Who We Are

 On the surface, not much, but when you dig deeper you can appreciate the merger
     of the worlds of science and halacha that has created a phenomenon in the arena of vegetable production.

Bodek has never been content to just scratch the surface (of the vegetables), because that would leave us - the Torah-observant  public - completely misinformed about the vegetable products that we  consume daily, many of which are subject to rampant infestation. By  committing themselves first to public education, they have devised a  methodology that revolutionized the inspection of vegetables, and  defined industry standards.  

Bodek has expanded on this revolutionary relationship by  providing us with the full spectrum of vegetable flavors and nutrients,  many of which are essential to our dietary prerogatives, and were  previously restricted in their use because of considerable pest  infestation.  By harnessing the talents of the foremost luminaries in  their respective fields (quite literally), entomologists - scientists  dedicated to the study of insects and their biology, agriculturists -  specialists in agriculture and farming, and Rabbi Gissinger - the world  renowned infestation specialist, who for 25 years has investigated and  analyzed every aspect of vegetable production from planting to  harvesting to inspection, and finally to packaging, every legitimate halachic concern is addressed to make the vegetables Naki Mich'shash Tola'im. 

Scientific studies indicate that fruits and vegetables with the deepest colors contain  the highest levels of antioxidants.  Antioxidants are vitamins,  minerals, and other biochemicals that prevent cellular damage by  pollutants, artery-clogging foods and other toxic substances, called  free radicals.  Additionally, antioxidant-rich spinach has been shown to  improve brain functions that control memory, motor coordination, and  nerve cell growth, indicating that these foods may help inhibit the  decline of mental functions in aging brains. 

Once the amazing nutritional values were established, Bodek  felt they had a mandate to make these vegetables available to the  Torah-observant community.  Since the imposed ban on the pesticide DDT,  because of its carcinogenic properties,  was implemented infestation in  produce has increased exponentially.  It's no longer a matter of  periodic infestation, because insects have developed resistances to many  of the milder pesticides.  Now, vegetables that are not properly  cultivated and inspected can be subject to gross and severe infestation.    

That is why Bodek has implemented labor-intensive procedures to deliver Grade A produce, with the absolute certification of Naki Mich'shash Tola'im. In collaboration with scientists and Rabbi Gissinger, Bodek discovered  particular fields in California and New Jersey specifically cultivated  to prevent infestation.  But even those values weren't stringent enough  for Bodek's standards. Bodek supervises their produce from seedling to  harvest to production.  To insure that your exemplary standards are not  breached, Bodek assigns on-site mashgichim to supervise the harvest and discard any batches that are deemed inferior to Bodek's specific infestation guidelines. 

At this point the Bodek process is well under way, and yet it has hardly begun. Outer  leaves are routinely removed because they are more predisposed to  infestation, and if the batch subscribes to Bodek's rigorous quality  controls, then the vegetables are washed in industrial strength  agitators to release any insect matter.  The produce is then spun at  astronomical speed in a centrifuge to force any moisture from the  vegetables in order to maintain shelf-life.  Occasionally if there is  concern about a specific batch, specimens are express mailed overnight  to Rabbi Gissinger for his inspection and psak.  The quality  control and halachic control exercised surpass even our own standards  because Bodek appreciates the intricacies of the produce market.   Currently, USDA regulations permit as much as 60 or more aphids, thrips  or mites per 3.6 oz. in frozen broccoli.  And, routinely,  frozen  spinach is certified USDA with as much as 50 or more aphids, thrips, or  mites per 3.6 oz.  Obviously, neither one is acceptable or certifiable  kosher by halachic standards. 

Bodek's comprehensive supervision of their produce exceeds government  standards, but perfectly addresses our own.  Your guarantee of   meticulous standards is included on every Bodek certification of their  frozen broccoli cuts and florets, chopped broccoli, cauliflower florets,  chopped spinach, California Mix, Italian Mix, Mexican Blend, Fiesta  Blend, 5-Way Blend, Stir Fry, and corn on the cob.  Additionally,  Bodek  has tirelessly worked on integrating asparagus into their line, because  of its reported significance to a healthy diet.  Asparagus has a very  short harvest season, therefore, Bodek went the extra mile (or acre, if  you prefer) to assign special mashgichim to supervise the  shorter stages of growth.  Their fresh array of lettuce, salad mix, cole  slaw, green cabbage, and red cabbage have passed several scrupulous  supervisory inspections from original soil analysis to the  specifications of packaging. 

Bodek's charter has never improvised to address marketing issues.  For Bodek, the primary focus has always remained on halachic status; it has never been a commercial endeavor, but a spiritual  endeavor, evident at every stage of the production.  Therefore, the most  profound impact  Bodek makes is not in the production process, but in  the halachic process which ultimately certifies our standards in both worlds - Olam Haba and Olam Hazeh.