Most people are accustomed to eating apples with the peel on, as the peel is indeed rich in nutrients. Compared to the flesh, it has stronger antioxidant properties and can help prevent chronic diseases such as hypertension. However, sometimes people also have doubts, feeling an oily and waxy sensation on the surface when eating the apple peel. So, is this wax actually harmful to the body? He Jiguo, head of the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety at the College of Food Science and Engineering at China Agricultural University, has explicitly stated that this wax does not harm the body, so there is no need to worry too much.
"The wax on apple peels is generally of two types," He Jiguo explained. One is the wax formed during the apple's growth process. This is a lipid component, a plant protective layer that forms on the apple's surface. It can effectively prevent external microorganisms, pesticides, etc., from invading the flesh, serving a protective function. The other is artificial fruit wax. It is this "artificial fruit wax" that makes many people anxious. In fact, it is a chitosan substance, mostly extracted from crustaceans like crabs and shellfish. He Jiguo told reporters that this substance itself is not harmful to the body. Its main function is for preservation, preventing apples from rotting and deteriorating during long-distance transportation and extended storage.
Although the wax in the apple peel itself is harmless to the body, if you plan to eat it with the peel, you should still wash it thoroughly, as this "protective layer" may contain harmful substances such as pesticide residues. "Washing by hand or scrubbing can get it clean," He Jiguo told reporters. If you are not reassured, there are two "clever tricks" you can try. First, squeeze out some toothpaste, crush it, and dissolve it in water. Use this water to wash the apple, then rinse it clean with water. Second, put the apple in moderately hot water. The wax will melt when heated, but the water temperature must not be too high.
"However, never soak it for washing," He Jiguo reminded. Soaking fruit in water for a long time may cause harmful substances like pesticide residues and microorganisms to seep into the flesh. This not only fails to achieve the cleaning purpose but can also "make it dirtier" the more you wash it, which is not conducive to health.