Understanding Apple Wax: Insights from a Farmer
As someone who loves to cook and experiment with fresh ingredients, I know how important it is to understand where our food comes from and what it goes through before it reaches our tables. Recently, I stumbled upon an enlightening video by Kait Thornton, a fourth-generation apple and pear farmer in Washington state. Her insights into the wax coating on apples have changed the way I look at this common kitchen staple.
In her viral TikTok video, which has garnered millions of views, Kait demystifies the process of how and why wax is applied to apples. Like many of you, I was curious—and maybe even a little skeptical—about the shiny coating on my store-bought apples. Was it safe? Was it necessary? Kait’s straightforward explanation reassured me and made me appreciate the journey these apples take from farm to table.
Through this article, I’d like to share what I’ve learned from Kait’s video about apple wax. It’s more than just a cosmetic touch—it serves a practical purpose that benefits both the fruit and us as consumers. Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways
- Apple wax is applied to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
- The wax used is food-grade and safe for consumption.
- This practice dates back to the 1920s and continues to benefit both growers and consumers.
The Journey from Tree to Table
Kait Thornton, along with her father, manages Thornton Family Farms in Washington. Their farm is expansive, covering 440 acres dedicated to growing apples and pears. In her video, Kait introduces us to two apples: one fresh from the tree, covered in its natural mud layer for protection, and another that has been cleaned and polished for sale. It’s fascinating to see the contrast between these two stages of an apple’s life.
Kait explains that the natural wax on an apple straight from the tree is part of its protective cuticle. This layer helps retain moisture and keeps the apple looking appealing to animals (and humans!). However, when apples are prepared for market, this cuticle—along with any dirt or chemicals—is washed away during cleaning. To compensate for this loss, a food-grade wax is reapplied.
Why Wax Matters
The purpose of applying wax to apples goes beyond making them look pretty. According to Kait, this wax serves several essential functions. It forms a barrier against fungal infections and prevents nutrient loss, ensuring that when you bite into an apple weeks after it’s been harvested, it’s still crisp and juicy. This practice isn’t new; it’s been around since the 1920s as a standard method for preserving produce.
You might be wondering what kinds of wax are used. Kait lists three types commonly applied: carnauba wax from palm leaves, beeswax produced by bees, and shellac derived from lac insect resin. Each type offers different benefits in terms of glossiness and durability but all are safe for consumption according to food safety standards.
Step-by-Step: From Farm to Store
- The apples are harvested directly from trees with their natural protective layer intact.
- They undergo a cleaning process where dirt, chemicals, and natural wax are removed.
- A food-grade wax coating is reapplied to protect against spoilage and nutrient loss.
- The polished apples are then sorted, packed, and shipped to stores nationwide.
Final Thoughts
Learning about the role of wax in preserving apples has been eye-opening for me as both a cook and a consumer. Kait Thornton’s insights remind us that farmers use traditional methods honed over generations to ensure we get fresh produce all year round. So next time you polish off an apple or add it to your favorite dish, you’ll know just how much care went into keeping it deliciously fresh.
If you’re ever worried about consuming waxed produce, remember that you can easily remove most surface wax by rinsing your fruits under warm water and wiping them dry with a clean towel. But rest assured that the wax itself is completely safe—and plays an important role in reducing food waste by extending shelf life.