A wax or paraffin coating on apples protects the pulp from spoilage, drying out and extends the shelf life of the fruit.
However, this thin invisible coating, once in the human body, can cause harm. Regular washing with water does not remove the wax, so it is recommended to use special methods to remove it.
We will tell you in this article how and how to remove wax from apples.
What is natural wax?
Wax
- a mixture of simple lipids widespread in the plant and animal world. The lipid molecules that make up waxes (unlike fats, which have a similar structure) do not contain glycerol.
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Why is wax coating dangerous?
Wax is a natural beekeeping product and in small quantities does not cause harm to human health. But due to its high cost, it is rarely used for processing mass plant products.
Imported fruits are overwhelmingly coated with synthetic paraffin , which is a mixture of hydrocarbons.
An artificial analogue of wax is obtained by distilling petroleum products. In the human gastrointestinal tract, paraffin substances are not broken down into components and are not absorbed into the blood. Their harm can be expressed in disruption of the stomach and intestines.
The second danger is that the waxy shell may contain special preservative substances, as well as residues of insecticides that are used to treat apple trees until harvest.
These substances, which are dangerous to humans in large quantities, contribute to:
- fluid retention in tissues;
- the occurrence of intoxication;
- intestinal disorders;
- headaches.
Say a word about lemon zest
As for the gloves, this is no joke. The reinsurers behind the Big Puddle are as scared as the Poles and us - if not more. And some seriously advise washing citrus fruits with gloves and trimming apple peels with a disposable knife. Because it’s film, plus fungicides for storage, etc.
It sounds stupid and paranoid, but... It’s sad - these are realities. It’s not logical how there are such people. It's better to sit on potatoes
And again the words of the same Agatha, a talented cook and photographer. And now - my experience
Everything is mine - I wash it qualitatively. Especially if we need the peel. For zest, lemon water or something else
What is this? No, not juice. It's pa-ra-fin.
Paraffin or some other inedible thing. Wax, preservative - sorbenic acid.
It serves to clog the pores of the lemon skin - look closely, it is densely covered with small holes.
And a close-up - so that these pores are visible. Which are covered by paraffin and wax
Who did it, who coated your lemon with paraffin?
And these exporters are unscrupulous. They, you see, are worried that on the way - and the journey from across the sea-ocean is far - the lemon will dry up. And he will lose weight. And on the supermarket shelf you will get bored. In order to prevent the drying out of bored lemons in retail chains with subsequent losses, this barbaric method was invented - covering these citrus fruits with paraffin. However, this cup has not passed away not only from citrus fruits.
Snow White took a bite of a rosy apple...
...And spat it out. Ugh, he says (pardon my French). What's that sticky stuff on the skin?
Modern instructions: my apples are correct. Soda. And it's not funny anymore
Snow White will know how to eat unwashed apples. And if she had washed it, and under hot water, she would have discovered so many wonderful discoveries for herself - and again a tautology, a harmful thing. And Snow White would have discovered this. I advise you to open it for yourself.
Housewives are conducting the investigation
Madam - or sir, buy an apple. Red. Large. Dutch (or Polish - import substitution rules, yes). In general, Belarusian And wash under very hot water. An apple is not a lemon: it can endure anything.
Let's compare two apples. Local - without shine and smaller, more modest. And with glitter - bigger. So: let's support the domestic manufacturer. Well, wash it with soda. Or wearing gloves.
You feel how the skin becomes sticky under boiling water. No? Hurray - the experiment failed. The apple is clean - as is the conscience of producers, exporters, etc., etc.
It sticks - their soul is as black as night. And so is karma: they decided to extend the period of implementation, again using a barbaric method: treating the peel of apples with a substance that prevents drying out. The rejuvenating mixture makes the apple forever young. Is it useful to us? Prepare something doubts.
And even if this film does not cause serious harm, does not contain potentially (!) harmful components, then... Then, putting your hand on your heart (on your pocket, on your stomach, on an apple - whichever is closer to you): is this thing worth eating? This sticky film?
Cook thinks the answer is obvious.
Therefore, check your fruits and vegetables when you come home. Don't just wash your hands with hot water - no soap. Everything - apples, lemons and everything that can be extracted for zest, candied fruits and other peels. And we will be healthy - despite all the films.
Top 6 special compositions
Professional cosmetologists use special products to remove wax from the skin. These drugs can be purchased at beauty salons and stores selling depilatory products. Cosmetics after depilation are designed to effectively remove wax residues.
Kapous Professional
Cleansing oil is designed to remove wax marks and care for the epidermis. The product has a multifaceted complex effect:
- saturates with nutrients;
- enriches with microelements;
- softens;
- calms;
- promotes recovery;
- tones.
After using the oil, the skin becomes soft, looks moisturized, elastic and nourished, and gains radiance. No greasy marks remain on the skin.
The price for a 0.5 liter bottle is about 500 rubles.
Arco cosmetici with Aloe Vera
The post-depilation gel made in Italy has a delicate effect. It contains proteins and substances that have a calming effect. The drug is used very sparingly.
This drug:
- relieves irritation;
- slows down hair growth in the treated area;
- carries out antiseptic treatment.
Price – 900 rubles per 0.5 liter bottle.
Cristaline NG
The oil from a well-known company from the USA is intended for use after depilation. It contains extracts of calendula and chamomile, vitamin E.
Cleansing oil after depilation NG has beneficial effects:
- relieves irritation;
- stimulates the regeneration process;
- removes wax;
- minimizes the risk of inflammation;
- increases skin elasticity;
- protects against UV radiation;
- nourishes.
The cost of a 0.25 liter product is about 450 rubles.
Depilica Cleaning Oil Professional
The oil is a post-depilation cleansing oil made in Spain. It contains plant extracts and inhibitors that slow down hair growth. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive ones. The composition does not contain parabens or other harmful substances.
Advantages of use:
- effective removal of wax residues from the skin;
- softening;
- slower hair growth.
The average price for 500 ml is about 900 rubles.
DepilActive Domix
The oil has a cooling and soothing effect and makes it easy to remove remaining wax.
Contains:
- vitamin E;
- plantain extract;
- menthol.
Price – about 350 rubles for a volume of 310 ml.
Cream DepilActive Domix
Post-depilation cream is a gentle care product suitable for sensitive areas. The product delicately removes wax residues.
Contains:
- panthenol;
- Castor oil;
- aloe extract;
- almond oil;
- avocado oil
Sulfates and alcohol are absent. The price for a container with a volume of 310 ml is about 350 rubles.
Complete cleansing
In order to get rid of the layer of wax on the peel as thoroughly as possible, take an old toothbrush that you no longer use. Rinse it thoroughly, and then carefully begin to peel each side of the apple with it. So very soon you will be able to remove the wax and get delicious and fresh fruit.
Once you're done peeling, rinse the fruit thoroughly under running water to remove any remaining lemon juice. In the end, you will have the freshest and at the same time significantly less harmful apples. By the way, you can peel absolutely any type of apple that you purchased in a store this way, since there is a high probability that their peel was also coated with substances intended to increase shelf life.
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Brief information about apples
Since ancient times they have been considered a healthy and tasty fruit. They contain:
- Vitamin C.
- Iodine.
- Natural acids.
- Antioxidants – slow down oxidation processes.
- Pectin – accelerates the removal of harmful substances.
- Tannins – support the cardiovascular system normally.
Such a diverse composition has undoubted benefits for the individual’s body, so apples grown in your own garden can be consumed without fear, since the waxy coating on them is natural, consisting of hydrocarbons. But most purchased fruits, in addition to useful substances, microelements and vitamins, also contain components that are harmful to health. They are added both during the growing process and to preserve presentation.
Paraffin on apples
In most cases, apples and even vegetables are rubbed with paraffin or wax in order to preserve their presentation. This can be confidently called a pure advertising move, since such a product looks really beautiful, appetizing and attractive. However, wax also has purely protective functions, which were known about many centuries ago.
Apples are coated with wax to prevent them from losing water and drying out. In other words, so that they deteriorate more slowly. For this purpose, partially processed natural waxes are used, and preservatives are often added to them to protect against fungi. Yes, this does not make apples healthier, but it also does not harm them much - we use the same preservatives with other products.
In most cases, apples and even vegetables are rubbed with wax to preserve their presentation.
At the same time, it is not recommended to peel the apple - it contains many times more antioxidants, vitamins and other beneficial substances than the pulp. The wax can be removed by rubbing the apple with a soft brush under running warm water.
How to delete?
The paraffin coating lies very tightly on the apple peel. It cannot be washed off with any detergent.
Laundry soap, powders, and dishwashing detergents are powerless against waxy substances. Several methods are used to effectively remove wax from the surface of apples.
Hot water
This method is based on the ability of wax and paraffin substances to melt under the influence of heat. The melting point of synthetic paraffin is 40-45 degrees .
The waxed apple is dipped into very hot water for 8-10 seconds. Take out the fruit and immediately wipe off the exfoliated paraffin with a cotton cloth or paper napkin.
Since the holding time of the apple in hot water is short, all the vitamins in the peel are preserved unchanged .
Lemon juice and soda
The product of the interaction of organic acids and sodium bicarbonate corrodes the wax, as a result of which it is easily removed from the surface of apples.
The cleansing algorithm looks like this:
- The apples are placed in a small container.
- Sprinkle the fruits with baking soda.
- Squeeze the juice out of the lemon.
- Pour fresh juice over fruits.
- Rub the fruits with the resulting mixture.
- Pour hot water into the container.
- Clean the peel with a soft brush.
- Rinse the apples under running water.
Peel off
Attempts to scrape off plaque with a knife end in failure, since wax particles penetrate into the pores of the peel and are securely fixed there.
An alternative and most radical method is the complete removal of paraffin along with the skin . However, it should be used only as a last resort.
The peel, regardless of color, contains up to 70% of all biologically active substances of the apple.
If the waxed fruit is intended to be fed to a small child, it is recommended that the skin be removed.
