Tag: Apple wax

Over 80 years ago, food researchers first discovered that applying a protective wax could prevent moisture loss in produce, and today, that shiny coating on your apple is a highly refined and regulated substance. Concerns surrounding whether apple wax is safe to eat have proliferated in recent years due to viral videos and misinformation, but food safety experts widely agree that these edible coatings pose no health risk and are not toxic.

An apple plucked straight from the tree has a natural protective coating, known as 'bloom', which can look dull or powdery. Rubbing an apple polishes this natural coating, or a food-grade wax applied after harvesting, to create a shiny, appealing surface. While a quick rub can make the fruit look cleaner, it does not truly sanitize it and proper washing is still recommended.

An apple's shiny, waxy surface is often a source of curiosity and debate on platforms like Reddit, with many questioning its origin on organic varieties. All apples naturally produce their own protective wax layer, but organic apples may also have a food-grade wax added after harvesting to replace the natural coating removed during washing. This added wax is sourced from natural substances, unlike the sometimes petroleum-based waxes used on conventional produce.

Over 90% of fruits like apples are coated with a food-grade wax after being picked to preserve freshness and enhance appearance. The key question for many consumers remains: should you clean wax off apples and how do you do it effectively and safely?

Every apple naturally produces its own protective, waxy coating, but much of the glossy sheen on store-bought apples comes from an added food-grade coating. Some of this commercial application, called shellac, surprisingly answers the question of what is the wax on apples from bugs, as it is a secretion from the female lac bug.

Apples are composed of 80 to 95 percent water, and to combat this, they naturally produce a protective waxy coating called 'bloom'. This natural layer, however, is often washed off and replaced, which is why there is a layer of wax on apples you buy from the store.

A common misconception for many consumers is that all organic apple wax is non-existent, stemming from a desire for completely unprocessed food. The truth, however, is more nuanced: while all apples naturally have a waxy coating, certified organic produce may be legally coated with non-synthetic, food-grade waxes after harvest.

No, not all supermarket apples are waxed, but the majority of conventional ones are. Apples naturally produce their own waxy coating, but this layer is stripped away during the cleaning process, necessitating a replacement layer to maintain freshness.

According to the USDA, apples with the skin on contain significantly more fiber and vitamins than peeled ones. The age-old debate over whether it's better to peel or wash apples is centered on weighing these nutritional benefits against potential food safety concerns like pesticides and bacteria.

According to the USDA, applying a wax coating to apples can reduce moisture loss by up to 30%, significantly extending the fruit's shelf life. This dual protection—a natural coating plus a commercially applied layer—is the reason why apples feel like they have wax on them, preserving their crispness and shine from the farm to your table.