Washing USA Apples & Grapes - How Much Does it Help?

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Washing fruits like apples and grapes is essential to remove pesticides and preservatives, but many question the effectiveness of simple rinsing. The frosty coating on red grapes, often perceived as waxy, is a topic of debate; some believe it may be a natural substance produced by the grape skin or even a layer of yeast. This coating can also be found on wild grapes, leading to confusion about its origin. While some fruits, like apples, may have a waxy finish that doesn't easily wash off, the primary concern remains the potential presence of harmful chemicals. Overall, thorough washing is recommended to ensure the removal of contaminants, despite the uncertainty surrounding the nature of these coatings.
DaveC426913
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I've been negligent in washing my (USA) apples & grapes before eating them. I know you're s'posed to, but somehow I wonder just how much washing them removes anyway.

I know there's soaps that you can get that are designed for rinsing fruit, but I don't want to go that far if I don't have to.

What is the frosty-looking coating on red grapes? Simple rinsing doesn't take it off, it seems somewhat waxy. If there's pesticides in that, no simple washing will get rid of it.
 
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It's even on wild grapes, so I've always thought it was a slight oxidating of the skin, something produced by the grape skin, or 'dead skin cells'.
 
I just wash off the layer of dust that sometimes can blanket a fruit. Other than that I don't know what the hype is all about.
 
rewebster said:
It's even on wild grapes.
True, true.
 
waht said:
I just wash off the layer of dust that sometimes can blanket a fruit. Other than that I don't know what the hype is all about.
Well, the hype is about pesticides and preservatives that are sprayed on fruit so they don't go bad in transport or on the shelf.
 
rewebster said:
It's even on wild grapes, so I've always thought it was a slight oxidating of the skin, something produced by the grape skin, or 'dead skin cells'.

Hmm I have been reading that the 'dust' on grapes is mostly yeast
 
ahhhh---a yeast feast
 
Blueberries have a very similar "coating".
 
I bought some apples recently that had a very waxy coating on them, wouldn't wash off.
 
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