How to Check if an Apple is Safe to Eat Using Hot Water

By pouring hot water over an apple, you can check if it’s safe to eat or if it contains harmful preservatives.

Why Pouring Hot Water Over Apples Helps Detect Toxic Apples

Most apples are coated with a layer of wax. To check if an apple contains dangerous preservatives, pour a small amount of freshly boiled water over it. After a while, you will notice the wax layer appear. This is an indication that the apple may be harmful to your health.

How Wax Coating on Apples Affects Human Health

Apples are known for being rich in vitamins, and nutrition experts recommend eating them daily. However, it is concerning that many apples sold in markets are coated with wax and preservatives.

While apples naturally have a protective wax coating, some producers apply an additional layer of wax to extend the shelf life of the fruit. Many companies use natural waxes made from bee wax, carnauba wax, or red ant resin, which are considered safe for health. However, these natural preservatives are quite expensive.

As a result, many vendors and farmers use waxes that contain fungicides, preservatives, and artificial dyes to make the fruit look appealing and prolong its storage life. These chemicals can be harmful to the human body, affecting memory, the immune system, and respiratory health if exposed.

There is still debate about whether the wax coating could lead to cancer in individuals who consume contaminated apples.

How to Remove the Wax Coating from Apples

For apples bought at markets, there’s no guarantee that they have been coated with natural wax. Therefore, to ensure the safety of your family, besides purchasing apples from reputable stores, you should follow these steps to remove harmful substances before eating:

Step 1:

Place the apples in a small bowl, add one tablespoon of baking soda, one tablespoon of lemon juice, and a little warm water.

Step 2:

Gently roll the apples in the mixture. Then, use a soft toothbrush to carefully scrub the outer skin of the apples to remove the wax coating.

Remember, even after cleaning the apples, it's best to peel the skin before eating.

How to Use and Store Apples Safely and Effectively

• Buy from Reputable Stores: Choose apples from well-known imported stores, brands, or large supermarkets. Avoid buying them from street vendors or markets where the source and origin of the apples are unknown.

• Clean Before Eating: Wash apples thoroughly before peeling them. After peeling, soak them in warm water mixed with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. This helps keep apples fresh and their color intact for several hours.

• Long-Term Storage: If you want to keep apples for a longer period, wrap them in perforated plastic bags, tie them tightly, and store them in the refrigerator.

Note: Chinese apples are usually round, with a smooth, glossy skin, and carefully packaged in mesh netting. If you peel off the mesh, you may notice fine white particles or thin white layers on the skin, which are residues from the chemicals used for preservation.