What kind of wax is used on apples

Fruits are covered by a layer of natural wax which acts as a barrier to reduce moisture loss and at the same times give the fruit a shiny surface. However, after a fruit is harvested and is being washed to clean off dirt and soil prior to sale, substantial amount of the natural wax on its surface may be removed. To supplement or replace the natural protective coat on fruit, wax is artificially applied to produce such as apples, citrus, peaches, nectarines.

The wax applied, not only reduces the moisture loss and enhances the appearance of the product by adding a bright sheen, but also protects the fruits from postharvest decay which extends the shelf life. Waxing can seal small cracks and dents in the rind or skin and establishes a barrier against the entrance of fungal and bacterial pathogens into the product.

It also creates a non-water compatible surface which is not conducive to growth and development of pathogens. In need of waxes for food purposes, like coating cheese products? Blended Waxes has your solution. You can browse our wax products or learn more about the types of waxes used for food here. Did you know that apples produce their own wax?

August 12, share:. Why Is There Wax on Apples? Is the Wax on Apples Natural? Some of the benefits of natural apple wax include: Moisture retention: Think of biting into an apple. You want it to be crisp and juicy.

Blog posts and online articles abound alerting consumers to the supposed dangers of fruit wax. Because the commercial wax is artificial, the thinking goes, it must be harmful. Perhaps it traps pesticides or contains carcinogens. And as each new health blog post pops up to drum the dangers of fruit coating, debunking sites like Snopes point out that food-grade waxes are proven safe to eat.

The artificial waxes are indigestible, so they pass through the human body without breaking down or being absorbed. Those concerned about allergens or animal byproducts can check the point-of-sale information that vendors are required to display alongside waxed fruit. One Washington State University study on the wax contents of apples found parts per million for apples that retain their natural wax, parts per million for apples that are washed, and parts per million for apples that are coated with commercial waxes.

But there is one way for concerned consumers to get rid of a wax coating: They can just peel the fruit. Or, like Eve did, find a garden where they can pick their own.

This article appears courtesy of Object Lessons. Skip to content Site Navigation The Atlantic. Popular Latest. Interestingly, this can be termed as being vegan because it is made from ethylene which in turn is made from ethanol that is produced by the fermentation of corn. A trace of an emulsifier morpholine oleate is added to allow the wax to be spread in a thin layer.

Some concerns have been raised that the wax seals in pesticide residues that cannot be removed by washing but studies have shown that the prior washing removes most traces of pesticide residues. As far as the wax itself goes, it presents no health issue since it is not absorbed and passes right through the digestive system. Wax coatings can also be used on organic produce with the proviso that they must come from a natural source like beeswax or Carnauba wax or wood resin.

While there is no worry about eating the wax on fruits, they should be well washed mostly to remove bacteria that may have stuck to the surface. A video has been circulating in which boiling water is poured over an apple resulting in the formation of white splotches as a voice drones on warning people not to eat waxed apples because of the pesticide residues.

The message is that the boiling water reveals the pesticide residues. That is not the case.