Understanding Apeel: Nature's Extra Peel
Apeel is an edible, plant-derived coating designed to extend the shelf life of fresh produce. Developed by Apeel Sciences, the technology works by creating a thin, tasteless, and odorless barrier on the surface of fruits and vegetables. This microscopic layer helps reduce two primary culprits of spoilage: water loss and oxidation. By slowing these natural processes, Apeel allows produce to stay fresh for longer, reducing food waste for growers, retailers, and consumers. The coating is made from lipids and glycerolipids extracted from the peels, seeds, and pulp of plants that are already commonly eaten.
There are two primary formulations: Edipeel for conventionally grown produce and Organipeel for organic produce. While Organipeel included citric acid and baking soda, Apeel has since focused on newer formulations for organic growers and has discontinued the commercial use of Organipeel in its previous form. A crucial aspect of Apeel is its plant-based origin, which offers a sustainable alternative to older, less effective methods like petroleum-based waxes.
A List of Produce Coated in Apeel
Apeel is applied to a wide variety of produce, though availability can depend on the retailer, region, and supply chain partnerships. Below are some of the most commonly coated items:
- Avocados: One of the most common and widely publicized applications for Apeel, as the coating can extend the peak ripeness window by several days, giving consumers more time to enjoy them.
- Citrus Fruits: This category includes lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits, and mandarins. The coating helps these fruits retain moisture and flavor, preventing them from drying out.
- Apples: Apeel is used on various conventional and organic apple varieties, such as Gala, Fuji, and Honeycrisp, to maintain crispness and color.
- Cucumbers: Often applied to English cucumbers, the Apeel coating can help them retain moisture and is sometimes marketed as a way to reduce or eliminate the need for plastic packaging.
- Mangoes: This is another tropical fruit commonly protected by Apeel to extend its quality and shelf life.
- Asparagus: Used in some North American markets to keep the stalks fresh and crisp for longer.
Other produce that Apeel has been known to be applied to less frequently, depending on the supplier and market, includes strawberries, pineapples, bananas, papayas, and pomegranates.
Navigating the Grocery Store: Identifying Apeel-Coated Produce
Knowing how to identify Apeel-coated produce can be important for some consumers. While Apeel aims for transparency and often uses labels or stickers, it is not always immediately obvious.
- Retailer Information: Some major retailers explicitly carry or disclose their use of Apeel. Kroger and Costco are known partners, while some chains like Trader Joe's and Natural Grocers have policies against selling Apeel-coated items.
- In-Store Labeling: For packaged produce, regulations often require stating that a coating has been applied. For bulk items, this information should be available via signage. Look for the Apeel logo, though some produce may have a more generic label like “coated with vegetable wax”.
- Washing: Apeel is edible, but it can also be washed off with warm water and a gentle scrub for those who prefer to remove it.
Comparison: Apeel vs. Traditional Coatings
| Feature | Apeel | Traditional Waxes |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Plant-based lipids and monoglycerides | Shellac, carnauba, beeswax, or petroleum-based paraffins |
| Function | Actively slows water loss and oxidation, extending shelf life | Primarily for cosmetic appeal, adding shine |
| Source | Responsibly sourced, plant-derived materials | Can be animal-based or petroleum-derived |
| Sustainability | Biodegradable, reduces plastic packaging and food waste | Less effective at preventing spoilage, may contain non-renewable ingredients |
| Approval | Deemed "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS) by the FDA | Widely used, but with different compositions and levels of effectiveness |
Apeel and its Impact on Sustainability
Apeel's mission is deeply rooted in sustainability by tackling the global problem of food waste. By extending the freshness window, the technology provides significant environmental benefits:
- Reduced Food Waste: Less spoilage means more edible food, which reduces the amount of organic waste ending up in landfills and producing methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
- Resource Conservation: Extending shelf life means less need for excessive refrigeration and other energy-intensive preservation methods throughout the supply chain.
- Decreased Emissions: Apeel has reported avoiding thousands of metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by preventing waste.
- Biodegradable Nature: As the coating is plant-based, it naturally biodegrades, aligning with circular economy practices.
Addressing Common Concerns About Apeel
Misinformation about Apeel has circulated online, but facts from regulatory bodies and the company clarify its safety and purpose. A key incident involved a cleaning product with a similar name, leading to false rumors that the food coating was harmful. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified the ingredients used in Apeel as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS), and the coating is edible. The company also ensures its ingredients are non-GMO and responsibly sourced. While some remain cautious, Apeel's process and safety profile are transparently documented.
Conclusion
Apeel is an innovative food technology that applies a safe, plant-based edible coating to various produce items to significantly extend their shelf life and reduce food waste. While its presence is most commonly found on avocados, citrus fruits, and apples, the exact selection can vary by store and region. Consumers can identify Apeel-coated produce through in-store labeling or retailer policies and can wash the edible coating off if they choose. Ultimately, Apeel represents a significant step forward in building a more sustainable and resilient food system for all. For further reading, check out Apeel's official website.
