certification required for labeling.	No specific certification required for this designation.
PLU Code	Five-digit code starting with '9' on produce stickers.	Four-digit code on produce stickers.
Appearance	Often smaller, less uniform in size and shape, with a more rustic appearance.	Typically larger, more uniform in size, and can have a shiny coating.
Pesticide Use	Grown without synthetic pesticides, relying on natural pest control.	Often treated with synthetic pesticides and fungicides.
Flavor	Often reported to be sweeter, with a richer and more pronounced flavor.	Can be watery or bland, sometimes bred for size over taste.
Shelf Life	Generally shorter due to the lack of preservatives.	Tends to be longer-lasting due to preservatives.

Making an Informed Choice

When considering your purchase, remember that while visual cues and taste can be helpful, the most definitive proof of organic status is official certification. By checking for the USDA seal or the '9' prefix on the PLU code, you can be confident in your choice. At farmers' markets, asking the farmer directly about their growing practices is the best approach, as certification can be a costly process for small-scale growers. Choosing organic reduces exposure to synthetic pesticide residues, which is a significant factor for a fruit consistently on the "Dirty Dozen" list. For more information, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) provides an annual Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce that can be a valuable resource for making informed purchasing decisions. You can find the latest list on the EWG website.

Conclusion

Understanding how to know if your strawberries are organic involves a combination of looking for official labeling and recognizing key characteristics. The most reliable method is to check for the USDA Organic seal or the five-digit '9' PLU code on packaged or loose produce, respectively. These certifications provide legal assurance of organic farming practices. While smaller size, less uniform appearance, and a stronger flavor can also be indicators, they are not foolproof identifiers. By prioritizing certified organic berries, especially for high-risk fruits like strawberries, consumers can reduce their intake of synthetic pesticides and support sustainable farming practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

The easiest way is to look for the official USDA Organic seal on the packaging. For loose berries, check for a five-digit Price Look-Up (PLU) code on the sticker that starts with the number '9'.

Most loose organic produce in conventional grocery stores will have a sticker with a five-digit PLU code starting with '9'. However, some produce at farmers' markets may not have any sticker at all, in which case you should ask the grower directly.

While organic strawberries are often smaller, this isn't a guaranteed rule. They can vary in size. However, conventional berries are often specifically bred and treated to be larger and more uniform.

Visual cues, such as less uniform size, a more rustic appearance, and a lack of a waxy sheen, can be good indicators, but they are not definitive proof. Official certification is the only reliable method.

Some studies and many consumers report that organic berries have a richer, sweeter flavor. This is often attributed to organic farming practices that focus on soil health, which can lead to higher nutrient density and better taste.

Washing can help reduce some pesticide residues, but it does not eliminate all of them. Strawberries are a highly porous fruit and consistently rank high on the 'Dirty Dozen' list, so washing may not be enough for those who want to minimize pesticide exposure.

The most direct way is to ask the farmer about their growing practices. Many small farmers grow organically but may not go through the expensive and rigorous process of official USDA certification.