Apple Wax Coating Removal: A Comprehensive Guide

Apples are a readily available and nutritious fruit, often touted for their health benefits. The saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" highlights their value as a source of dietary fiber and antioxidants, specifically flavonoids, which can help prevent chronic diseases. However, the glossy sheen on many commercially sold apples is often the result of an artificial wax coating applied to enhance their appearance and extend shelf life. While these waxes are deemed safe by regulatory bodies like the FDA, many consumers prefer to remove them before consumption. This article explores the reasons behind wax coatings, potential concerns, and various methods for their removal.

Why are Apples Waxed?

Apples naturally produce their own wax coating, which helps to seal in moisture and maintain freshness. This natural wax is often removed during the washing process that produce companies use to eliminate dirt and bacteria after the apples are picked from the farms. To compensate for this loss and further extend shelf life and improve appearance, a synthetic, food-grade wax is applied. This coating helps to seal the moisture, therefore extending the life of the fruit. Waxed apples look so new and fresh that you wouldn't know the difference between a fresh one and one that is a year old! These waxes, such as shellac or carnauba wax, provide a glossy finish that makes the apples more appealing to consumers.

Concerns Regarding Wax Coatings

While the US Food and Drug Administration permits apple growers to use a certain quantity of wax on apples, there are still reasons why some consumers choose to remove it. It is important to note that you cannot be sure of the amount that is actually used to increase its longevity. The types of wax allowed are beeswax, shellac, carnauba, and petroleum jelly, and these are referred to as edible coatings.

One concern is that the wax can mask the actual quality of the apple. Wax coating plays with the quality of apples you eat. One of the effects it has is called anaerobic respiration that can occur in the fruits since the wax can act as an oxygen barrier. Waxed apples may look glossy, shiny, and firm, but they could be soggy and tasteless instead.

Some individuals also have concerns about the digestibility and potential health effects of these synthetic waxes. According to Bangalore-based Nutritionist Dr. Anju Sood, "The natural wax present in apples is easily digestible and does no harm to the body. On the other hand, wax coating is done to preserve apples for as long as they can. The wax used may not be easily absorbed by the body and can be harmful for the colon or the small intestine." Dietitian Mehar Rajput from FITPASS in New Delhi notes, "Wax coated apples can lead to health hazards like respiratory issues, ulcers or even infections. There are times when you can feel some discomfort after eating them. It is always good to get rid of the wax before consuming it."

Read also: Effective Apple Wax Removal Methods

Methods for Removing Wax from Apples

Several methods can be employed to remove wax coatings from apples, ranging from simple rinsing to more involved scrubbing techniques.

1. Hot Water Rinse:

• Fill a large pot with water and set it on the stove.
• Turn the heat to high and let the water boil.
• Set the apples in the water for just a few seconds, turning them around with a slotted spoon to remove the wax on all sides.
• A quick dunk in boiling water won't affect the texture of your apple, though it may dull the color just a tad.
• Just rinse them quickly with hot water, and afterward with cold water. That should melt the wax and remove everything.
• Dr. Sood suggests dipping the apple in hot water for a few seconds to remove the wax. Once you take out the apple from the hot water, wash it again under running tap water.

2. Vinegar Soak:

• Fill your clean sink or a large bowl with cold water.
• Add 1-2 cups (240-470 mL) of plain white vinegar.
• Soak your apples in the mixture for 5-10 minutes.
• With clean hands, scrub the apples to help dissolve the wax on all sides.
• You can also use vinegar instead of lemon juice mixed in water. Scrub the apples and rinse with water before consuming.

3. Baking Soda Scrub:

• Fill a bowl with 2 cups (470 mL) of water and 1 teaspoon (4 g) of baking soda.
• Another method is to mix one tablespoon of lemon juice and one tablespoon of baking soda in water.
• I fill a large bowl with warm water, add a tablespoon of lemon juice and a tablespoon of baking soda to the water. You'll see the water change color from the wax and grime. Rinse them off and your apples will be nice and clean.
• Dip each apple in this mixture and scrub it using a vegetable brush. Rinse them under tap water once you are done.

4. Salt Water Soak:

• Fill a large bowl with about 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water and add 1 teaspoon (6 grams) of salt.
• Mix the salt into the water, then add your apples.
• Swirl them around to ensure they get completely coated with the salt water solution.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar Wipe:

• Apple cider vinegar is also a good option.
• Use a paper towel or clean cloth to wipe the apple with the solution.
• Wash the fruit with water later.

6. Manual Removal:

• Carefully run a knife over the skin of the apple to scrape off the wax.
• Just take a paring knife or vegetable peeler and carefully remove the skin from the apple.

7. Scrubbing:

• I have set aside a new kitchen sink Scotch-Brite scrubber for this purpose and been scrubbing the apple skin under running water before eating. I think this method should remove most of the wax and pesticides.

Microwave method

• I have seen people use their microwave. Put washed apples on paper towel and nuke for 10 seconds or more. Keep watch to see if wax is melting off. If not, maybe no wax.

Alternative: Peeling the Apple

Another method to avoid the wax is to peel the skin off and then eat the apple. However, not many recommend this as you might be losing out on all the nutrients and especially, the fiber which is packed in the apple skin. Remember to wash the apples with clean water several times before you finally consume them.

Important Considerations

• Avoid Soap and Detergent: While it may seem like scrubbing apples with soap or detergent would make them the cleanest, it’s actually unnecessary and unsafe. Avoid using any cleaners or antiseptics, as well.
• Source of Apples: If you buy apples directly from the market farmers they aren’t usually waxed.
• Rinsing is Key: Regardless of the chosen method, always rinse the apples thoroughly with clean water after treatment.
• Visual Inspection: Pay attention to the water after soaking or rinsing. Some individuals have reported seeing a visible residue or color change in the water, suggesting the wax is being removed. I have read many articles on the web and suggestions for removing the wax from the surface. These suggestions include soaking in vinegar or hot water and other methods. They suggest that soaking apples in vinegar removes the wax that can be seen in the vinegar. I have done that, but never seen any residue of wax in the vinegar.

tags: #apple #wax #coating #removal

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