Understanding Apeel and Why You Might Wash It Off
Apeel is an edible, plant-based coating applied to fresh produce to extend its shelf life by slowing down the natural spoilage process. Made from mono- and diglycerides—purified lipids (fats) also found in everyday plant-based foods—it creates an extra barrier to keep moisture in and oxygen out. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers Apeel "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS), many consumers prefer to remove it for a variety of reasons, including a desire for less-processed food or for peace of mind. While Apeel Sciences states the coating is edible, they also confirm it can be removed with warm water and a gentle scrub, giving consumers a choice in their food preparation.
The Need for a Thorough Wash
The lipid-based nature of Apeel means it is not easily removed with a simple cold water rinse. Thorough scrubbing is required to break down this protective barrier. Using a warm water solution, especially one enhanced with a cleaning agent like baking soda, helps to loosen the lipid-based coating from the produce surface. This ensures a more complete removal, alongside any lingering dirt or handling residues. The process is especially important for produce with firm or textured skins, as soft-skinned fruits are more delicate and require a gentler approach.
Effective Methods for Washing Produce Coated with Apeel
There are several reliable methods for washing Apeel-coated produce, each with its own benefits and best uses. The most effective options go beyond plain water to physically scrub and chemically assist in breaking down the edible barrier.
The Baking Soda Soak and Scrub
For hard-skinned produce like apples, avocados, and citrus fruits, the baking soda method is highly recommended due to its documented effectiveness against residues.
- Fill a large bowl with warm water.
- Mix in 1 teaspoon of baking soda for every 2 cups of water.
- Submerge the produce and let it soak for 5 to 15 minutes. This helps the solution penetrate and loosen the coating.
- Using a dedicated produce brush or your hands, scrub the surface of the produce gently but firmly to remove the film.
- Rinse thoroughly under clean, running warm water to wash away all the baking soda and loosened coating.
The Vinegar Solution Method
Another popular household remedy is a vinegar-based wash. The acetic acid in vinegar helps to dissolve waxy coatings and kill bacteria.
- Create a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water in a bowl or spray bottle.
- Spray hard-skinned produce or soak softer produce for a minute or two.
- Gently rub or use a produce brush to dislodge the coating.
- Rinse completely with clean, running water. Avoid prolonged soaking, as some delicate produce may absorb the vinegar flavor.
Warm Water and Vigorous Scrubbing
For those who prefer not to use a baking soda or vinegar solution, Apeel confirms that warm water and scrubbing can work, especially for produce where the peel is not eaten.
- Run the produce under warm water.
- Using a clean produce brush or your hands, scrub the surface thoroughly for 30-60 seconds.
- Dry the produce completely with a clean cloth or paper towel.
How to Remove Apeel from Different Produce Types
Different fruits and vegetables have different skin textures, which require a slight adjustment to the washing method for optimal results.
Hard-Skinned Produce
- Examples: Apples, avocados, lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits.
- Method: The baking soda soak and scrub method is ideal. For items with thicker peels like avocados and citrus, simply peel the fruit after washing, as the coating is designed for the exterior.
Soft-Skinned Produce
- Examples: Berries, tomatoes, grapes.
- Method: Avoid abrasive brushes. Use the vinegar or baking soda soak, but soak for only a couple of minutes and swirl gently with your hands. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry carefully.
Comparison of Apeel Washing Methods
| Method | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baking Soda Soak | Hard-skinned produce | Scientifically proven to reduce surface residues; effective on Apeel | Requires soaking time; thorough rinsing needed to avoid powdery residue. |
| Vinegar Solution | Hard and soft-skinned produce | Disinfecting properties; good for dissolving wax | Can impart a vinegar taste if not rinsed properly; less effective on lipids than baking soda. |
| Warm Water & Scrub | Produce with inedible peels | Simple, no additives required; removes surface dirt | Less effective at removing the lipid-based coating entirely; requires a good scrub. |
| Peeling | Produce with inedible peels | Most effective for complete removal of coating and pesticides | Removes valuable nutrients often found in the skin. |
Conclusion
While Apeel is widely approved for consumption and is designed to be eaten with the produce, consumers have effective options for removing it if they choose. For the most thorough cleaning, particularly on hard-skinned items like apples and lemons, a warm water and baking soda soak followed by a good scrub with a produce brush is the best method. For more delicate produce, a gentle vinegar soak and rinse works well. Peeling is always an option for produce where the skin is not intended for consumption, such as avocados. Regardless of the method you choose, a final rinse under clean running water and drying with a clean towel ensures your fruits and vegetables are ready to eat.
An authoritative outbound link for further reading on produce washing: https://www.humnutrition.com/blog/apeel-to-peel-or-not-to-peel/
