How to Remove Wax From Fruits & Vegetables

Waxes found on fruits and vegetables grow naturally to protect the fruits and vegetables from losing too much moisture. Businesses will commercially place approved wax coatings on fruits and vegetables during processing. These waxes extend shelf life during shipping and handling and help to keep the fruits or vegetables from bruising or drying out. It is always a good idea to remove these waxes before preparing or eating the fruits and vegetables because harmful bacteria can be trapped between the produce and the wax.

Things You'll Need

(2) Bowls, large
Water, Warm

Vegetable brush
Paper towels

Instructions

Wash your hands in hot soapy water for at least 20 seconds prior to beginning with the fruits and vegetables. Have the vegetables in a bowl near the sink. If the produce came in a closed bag and it’s labeled as pre-washed, according the FDA, there is no need to rewash these items. However, the FDA does recommend if the fruits or vegetables are labeled as precut or prewashed and come in an open bag, these items should be rewashed before consuming.
Turn on the water so that it’s comfortably warm to hot.
Scrub the outside of each fruit or vegetable by itself with the vegetable brush under the streaming water. For sprouts, simply wash them in warm running water. Scrub softer produce like tomatoes gently. Run fruits and vegetables still attached to the vine such as grapes gently under the warm water moving the individual pieces around to allow the water in between them.
Place each piece of produce you rinsed and or scrubbed inside another large clean bowl as you finish.
Dry each piece of produce with a paper towel to help remove further residue. For softer fruits like grapes, pat the outsides gently.

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