Red apples safety
I used to peel off the thin wax layer that covers red apples. Is this necessary?
Best Answer
The food-grade wax applied to apples after being washed post-harvesting (which removes their naturally produced waxy outer coating) is safe.
From the U.S. Apple Association:
Waxes have been used on fruits and vegetables since the 1920s. They are all made from natural ingredients, and are certified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to be safe to eat. They come from natural sources including carnauba wax, from the leaves of a Brazilian palm; candellia wax, derived from reed-like desert plants of the genus Euphorbia; and food-grade shellac, which comes from a secretion of the lac bug found in India and Pakistan.
That said, if the layer of wax is so thick that you can peel it off, it wouldn't hurt to brush it off under warm water; wax isn't digestible. (I use a speck of Dawn or a spritz of enzymatic vegetable/fruit spray to clean my apples because I hate the added wax.)
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When should you not eat an apple?
It's best to discard apples that are soft or show other physical signs of expiration, as moisture content under the skin can indicate contamination (5). You can usually tell whether an apple has started to go bad by examining its appearance. Apples that have gone bad should be discarded.Can apples be contaminated?
Inspect apples to make sure they are free of contaminants such as soil or bird feces, which can carry illness-causing microorganisms. Never eat apples that have dropped to the ground, as these can easily become contaminated with harmful bacteria.Are apples safe to eat?
Apples are an incredibly nutritious fruit that offers multiple health benefits. They're rich in fiber and antioxidants. Eating them is linked to a lower risk of many chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Apples may also promote weight loss and improve gut and brain health.Is it safe to eat apples with brown spots inside?
Brown spots inside an apple are not a reason for concern. As mentioned earlier, ethylene and exposure to oxygen may cause fruits to go brown. The apple is safe to eat as long as there are no signs of mold. However, it's best to avoid fruits with bruises, skin breaks and other signs of damage, as they are prone to mold.More answers regarding red apples safety
Answer 2
If you're eating red delicious apples coated in thick wax, you are really missing out on the wonder of dense, sweet, crisp, tart apples. Red delicious have an unnaturally thick skin, mealy flesh, and little apple flavor. I highly, highly recommend some Gala, McIntosh, or other smaller, rounder, really delicious apples.
Also, it's at least a good idea to rinse with a light soap/vegetable wash since the wax can pick up dirt and bacteria.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Pixabay, Ashutosh Sonwani, Polina Kovaleva, Polina Tankilevitch