It's a given that it's best to grow your own fruit and veggies and organic is the way to go. But there are times when you're stuck with "store bought" apples that have the wax on them.

Does anyone know of a home-made formula to remove this wax from apples?

I know there are commercial products out there --- most of them are either "washes" or if they say that they remove wax from fruit, they're expensive. Any suggestions? Thanks.

-- Steve (lahc8@hotmail.com), November 08, 2000

Answers

I odn't have a formula for you, but at least one of those washes is mostly vinegar. You might try it.

-- Cindy (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), November 09, 2000.

I have used a little orange juice or grapefruit juice on a dish towel to remove the wax coating. Just wipe and rinse.

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), November 09, 2000.

As far as I know, there is no wax applied to apples. They have a natural wax in the skin. Take a home grown and shine it up -- looks great. There may be pesticide residue, however, so you'd still want to wash the store-bought kind. You can wash them with regular dishwashing detergent, with only a small amount in the water, and rinse thoroughly.

Cucumbers usually are waxed or oiled, so definitely wash them, and if you don't think you got it all, peel them. Better yet, buy organically raised produce.

-- Joy Froelich (dragnfly@chorus.net), November 09, 2000.

Steve, I have good luck using running hot water and a little dish soap, dry immediately with a paper towel or dish towel to remove the rest of the wax that has been softend by the hot water. Annie in SE OH.

-- Annie Miller (annie@1st.net), November 09, 2000.

FYI, folks. There IS wax on those apples. I was on a translating job and saw it in the 55 gallon barrels it comes in, right here in Western Washington.

-- Laura Jensen (lrjensen@nwlink.com), November 10, 2000.

I had an apple that had so much wax on it that is had a clump on it of wax. I usually use hot water and soap, but I tried the vinegar and it works in hot or cold water, very quickly! :-)

-- Cindy in OK (cynthiacluck@yahoo.com), November 11, 2000.

To all: Thanks for your responses and suggestions. Between the hot water, orange juice and vinegar, I no longer have wax on my apples. :-) Steve

-- Steve (lahc8@hotmail.com), November 11, 2000.

A few drops Tea Tree oil mixed with water works. Let soak for an few minutes and rinse clean.

-- Jack Spratt (jack@spratt.net), January 24, 2002.