Removing the wax from fruit and vegetables is important prior to consuming it. These DIY fruit wash tips will help to ensure the fruit is clean and back to its natural, delicious form.

Many fruits and vegetables purchased from the market are coated with wax, this includes organic produce. What is the purpose for applying wax to fruits such as citrus, apples, and vegetables?

Waxing fruit serves many purposes. The wax prevents bruising, inhibits mold from forming, and helps to preserve the fruit. In a marketing standpoint, the wax makes fruit and vegetables look more appealing to the consumer.

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Removing Wax from Fruit

Like an freshly laid egg, apples produce a natural wax which protects the interior of the apple longer.

Once harvested, and prior to being sold, apples are washed to remove dirt, leaves, and bugs. Washing removes the natural wax which protects the fruit. Because of this many orchards will apply wax to emulate the natural wax which was removed during washing.

The FDA states that the wax used is edible and all natural. Palm and cadellia wax has been used on fruit and vegetables since the early 1920’s. However, the wax found on the skin of fruits and vegetables is not ideal to use in many home food preserving methods. Making removing of the wax from fruits and vegetables necessary.

Take for example the following homemade items:

raw apple cider vinegar
lemon extract
limoncello (and adult beverage using Meyer lemons)
lemon simple syrup
dehydrated tomatoes peels (used to make tomato paste)
orange marmalade
apple butter (also using the skins)
dehydrated citrus or apples
salted lemons – Moroccan lemons
fruit juice concentrate (using the entire fruit)
or any fermented recipe using the skin of fruits or vegetables

Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar Recipe

DIY Fruit Wash

A DIY fruit wash will help to remove the waxy film found on fruits and other produce.

There are three methods for removing the wax from fruit. All three methods are chemical free and the ingredients are staple household items. A pre-made fruit wash is available for purchase at many local markets. However, the cost is three times more that a homemade wash and contains chemical preservatives.

Ingredients

Removing the wax from fruit is a simple as using these 5 ingredients. Below you will find 3 easy methods for removing wax found on fruit and other produce.

baking soda, aluminum free
distilled white vinegar
lemon juice
apple cider vinegar
water

Equipment

fruit and vegetable brush
large bowl
clean dishtowel
8-quart pot

Instructions

There are three methods which work very well to remove wax from fruit. All are safe and natural to use.

Wash #1 can hinder the fermentation process if the fruit is boiled longer than 10 seconds. It is best to use wash #2 and #3 for items which will be fermented.

Wash 1 – Boiling Water

In a large stock pot bring water to boil
Submerge the fruit for 10 seconds and remove
Using a clean dishtowel wipe the fruit to remove wax
Wash the fruit one final time prior to consuming

Wash 2 – Baking Soda and Vinegar (or lemon juice)

In a large mixing bowl add 16 cups hot water
Add 2 tbsp baking soda and 2 tbsp distilled vinegar (or lemon juice)
Allow to soak for 5 minutes
Using a clean dish towel wipe the fruit to remove wax
For fruit heavily coated with wax, allow fruit to soak for 10 minutes and wash fruit using a vegetable brush
Wash the fruit one final time prior to consuming

Wash 3 – Apple Cider Vinegar

Dip a clean dishtowel into a bowl of apple cider vinegar
Wipe the fruit clean until the wax has been removed
Wash the fruit one final time prior to consuming

Note

Remember to always was fruit one final time once the wax has been removed.

Printable Instruction Card

A printable instruction card is available for your convenience.

DIY Fruit Wash | Removing Wax from Fruit

Removing wax from fruit is important prior to consuming it. These DIY fruit wash tips will help to ensure the fruit is clean and back to its natural, delicious form.