How to Get Wax Off Organic Apples Using Natural Methods

Did you know that even organic apples are coated with a food-grade wax after harvest? This is to replace the fruit's natural wax layer that is washed off during the cleaning process. Luckily, removing this post-harvest coating is simple with just a few natural ingredients and a little elbow grease.

Quick Summary

Discover easy and effective natural methods for safely removing the protective wax coating from organic apples before consumption. Utilize common kitchen staples like baking soda, vinegar, and hot water to ensure your fruit is thoroughly cleaned and pristine for eating.

Key Points

• Organic apples are waxed: Even organic fruit is coated with a natural, food-grade wax to replace its own protective wax removed during washing.

• Baking soda is highly effective: A soak in a baking soda and water solution is proven to effectively remove both wax and surface-level pesticide residue.

• Hot water works quickly: A brief dip in hot water followed by a vigorous scrub with a clean towel quickly melts and buffs away the wax coating.

• Avoid chemical cleansers: Experts recommend against using soap, detergent, or commercial produce washes, as fruits can absorb these chemicals.

• Peeling removes wax but sacrifices nutrients: While peeling is a surefire way to remove wax, it also discards valuable fiber and nutrients found in the apple's skin.

• Dry apples thoroughly after washing: For both eating and storage, ensure apples are completely dry after washing to prevent spoilage.

Why Are Organic Apples Waxed?

Many people assume that because a fruit is organic, it is free of all coatings and chemicals. While organic apples are grown using different standards than conventional ones, they still need protection from moisture loss after being picked. Apples produce their own natural wax called 'bloom,' which is removed when they are washed to clean away dirt, leaves, and debris. To compensate for this, a food-grade, organic-compliant wax is applied. This new coating helps retain moisture, prevents shriveling, and protects the fruit from mold and bacteria. Organic waxes are typically derived from natural sources like carnauba wax, beeswax, or shellac.

The Importance of Cleaning Waxed Apples

Even though the wax is edible, many prefer to remove it. A shiny apple isn't always a good indicator of freshness, and the coating can trap dirt or bacteria on the surface. Additionally, if you plan to make caramel apples or bake with them, a wax-free surface allows glazes and coatings to adhere properly. The following methods are chemical-free and use readily available ingredients.

Natural Methods to Remove Wax from Organic Apples

There are several effective ways to remove the wax from organic apples at home. These methods rely on mild abrasives or the solvent properties of heat and mild acids.

Baking Soda Wash

This method is highly effective and scientifically backed to remove surface pesticides, in addition to wax.

1. Fill a large bowl with water (e.g., 2 cups) and add 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
2. Stir until the baking soda is dissolved.
3. Submerge your apples in the solution and let them soak for 12 to 15 minutes.
4. After soaking, use a soft vegetable brush or a clean cloth to gently scrub the surface of each apple.
5. Rinse the apples thoroughly under cold running water to remove any residue.
6. Pat dry with a clean towel.

Hot Water and Scrub Method

This is a quick and straightforward method that uses heat to melt and dislodge the waxy coating.

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
2. Carefully dip each apple into the boiling water for no more than 10 seconds. Leaving them in for too long can start to cook the fruit.
3. Remove the apples and immediately rub them with a clean, rough kitchen towel. You will see the wax visibly coming off as the apple’s surface becomes duller.
4. Rinse again under cool water and dry completely.

Vinegar and Lemon Soak

Acidic ingredients like vinegar and lemon juice can help break down the wax.

1. Fill a bowl or your clean sink with water. Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar (white or apple cider) and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice per gallon of water.
2. Let the apples soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Use a vegetable brush to scrub the apple's surface.
4. Rinse the apples thoroughly under running water to remove the vinegar smell and residue.
5. Dry and enjoy.

Comparison of Wax Removal Methods

Feature	Baking Soda Wash	Hot Water & Scrub	Vinegar & Lemon Soak
Effectiveness	Highly effective, removes wax and surface pesticides.	Very effective for surface wax removal.	Effective for wax and bacteria removal.
Time Required	Approx. 15 minutes soaking time.	Very quick, only seconds needed per apple.	Approx. 5-10 minutes soaking time.
Recommended For	Thorough cleaning, best for apples that will be eaten raw or by children.	Quick cleaning, ideal for batches of caramel apples.	All-purpose wash, good for removing surface bacteria.
Pros	Proven to remove pesticides; uses common, inexpensive ingredients; non-toxic.	Fast; requires minimal supplies; visibly removes wax.	Inexpensive; antibacterial properties; also useful for other produce.
Cons	Slower due to soaking time; can be less effective on very stubborn wax.	Can slightly change fruit texture if left too long; less thorough for underlying residues.	Can leave a slight aftertaste if not rinsed thoroughly; may not be as effective as baking soda on pesticides.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if there is wax on my apple?

You can tell if an apple has been waxed by scraping the skin gently with a paring knife. A thin, white, flaky residue will scrape off if wax is present. Alternatively, you can run an apple under very hot water and the wax will visibly melt and turn white.

Is the wax on organic apples harmful to eat?

No, the food-grade wax used on organic apples is not considered harmful. It is derived from natural sources like carnauba wax or beeswax and is certified as safe for human consumption by regulatory bodies.

Can I use soap to wash my apples?

No, the FDA and other food safety experts advise against using soap, detergent, or commercial produce washes. These products can be absorbed by porous fruits like apples, leaving a residue that can make you sick. Stick to natural and food-safe options.

Why does scrubbing with a cloth or brush work so well?

The friction from the scrubbing action, combined with the cleaning solution, helps to physically dislodge and break up the waxy layer. A soft vegetable brush or a clean, coarse kitchen towel works best to remove the coating without damaging the fruit's skin.

Does peeling the apple remove all the wax?

Yes, peeling the apple will remove the wax completely. However, the skin contains a significant amount of nutrients and fiber, so removing it means you lose out on those health benefits.

What if I don't have baking soda or vinegar?

If you have neither, the hot water and scrub method is a great alternative. For a single apple, you can also use a paring knife to gently scrape the wax off the surface.

Can I wash a whole batch of apples at once?

Yes, you can wash a batch of apples at once using the baking soda or vinegar soak methods. Use a large bowl or fill your clean sink, add the solution, and submerge all the apples. Ensure there is enough room for them to move around for even cleaning, and finish with a thorough scrub and rinse.

Conclusion

Whether you opt for the scientifically-proven baking soda soak, the quick hot water trick, or the antibacterial vinegar rinse, removing the wax from organic apples is a simple process that gives you greater control over what you consume. While the wax itself is safe, cleaning your apples properly ensures a pristine, pesticide-free surface for a crisp, natural taste. With these easy, natural techniques, you can enjoy your organic apples with complete confidence.

USApple - Apples and Wax Backgrounder

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use plain water to wash off the wax?

While rinsing with plain water is a good practice, it is not very effective at removing the sticky wax coating or any pesticide residues trapped underneath. For best results, use one of the natural cleaning methods, like a baking soda or vinegar soak, which are much more effective.

Is scrubbing with a vegetable brush necessary?

Yes, scrubbing with a soft vegetable brush or a clean, coarse kitchen towel is highly recommended. The mild abrasion helps to loosen and remove the wax and embedded dirt, especially during soaking methods. It significantly increases the effectiveness of the wash.

Will washing the apples with hot water cook the fruit?

A quick dip of 5 to 10 seconds in boiling water will not cook the apple and is a very effective way to melt the wax. However, leaving the apple in for a longer period could soften its texture and dull its color.

What is the wax on organic apples made of?

The wax on organic apples is made of natural, food-grade ingredients such as carnauba wax (from palm leaves), beeswax, or shellac (from lac bugs). These are safe for consumption.

Can I use a store-bought fruit and vegetable wash?

The FDA advises against using commercial produce washes because the safety and effectiveness of their residues have not been fully determined, and they may be absorbed by the porous skin of fruits and vegetables, potentially making you sick. Natural, DIY washes are safer and effective.

How long do I need to soak the apples in the cleaning solution?

For the baking soda method, a soak of 12 to 15 minutes is recommended to effectively break down and remove the wax and pesticides. For the vinegar and lemon soak, 5 to 10 minutes is sufficient.

Why is there more wax on some apples than others?

The amount of added wax can vary depending on the producer and the variety of apple. Factors such as storage time and handling can also influence how much wax is applied to maintain the fruit's quality and shelf life before reaching the store.