WAXED APPLE- THOROUGHLY CLEAN BEFORE EATING

WAXED APPLE- THOROUGHLY

 CLEAN BEFORE EATING

The coating of foods especially fruits is a very old practice. Apples have been coated for many years and the practice will continue in the foreseeable future. Coating of apples is carried out by applying a thin layer of wax on the surface. 

The coating process can be carried out by either dipping, brushing or spraying with wax. This coating is normally referred to as edible coating. An edible coating is a thin layer that is applied on the surface of a fruit or vegetables which is consumed together with the fruit. Edible coatings are considered to be safe for human consumption. Therefore, these coatings are expected to be consumed together with the fruits. However, it should be noted that there could be unscrupulous producers who would coat apples with petroleum-based waxes.  This is harmful.

There are several reasons for coating apples. The main reasons are either for preservation, aesthetic (appearance) or the obvious one of replacing the natural wax.The apples, naturally have a natural wax coating on their surface. This natural wax coating helps to protect the apples from shriveling and weight loss. However, prior to packaging of the apple fruits, they are washed by scrubbing the surface to remove dirt and chemical residues (if they are not organic). This scrubbing removes approximately 50% of the natural wax coating.To replace the natural wax coating, processors apply other recommended waxes on the surface of apples.  After applying wax, the fruits assumes glossy and firm appearance which is considered as an important quality in apples.The distributors and sellers of apples can apply wax to improve appearance and increase visual freshness. This is very common practice especially in supermarkets.The most common wax used on apples is a vegetable wax called canauba wax or shellac.

The apples are waxed to reduce loss of water hence  preventing weight loss.
Preventing the loss of water in apples also helps to maintain firmness and juiceness. If apples lose water through respiration and transpiration they lose the desirable characteristic crispy texture, shrink and become hard.Sometimes, apples have to be transported over long distances to the intended markets. During transport it is important to slow ripening. Wax coat can be applied on the apples surface to slow the ripening process.

Waxing apples can have some negative effects on the apples. One of the effect is anaerobic respiration that can occur in the fruits since the wax may act as oxygen barrier.The wax can be used to disguise the quality of apples. Waxed apples may look glossy, sleek, shiny, firm and appealing , but they could be soggy and lacking the desirable crispy texture.Ways to know if apple is coated with waxNormally if you pick an apple from a tree and rub it with your hands, it leaves whitish kind of powder on your palms. This is the natural wax on the surface. Similarly waxed apples if scratched slightly it is possible to notice a very thin layer peeling off. Most likely this is added wax.
If an apple looks very glossy and shiny it should be a suspect.Ways of cleaning waxed applesObviously, it is a good practice to clean apples before eating. Clean with lukewarm water. Just clean them thoroughly to remove any surface wax. This would also help remove any dirt and chemical residues on the surface.It is not advisable to use soap on porous fruits like apples.Vinegar (acetic acid) can also do. Use a paper towel with a bit of vinegar to wipe the fruit before washing. Using vinegar wipes away the wax.
The other obvious way to ensure you do not consume the wax on the surface of apples is to remove the entire peel. Waxes used on apples are at the moment considered as safe for human consumption. However, governments are supposed to enforce strict measures to ensure some petroleum-based waxes are not used. To be on the safe side as a consumer, thoroughly clean the apple before eating it. Dr Titus Sankaramangalam.

Prof. John Kurakar