Can You Get Wax Off Oranges? Your Guide to Cleaning Citrus

Most commercial oranges are coated with an edible food-grade wax to retain moisture and enhance their appearance, but many home cooks prefer to remove it, especially when zesting. Yes, you can get wax off oranges using simple kitchen techniques and ingredients to ensure a clean, zest-ready peel.

Quick Summary

Learn how to safely and effectively remove the food-grade wax coating from store-bought oranges. Explore simple DIY methods using hot water, baking soda, and vinegar, with a side-by-side comparison of techniques.

Key Points

• Hot Water: A quick, effective method for melting and scrubbing away surface wax from oranges.

• Baking Soda: A baking soda soak creates an alkaline environment that helps break down wax and pesticide residue.

• Vinegar Spray: A vinegar and water solution is a simple, acidic spray that aids in loosening wax and cleaning the peel.

• Faster Spoilage: Once the protective wax is removed, the orange's shelf life is reduced, so store in the fridge and use promptly.

• Rinse Thoroughly: Always rinse thoroughly with fresh, cool water after using any cleaning solution to remove all residue.

• Check for Wax: Look for a very shiny, almost polished surface, or a slightly sticky feel, to identify waxed oranges.

• Food-Grade Wax: The wax on commercially sold oranges is an FDA-approved, food-grade coating considered safe for consumption.

Understanding Why Oranges Are Waxed

Many consumers are surprised to learn that their shiny grocery store oranges are coated in a layer of wax. This is not a malicious act by the produce industry, but a standard practice with practical reasons. The first layer of defense, an orange's natural wax coating, is washed off during the cleaning process after harvesting. A food-grade wax is then applied to replace it, serving several critical functions:

• Moisture Retention: It prevents the fruit from drying out and shriveling, keeping it plump and juicy for longer.
• Shelf Life Extension: The coating helps preserve the fruit for longer, especially as it travels from farm to store, and then to your home.
• Improved Appearance: Wax provides that appealing, shiny finish that consumers often associate with freshness and quality.

It is important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the use of these coatings, ensuring that they are safe for human consumption. Common food-grade waxes include carnauba wax, shellac, and petroleum-derived paraffin wax. While generally safe to eat, many people choose to remove the wax for peace of mind, especially when using the zest in cooking or cocktails.

Safe & Effective DIY Wax Removal Methods

Removing wax from oranges is a straightforward process that requires common household items. Here are three reliable methods to choose from.

The Hot Water Method

This is one of the simplest techniques, as heat is very effective at melting the waxy coating.

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then remove it from the heat.
2. Carefully place the oranges in a bowl and pour the hot water over them, ensuring they are fully submerged.
3. Let the oranges soak for about 3-5 minutes. You may see the wax begin to melt and float to the surface.
4. Remove the oranges with tongs and place them on a clean towel.
5. Using a vegetable brush or the towel, gently scrub the surface of each orange to remove the melted wax and residue.
6. Rinse thoroughly under cool running water and dry completely.

The Baking Soda Soak

For a slightly more powerful cleaning action, a baking soda solution is highly effective. Baking soda creates an alkaline environment that helps break down residues.

1. Fill a large bowl or your sink with warm water.
2. Add a tablespoon or two of baking soda and stir until dissolved.
3. Submerge your oranges in the solution and let them soak for 5-10 minutes.
4. Using a clean cloth or vegetable brush, scrub the surface of the oranges to remove the wax and any dirt.
5. Rinse the fruit completely under running water to wash away the baking soda residue.

The Vinegar and Water Spray

This method is quick and ideal for surface cleaning and removing minor wax buildup. The acidity of the vinegar helps to clean the peel effectively.

1. Mix a solution of one part distilled white vinegar to three parts water in a spray bottle.
2. Lay the oranges in a colander in the sink and spray liberally with the solution.
3. Let the oranges sit for 2-5 minutes.
4. Scrub with a vegetable brush and rinse thoroughly with cool water.

A Comparison of Orange Wax Removal Methods

Method	Effectiveness	Ease	Ingredients Needed	Best For	Disclaimer
Hot Water	High	Very Easy	Hot Water, Towel/Brush	Melting stubborn wax, quick removal	Use caution with boiling water. May reduce shelf life.
Baking Soda Soak	Very High	Easy	Warm Water, Baking Soda, Bowl/Brush	Deep cleaning, breaking down pesticide residue	Requires a 5-10 minute soak time. Can leave a minor residue if not rinsed well.
Vinegar Spray	Medium	Quick & Easy	Vinegar, Water, Spray Bottle	Light cleaning, everyday wash, quicker process	Some people dislike the vinegar smell, but it rinses off easily.

Important Tips for Post-Cleaning Care

• Dry Thoroughly: Always pat your oranges completely dry after washing. Excess moisture can encourage mold growth.
• Refrigerate and Use Soon: Removing the wax eliminates the moisture barrier that extends shelf life. Store your unwaxed oranges in the refrigerator and plan to use them within a few days to a week.
• Enjoy Better Zest: The primary benefit of removing wax is getting a clean, fresh peel. This is especially important for recipes that call for orange zest, as you will avoid adding any waxy taste or texture.
• Cleanliness Matters: No matter which method you use, ensure your hands, tools, and work surfaces are clean to prevent contamination.

Conclusion

It is certainly possible to get wax off oranges, and the process is both simple and safe using readily available kitchen supplies. While commercial wax coatings are deemed safe by regulatory bodies like the FDA, taking a few minutes to clean your citrus can provide a better zesting experience and greater peace of mind for you and your family. By choosing a method that fits your needs, whether it's a quick hot water bath or a deeper cleaning with baking soda, you can easily prepare your oranges for whatever culinary adventure awaits.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration provides regulatory guidance on the safety of food coatings used on produce, ensuring all approved additives are safe for consumption.

How to Tell If an Orange is Waxed

To know if your orange is waxed, look for a very shiny, almost unnaturally polished surface. The orange might also feel slightly sticky or greasy to the touch. This is in contrast to an unwaxed orange, which will have a more natural, matte finish. You can also test by gently scraping the surface with your fingernail; if a white, cloudy residue comes off, it's likely wax.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the wax on oranges dangerous to eat?

No, the wax on oranges is an FDA-approved, food-grade coating that is considered safe for consumption. It is not harmful, but many people prefer to remove it, especially when using the zest.

Why do grocery stores put wax on oranges?

Commercial wax is applied to replace the fruit's natural wax that was washed off during processing. It helps prevent moisture loss, slow spoilage, and improves the fruit's visual appeal.

Does boiling water remove the wax?

Yes, pouring hot or boiling water over oranges is a fast way to melt the wax. The wax will often float to the surface and can then be easily scrubbed off with a cloth or brush.

What is the best way to remove wax for zesting?

For zesting, a thorough scrub with a baking soda paste or a hot water soak followed by scrubbing is recommended. This ensures the peel is clean and free of wax before you use it.

Do organic oranges have wax?

Organic oranges can still have a wax coating, but it will be an organic-certified wax, often carnauba or beeswax. However, unwaxed options are more commonly available in organic produce sections.

How do I store oranges after removing the wax?

After removing the wax, store your oranges in the refrigerator and use them within a few days. Since the protective moisture barrier has been removed, their shelf life is significantly reduced.

Can I use dish soap to clean the wax off?

It is not recommended to use dish soap, detergents, or bleach to wash fresh oranges. These chemicals can be absorbed by the fruit and are not safe for consumption. Stick to food-safe ingredients like baking soda or vinegar.