Autumn and winter apples are on the market, with many varieties and freshness, which are the favorite of many people. The apples in the supermarket are big and red. Then these beautiful shining apples are waxed on the surface. Many people asked, the waxed apple is only for sale, is it poisonous or not? Dare to eat it?
Xiaomianxiaobian will solve the mystery for you and let your confusion disappear.
Why do apples need waxing?
After the apple is picked, in the process of storage or transportation in the warehouse, the respiration has been in progress. If the time is too long, it is easy to lose water, wrinkle the epidermis, rot slowly, and be easily eroded by pests.
In order to keep the apple for a long time, a layer of wax on the apple skin can prevent water loss, solve the problem of skin shrinkage, keep the apple fresh, and prevent the invasion of pests. Apple skin will also be more shiny and fresh.
Therefore, waxing apples is actually to prevent them from rotting during long-distance transportation and long-term storage, so as to keep them fresh. In this way, people can eat fresh and delicious apples anytime and anywhere.
Many people like to eat apples even with their skin, which is also rich in nutrients, but they are worried about whether this layer of wax will do harm to the body.
In fact, there are three kinds of wax on apple peel: fruit wax, edible wax and industrial wax.
I. Apple wax
During the growth of apple, its epidermis secretes a layer of fruit wax, which is a lipid component. The fruit wax is the plant protective layer of Apple itself, which is used to fight against the external environment, and can effectively prevent the invasion of external microorganisms, pesticides, etc. into the pulp.
This substance is harmless to human body.
II. Artificial edible wax
The wax on the surface of some apples is the edible wax added artificially, which is equivalent to 'artificial fruit wax'. Edible waxes are mostly extracts of natural waxes, such as animals and plants. Their ingredients are animal glue or plant glue. Their functions are mainly used to keep fresh. This artificial edible wax is nontoxic.
Fruit waxing is a kind of fresh-keeping method allowed in the world, with mature technological process and regulations.
As long as the use of norms, is absolutely safe. China's "Hygienic standard for the use of food additives" also allows waxing on the surface of fresh fruits, but the specified additives must be used and added appropriately.
III. artificial non edible wax (industrial wax)
In order to save costs, some illegal traders will use inferior industrial wax instead of this standard fruit wax. It is not allowed to use industrial wax. Mercury and lead contained in industrial wax may penetrate into pulp through pericarp, which will bring harm to human health. Some apple waxes may also add pigments to make apple more colorful and sell better.
Although this industrial wax may not cause cancer. But after all, it contains lead, mercury and other heavy metals. Eating this kind of apple with industrial wax still has health risks.
How to avoid industrial wax apple?
When buying fruit, don't just focus on the apples with good sales, bright colors and bright lights. Try to choose fruit with simple appearance and normal color.
▲ try to buy from regular channels, such as large supermarket chains.
▲ when selecting fruit, if you suspect that it is waxed apple, you can use your hand or napkin to wipe the apple surface. If you can wipe a light red layer, don't buy it. It is likely to be industrial wax.
▲ if it is really difficult to distinguish, you can peel directly to ensure safety.
With this in mind, I don't think you have any doubts. Eat apples boldly.