Tag: Fruit coating

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 U.S. National Agricultural Library, many fresh fruits and vegetables, including pears, are washed and waxed after harvest to prevent premature rotting and extend shelf life. While pears have a natural wax coating, this layer is often removed during the cleaning process, necessitating the application of an artificial food-grade wax.

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.

According to the U.S. Apple Association, apples have been waxed commercially since the 1920s to prevent moisture loss and preserve freshness. This practice raises questions for many consumers, leading to the central question: are apples still coated in wax today?

According to the USDA's National Organic Program, organic produce can, in fact, be coated with wax, but with very strict stipulations. This surprising fact addresses the common consumer question, "is wax allowed on organic apples?" and reveals that the type of wax used is the crucial factor.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the food-grade wax coating on apples is safe for human consumption. Still, many people wonder, “Is the coating on apples bad for you?” and take extra steps to remove the waxy layer, and for good reason—there are several misconceptions about what the coating is and its potential effects on health.

According to the FDA, many food-grade waxes used on produce and confectionery are deemed safe for consumption. So, **is wax good for edibles**? This depends entirely on the type of wax, its source, and the amount consumed, as not all waxes are created equal.