Tag: Unwaxed fruit

A 2024 news story highlighted that some major supermarket citrus fruits were not vegan due to non-plant-based coatings, causing concern within the vegan community. While all citrus fruits are inherently plant-based, their journey from the farm to the store shelf can sometimes involve the application of animal-derived products. For this reason, it is crucial for vegans to be aware of how their produce is treated.

Approximately 70% of produce receives an edible wax coating after harvesting. This common commercial practice, especially for fruits like apples, citrus, and cucumbers, is used to replace the fruit's natural protective layer removed during washing and to give it a fresh, shiny appearance.

In 2024, a pub chain caused a media stir by posting a notice that its fruit garnishes, including lemons, could not be guaranteed as vegan. This highlights a crucial point: while lemons are naturally vegan, what happens to them post-harvest can determine their true vegan status.

While the juicy lemon fruit itself grows on a tree and is naturally vegan, a surprising number of commercially available lemons are coated in non-vegan waxes like beeswax or shellac to extend their shelf life. This fact often comes as a shock to those following a plant-based diet, highlighting the importance of knowing what happens to produce after it's harvested.