Key Points
- Wax coatings on grocery store apples help preserve their freshness, firmness, and moisture during storage and transportation.
- The wax is safe to eat, made from FDA-approved food-grade materials like carnauba wax, beeswax, and shellac.
- Rinse apples under running water and gently rub them to remove dirt and microbes before eating.
The saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” serves as a helpful reminder while grocery shopping. But have you ever spotted a particularly shiny apple at the supermarket and wondered whether the coating is safe to eat? Many shoppers assume the shine hides spoilage or adds chemicals. In reality, it replaces the apple’s natural protective layer, which is removed during commercial washing.
To learn more about why apples are coated in wax, we spoke to food science experts….