Apples, like many other fruits, naturally produce their own waxy coating, often called "bloom," to protect themselves from moisture loss and microbial invasion. After harvesting, these apples are washed and brushed to remove dirt, debris, and, unintentionally, their natural protective layer. To compensate for this loss and ensure the fruit stays fresh and appealing on store shelves, food producers apply a very thin, food-grade wax coating. While many consumers are concerned about the materials used, it's important to know that food-grade shellac is one of several approved coatings.
Why are apples waxed?
The practice of waxing apples is not a new or deceptive trick but a standard procedure in the post-harvest process with several benefits.
- Moisture retention: The primary reason for waxing is to replace the apple's natural moisture barrier that is removed during cleaning. This prevents the fruit from shriveling and becoming soft.
- Enhanced appearance: A uniform, glossy finish makes apples look more appealing to consumers, which is a major factor in retail sales.
- Physical protection: The thin wax layer protects the fruit from bruising and scuffing during transit and handling.
- Protection against pathogens: It acts as an additional shield against mold and bacteria, extending the fruit's shelf life.
Natural vs. Commercial Coatings
It is common for shoppers to assume that a shiny apple is a waxed apple, but even some untreated, freshly picked apples can have a natural gloss. However, the brilliant, uniform shine of supermarket apples almost always indicates a commercial coating.
Natural Apple Wax (Bloom)
- Produced by the apple itself during growth.
- Appears as a thin, often whitish, haze or film.
- Composed of esters, triterpenoids, and fatty acids.
- Is removed during the washing process after harvest.
Commercial Food-Grade Waxes
- Applied by processors to replace the natural wax.
- Includes shellac, carnauba wax, and beeswax.
- Creates a uniform, high-gloss sheen.
- Is approved by food safety agencies like the FDA.
The Role of Shellac
Shellac is one of the most common coatings used in the apple industry due to its superior shine and protective properties. This food-grade shellac is sourced from the resinous secretions of the female lac bug, which is harvested from trees and purified. The resulting product, often called confectioner's glaze, is a versatile and safe food additive. Concerns over whether this process is vegan are valid, as shellac is an animal-derived product. However, it's crucial to distinguish this food-grade resin from the industrial wood varnish also known as shellac.
Comparison Table: Common Apple Coatings
| Feature | Shellac (Lac Resin) | Carnauba Wax | Beeswax | Petroleum-Based Waxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Secretions of the lac bug | Leaves of the Brazilian palm tree | Honeybees | Refined petroleum |
| Vegan-Friendly | No (animal byproduct) | Yes (plant-based) | No (animal byproduct) | Yes (synthetic) |
| Finish | High gloss | High gloss | Matte or waxy | Variable |
| Common Use | Apples, citrus, candy | Apples, stone fruits, candy | Organic produce, candies | Apples, melons, cucumbers |
| Food-Grade Status | FDA approved (GRAS) | FDA approved (GRAS) | FDA approved | FDA approved |
How to Tell if an Apple is Waxed
For consumers who wish to avoid additional coatings, there are a few simple ways to identify waxed produce:
- The Look: If an apple has an unnaturally high, uniform shine, it's likely waxed. Natural wax, or bloom, often looks more muted or powdery.
- The Feel: Rub your fingernail firmly against the skin. If you can scrape off a white, filmy residue, it's likely a commercial wax coating.
- The Test: Pouring warm water over a waxed apple can reveal the coating, as the wax will sometimes turn white as it reacts with the heat.
- Labels: Look for labels or signs indicating "unwaxed" fruit, which is sometimes available at farmers' markets or specialty stores.
Washing and Removal
While food-grade waxes are considered safe, washing produce is always recommended to remove surface dirt, bacteria, and any residual pesticides. A simple rinse under cold water is effective for general cleaning, but for those wishing to remove wax, a bit more effort is required.
To remove commercial wax coatings:
- Rub with a brush: Use a clean vegetable brush under lukewarm running water and scrub the apple's surface gently.
- Use a baking soda solution: Soak apples in a mixture of baking soda and water for several minutes, then rub and rinse.
- Use vinegar and water: A diluted vinegar and water solution can also help remove wax. Soak and scrub as with baking soda.
Conclusion
So, are apples coated in shellac? The answer is yes, sometimes, but it is food-grade and considered safe for consumption. This practice is part of a broader system of post-harvest processing designed to extend shelf life and maintain produce quality. While food safety agencies have approved these coatings, consumers have every right to make informed choices about what they eat. Whether you choose to wash, peel, or seek out unwaxed options, understanding the purpose and nature of apple coatings allows for a more knowledgeable shopping experience.
For additional information and reliable sources on food-grade coatings, refer to the US Department of Agriculture's guidelines on produce handling practices.
- Heading: Yes, some apples are coated in shellac, but it is a food-grade version.
- Heading: The food-grade shellac used on apples is derived from the resinous secretions of the lac bug, not from the same source as industrial varnish.
- Heading: Apple waxing primarily extends shelf life by preventing moisture loss, replacing the natural wax that is removed during cleaning.
- Heading: Other edible coatings used on produce include carnauba wax, beeswax, and petroleum-based waxes, all approved by regulatory bodies.
- Heading: Food-grade wax is considered safe for consumption, but washing or scrubbing apples can remove the coating if desired.
- Heading: Consumers can look for labels, test for a waxy residue, or shop at farmers' markets for unwaxed produce options.
FAQs
Is the shellac on apples the same as wood varnish? No, the shellac used on apples is food-grade and highly purified, specifically for safe consumption. Industrial-grade shellac contains different solvents and is not safe to eat.
Is eating waxed apples bad for you? No, eating waxed apples is not harmful. The food-grade wax is indigestible and passes through the body without being absorbed. Regulatory bodies like the FDA classify it as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).
Can you wash the shellac coating off an apple? Yes, you can wash off most of the commercial wax coating. Using a vegetable brush under lukewarm running water is effective, or you can use a solution of water and baking soda or vinegar.
Are organic apples coated in wax? Some organic apples are coated in wax. Organic-certified produce can only be coated with naturally derived waxes like carnauba wax or beeswax, but not synthetic ones. It is best to check with your grocer if you want to avoid all coatings.
Why do producers use shellac instead of other waxes? Shellac provides a particularly high-gloss, aesthetically pleasing shine that many consumers prefer. It also offers excellent moisture retention and protection against mold.
Why are some apples dull and others shiny? Apples are shiny due to either their natural wax, which can be polished, or a commercial wax coating applied after cleaning. Dull apples may have lost their natural wax and have not been re-coated, or are an unwaxed variety.
Is shellac vegan? No, shellac is not vegan. It is a resinous secretion produced by the female lac bug. Vegans who wish to avoid all animal byproducts should opt for unwaxed apples or those coated with plant-based waxes like carnauba.
