Our favorite Honeycrisp apples, beaming with a wax coating (photo © The Fruit Company).

Those shiny, tempting apples are wearing make-up: a layer of wax. Waxing apples (and other fruits and vegetables) not only makes them look better, but it also helps them last longer.

All-natural waxes—such as carnauba wax, derived from the leaves of a Brazilian palm tree, and candellia wax, made from a small desert shrub native to the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico, are certified as edible by the USDA and have been used on fruits and vegetables since the 1920s.

After harvest and before the apples are packed and shipped, they undergo several washings to remove dirt. The extensive washing removes the natural wax that many fruits and vegetables make to help retain moisture.

Replacing the wax also helps inhibit mold growth and protect fruits and vegetables from bruising. The amount of wax used is minuscule: Each apple (or other waxed produce) is coated with only a drop or two.

You don’t want to peel the apple to remove the wax: Most of the nutrition is in the skin and the seeds. (But don’t swallow too many seeds for the nutrients—they have minute amounts of cyanide that build up in quantity.)

> There are 18 apple holidays, starting with January 1st, National Apple Gifting Day. See them all below.

> The history of apples.

We don’t have a problem with the wax—although we are wary that it can cover pesticides that aren’t fully removed during the washing cycle.

But we do miss the apple aroma we enjoy when picking apples at orchards. Removing the wax releases the lovely apple scent and completes the organoleptic* experience.

Take your pick of these wax-removal techniques:

 
Buying organic isn’t the solution: Organic apples may also be waxed. But you can find unwaxed apples at some supermarkets and farmers markets.

Wax may turn white on the surface of fruits or vegetables that have been subjected to excessive heat and/or moisture. This whitening does not impact the flavor or the healthfulness.

Thanks to Rainier Fruit Company for much of this information.
 
 
MORE APPLE HOLIDAYS

 
 
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*Organoleptic: Relating to qualities that stimulate the senses: appearance, aroma, color, feel and taste.

†There are two dates that celebrate Johnny Appleseed, born John Chapman. The September 26th is Appleseed’s birthday in 1774. People across the country prefer the March date due to the planting season, and his passing on March 18, 1845.

‡ Since apples symbolize good health, giving people apples on New Year’s Day wishes them good health for the entire year.