Why does apples bought at the market feel sticky?
When I buy apples at the market, they always feel sticky. When I buy apples at the supermarkt they feel smooth. When I was younger we had an apple tree, and also that apples did not feel sticky in my memories.
The apples taste fine, but no matter how good I wash them, they keep feeling sticky, like there used to be coating of stickers on them. Is there a reason for this? And should I clean them with a towel after washing? (The only way I can get them less sticky) I assume there is nothing wrong with the apples?
I live in the Netherlands, if that matters.
Best Answer
It's wax. Apples contain wax in their peel naturally and the amount varies between different varieties. Some don't feel waxy at all. It is there to prevent the fruit of drying out and the industry sometimes adds wax as well (especially to fruits that will be exported long distances), to keep them fresh longer.
As for removing the wax, you could try this.
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What is a sticky apple?
It's wax. Apples contain wax in their peel naturally and the amount varies between different varieties. Some don't feel waxy at all. It is there to prevent the fruit of drying out and the industry sometimes adds wax as well (especially to fruits that will be exported long distances), to keep them fresh longer.Why do some apples feel greasy?
A: The greasy feeling is the natural wax on the apple. Some apples, such as Jonagold and Cortland, have more than others. Usually if the apples feel greasy they are over mature.Should I remove wax from apples?
You should also know that there are some food grade waxes that are approved by FSSAI and are safe to consume. However, there is a possibility that your apples may have wax beyond the permissible limit. But if you feel that the apple peels are too slippery and waxy, it is always best to remove it before consuming it.How do you get the wax off of apples?
Apple Has A BIG PROBLEM.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Magda Ehlers, cottonbro, Artem Beliaikin, Susanne Jutzeler, suju-foto