What is the “shiny” wax on the apple?

Apple is a very good food, delicious and healthy. There is even a saying in the market that eating apples for health. Today, I will not talk about its nutritional value, but it is good to eat some apples properly. It is good for health. value is certain. However, everyone found that there is no, some apples have a layer of wax-like substances on them, and it is rumored to be very toxic. Is this true?

Where does the “wax” on apples come from?

There are two main sources of wax on apples, one is produced by the apple itself, and the other is made by people. Let’s talk about them one by one.

1. Apple’s own wax

During the growth process of apples, the epidermis itself will secrete a layer of natural fruit wax, which belongs to a kind of lipid component and is a plant protection layer generated on the surface of apples. It is equivalent to the “clothing” of the fruit, which can isolate external microorganisms, pesticides, viruses, etc., and prevent them from invading the pulp and prevent diseases from causing damage to the fruit. For protection, it does not need to be removed.

2, artificially beaten fruit wax

The natural fruit wax of the fruit is not enough to support the fruit to survive the long transportation process. At this time, in order to prevent the fruit from rotting and deteriorating, it is necessary to add a layer of “protective film” on the surface, which is artificial wax. The role of artificial wax is the same as that of natural fruit wax, which is to protect the outer skin of apples and prevent the invasion of microorganisms. At the same time, it can additionally improve the gloss of the fruit, prolong the storage time of the fruit, and retain the moisture and fresh aroma of the fruit. But when it comes to artificial wax, many people panic again. In fact, there is no need to worry too much. Many countries allow artificial fruit wax to be used on fruits, provided that the edible wax permitted by the “Hygienic Standards for the Use of Food Additives” is used and an appropriate dose is ensured. Some edible waxes can be used in moderate or limited amounts for the surface treatment of fruits (such as apples), such as carnauba wax and fruit wax, which are mainly used to preserve freshness and prevent fruits from rotting and deteriorating during long-distance transportation and long-term storage. Therefore, consumers do not need to “talk about wax color change”!

Why do some people say “wax apples” are poisonous?

The natural fruit wax produced by apples and the edible wax added artificially are harmless to the human body. However, it is not ruled out that some unscrupulous merchants abandon high-cost edible wax and replace it with low-cost industrial wax in order to maintain the freshness of apples. To be precise, montan wax price, if you eat apples with “industrial wax”, it may indeed lead to poisoning. Because industrial wax contains heavy metals such as mercury and lead, they will penetrate into the pulp, and even if you peel it and eat it, it will not escape health hazards!

How to distinguish between industrial wax and edible wax?

In fact, the way to distinguish between industrial wax and edible wax is very simple – directly with your hand, or take a piece of white paper, and wipe the surface of the apple with appropriate force. wax! Try not to eat it. If you don’t find any red marks after wiping, but you are not at ease, you can take the following measures to ensure that the apples you eat are not “poisoned” as much as possible.

1. Wash apples with hot salt water, or blanch them with hot water, which can also remove part of the wax.

2. After washing, peel and eat.

3. If you are reluctant to peel, then rub the apple with salt and loofah.

4. Buying locally produced seasonal fruits can largely avoid industrial waxes.