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Removing wax from apples and grapes offers a natural solution to rid my fruit of unwanted residues. This makes my fruit cleaner and safer to eat.
With simple ingredients and easy steps, I am able to restore the fresh, natural feel and taste of my produce. And, bonus, this is all without any harsh chemicals.
My apples and grapes are as pure as nature intended, enhancing the flavor and my peace of mind. I utilize these tips for keeping my fruit wax-free and ready to enjoy.
In addition, my Instagram page offers lots of insight into removing wax from apples and grapes, as well as other tips! Be sure to navigate over to my page!
❤️ Why You’ll Love My Tips for Removing Wax from Apples and Grapes
Remove the wax from apples and grapes before eating to ensure you’re consuming only the fruit’s natural goodness and not any added chemicals or residues. The waxy substance IS naturally produced but it ls what clings to it that we don’t want to eat (dirt, bacteria and other pesticides.)
You’ll love my tips for removing wax from apples and grapes because they will ensure your apples and grapes are as toxin free as possible.
🧽 Materials: Removing Wax from Apples and Grapes
Why baking soda? Baking soda removes up to 96% of pesticides from fruit and vegetables. When mixed with water and gently rubbed on apple skins, the solution eliminates nearly all the reside left by two commonly-applied pesticides (organic or non organic btw) within 15 minutes.
🧼 How to Do
15 minutes is just enough time for removing wax from apples and grapes. It is enough time for the baking soda to take effect without breaking down or decomposing the apples or grapes.
Your apples and grapes will be left clean and ready to be shared!
🪄 Tips and Tricks
Here are some of my favorite tips for working with apples and grapes in various ways:
Keep Slices from Browning:
To prevent sliced apples from browning, I toss them with a little lemon juice, lime juice, or diluted vinegar. The acid prevents oxidation, which causes browning.
Peeling Easily:
When I peel apples for baking or cooking, I use a vegetable peeler instead of a knife for greater control and less waste. For large batches, I use an apple corer/peeler/slicer tool which can save me a lot of time.
Uniform Slices for Even Cooking:
When making pies or tarts, I slice apples uniformly so they cook evenly. This also helps with presentation if I serve them raw in salads.
Removing Grapes from Stems Easily:
For quick removal of grapes from stems, I freeze the entire bunch for a few minutes, then the grapes pop off the stems with minimal effort.
Freezing Grapes:
Grapes freeze exceptionally well and make a refreshing snack. I just wash, dry, and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a bag. Frozen grapes are also great for chilling wine without diluting it.
🗒 Variations
There are some backup options to removing wax from apples and grapes. If you need a variation, these ideas help me in a pinch:
Vinegar and Water Soak:
- Instructions:
- Mix a solution of 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water in a large bowl.
- Soak the apples and grapes for 10–15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with fresh water to remove any vinegar residue.
- Dry with a clean towel or allow to air dry.
- How It Works: Vinegar has antimicrobial properties that help remove bacteria, pesticides, and wax.
Saltwater Soak:
- Instructions:
- Dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt in a bowl of 4 cups of water.
- Submerge the apples and grapes in the solution for about 10 minutes.
- Rinse well under cool running water.
- Dry with a clean towel or air dry.
- How It Works: Saltwater helps dislodge dirt and some pesticide residues while also killing bacteria.
🗒 Substitutions
Some great substitutions for baking soda are white vinegar, lemon and juice and salt. Just sub out for baking soda and follow the same recipe below!
🫙 How to Store
To store apples effectively, I keep them in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer for long-term freshness, as the cool, humid environment slows down ripening and extends their shelf life.
For short-term storage, my apples can be kept at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. I store them in a perforated plastic bag or container to maintain airflow and prevent moisture buildup.
I avoid placing apples near ethylene-sensitive produce, such as bananas or avocados, and regularly check for any signs of spoilage, removing affected apples to prevent them from impacting others.
Also, sometimes I freeze apples after peeling, coring, and slicing. This extends them for cooking or baking.
With grapes, I keep them in the refrigerator. I use a clean, airtight container or a produce bag to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out. I store grapes in the crisper drawer to benefit from the cool, humid environment, which helps preserve their crispness.
For long-term storage, I freeze grapes after washing and drying. I use them as a refreshing frozen snack or a great addition to smoothies.
🤔 Common Questions
Cleaning apples and grapes removes dirt, pesticides, and potential contaminants that can be present on the surface. Even if fruits are labeled as organic, washing them ensures they are free from residues and bacteria.
Pat apples and grapes dry with a clean towel or paper towels after washing. For grapes, you can spread them out on a clean towel to air dry, or gently pat them dry to avoid bruising.
Most fruits should be washed before eating, but some, like berries, are best washed just before consumption to prevent mold growth. Washing fruits like apples and grapes ahead of time is generally fine as long as they are dried and stored properly.
Removing Wax from Apples and Grapes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 8 cups water
Instructions
Prepare the Water Solution:
- In a large bowl, combine 8 cups of water with 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Stir until the baking soda is fully dissolved. You can adjust the quantities depending on how many apples and grapes you’re cleaning, maintaining the ratio of 1 tablespoon baking soda per 8 cups of water.
Add the Apples and Grapes:
- Place the apples and grapes into the baking soda water solution. Make sure the fruits are fully submerged in the water. You may need to do this in batches if your bowl isn’t large enough.
Soak:
- Let the apples and grapes soak in the baking soda water for 15 minutes. During this time, the baking soda helps break down and remove the waxy coating and pesticide residues.
Scrub (Optional):
- After soaking, you can gently scrub the apples with a soft brush to ensure the wax is fully removed. Grapes typically don’t require scrubbing due to their delicate skin, but you can lightly rub them with your hands if desired.
Rinse:
- Drain the baking soda water and rinse the apples and grapes thoroughly under cool running water. Make sure to remove any baking soda residue.
Dry:
- Pat the apples and grapes dry with a clean towel, or let them air dry before eating or storing.