Understanding Why Apples are Waxed
Apples, like many other fruits and vegetables, naturally produce a waxy coating known as "bloom". This protective layer serves to retain moisture, prevent shriveling, and protect the fruit from mold and bacteria. However, after harvest, apples are cleaned to remove dirt and debris, which also strips away this natural layer.
To compensate for this lost protection and ensure the fruit arrives at your grocery store in peak condition, packers apply a very thin layer of food-grade wax. This process is crucial for maintaining the apple's crispness, firmness, and overall quality, especially for produce that travels long distances. Without this added coating, apples would lose moisture much faster and spoil prematurely.
The Safety and Regulation of Apple Wax
Rest assured, the wax used on commercially sold apples is not only edible but also heavily regulated by food safety authorities like the FDA. These agencies have performed extensive reviews to ensure the components are safe for human consumption and do not pose any health risks. The amount of wax applied to each apple is minuscule—just one or two drops can coat an entire piece of fruit. Since the human body cannot digest the wax, it passes through the digestive system unchanged, similar to dietary fiber.
What are the Types of Edible Wax?
Several types of food-grade waxes are used on apples, sourced from both plant and insect origins.
- Carnauba Wax: Sourced from the leaves of the carnauba palm tree in Brazil, this plant-based wax is highly valued for its glossy finish. It is also used in many candies and confectionery items.
- Shellac: This wax comes from the secretion of the female lac bug, which is found on trees in Asia. The final shellac product is processed to separate it from the bugs, but some vegans may choose to avoid it.
- Beeswax: A natural product from honeybees, beeswax is another common coating used in the food industry.
- Paraffin Wax: A petroleum-based wax, food-grade paraffin is highly refined and approved for specific food applications like coating fruits and candies.
How to Properly Wash Waxed Apples
While the wax itself is harmless, it's still a good practice to wash all produce to remove any surface dirt, bacteria, or residual pesticides. Here are some effective methods for cleaning apples:
- The Warm Water Scrub: Gently rub the apple under lukewarm running water while scrubbing with a soft vegetable brush or a clean cloth. Avoid using hot water, as it can soften the apple and make the wax even stickier.
- The Baking Soda Soak: Soak apples for 15 minutes in a solution of water and baking soda (1 teaspoon per gallon). This has been shown to help remove surface pesticide residues as well. Afterwards, rinse the apples thoroughly under running water and dry with a clean towel.
- The Vinegar Solution: A vinegar bath is also effective. Soak apples in a mixture of water and a couple of tablespoons of distilled white vinegar for a few minutes, then rinse and dry.
Should You Peel the Apple?
Many of the apple's nutrients, including fiber and potent antioxidants, are concentrated in the skin. Peeling the apple removes the wax but also discards these beneficial compounds. Since the wax is safe to consume, there is no nutritional reason to peel your apple.
Wax vs. 'Organic' Apples
Even organic apples may have a wax coating. The key difference is that the wax used on organic produce must be derived from natural sources, such as carnauba wax, beeswax, or wood resin, according to the USDA. Non-organic apples can also use synthetic options like food-grade paraffin.
Other Produce with Edible Coatings
Apples are not alone. Many other fruits and vegetables are coated with edible wax to maintain freshness and appearance. These include:
- Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons)
- Cucumbers
- Sweet potatoes
- Melons
- Bell peppers
Conclusion
In conclusion, the shiny wax on your apple is a perfectly safe and beneficial coating that helps preserve the fruit's quality and extend its shelf life. It is food-grade, regulated, and passes harmlessly through the body. While washing is recommended for general hygiene, peeling is unnecessary and sacrifices a significant portion of the apple's nutritional value. So, wash your apple with confidence and enjoy every crisp, nutritious bite.
Northwest Horticultural Council – Fruit Coatings
| Feature | Natural Apple Wax (Bloom) | Commercial Food-Grade Wax |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Produced by the apple's epidermis during growth. | Applied by packers after harvest. |
| Purpose | Protects the fruit from moisture loss and microbes in the orchard. | Restores the protective barrier after washing; prevents moisture loss during storage and shipping. |
| Appearance | Often appears as a slightly dull, cloudy film on the apple's surface. | Creates a shiny, polished finish for visual appeal. |
| Composition | Complex mixture of esters, triterpenoids, and other fatty compounds. | Uses regulated substances like carnauba wax, shellac, beeswax, or paraffin. |
| Edibility | Naturally edible and harmless. | Approved as safe to eat and passes through the digestive system. |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question: Is the shiny coating on my apple a chemical?
- Answer: No, the shiny coating is a thin layer of food-grade wax, which is a regulated and safe substance. It is not a harmful chemical and is applied to protect the fruit's quality.
- Question: Can I get sick from eating the wax on an apple?
- Answer: No, the food-grade wax is indigestible and passes harmlessly through your body without being absorbed, so it will not make you sick.
- Question: What should I use to wash the wax off my apples?
- Answer: You can use a gentle scrub with a vegetable brush under lukewarm water, or soak the apples in a mixture of water and baking soda or vinegar. Do not use dish soap.
- Question: Do organic apples also have wax on them?
- Answer: Yes, organic apples can have a wax coating, but it must be from natural sources like carnauba wax or beeswax, as per organic food standards.
- Question: Why does some apple wax turn white?
- Answer: Sometimes, a shellac-based wax can appear white under certain temperature and humidity conditions due to a change in the coating's structure, but it remains safe to eat.
- Question: Does eating the wax-coated skin of an apple have any benefits?
- Answer: The skin contains significant nutrients and fiber that would be lost if you peeled it off. Since the wax is harmless, eating the skin is nutritionally beneficial.
- Question: Is wax applied to other fruits and vegetables?
- Answer: Yes, many other types of produce are coated with edible wax, including cucumbers, bell peppers, oranges, and lemons, to extend their shelf life and prevent moisture loss.
Citations
[ { "title": "Are waxy fruits safe to eat? - Go Ask Alice! - Columbia University", "url": "https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/are-waxy-fruits-safe-eat" }, { "title": "Apples and Wax Backgrounder - USApple", "url": "https://usapple.org/news-resources/apples-and-wax-backgrounder" }, { "title": "Wax on Apples | Apple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL)", "url": "https://apal.org.au/consumer/consumer-faq/wax-on-apples/" } ] }
