Now imagine sinking your teeth into a ripe, juicy peach, expecting that burst of sweet, tangy flavor.
Instead, you get…nothing.
It’s as if someone hit the mute button on your taste buds. It’s like the peach is wearing an invisible cloak of blandness, designed to protect it from the horrors of real life, but also from providing any taste experience whatsoever.
Have you ever wondered why most if not all fruit found in grocery stores look perfect? No imperfections. No dimples. No brown bruising?
Skinned fruits have a sheen to them . . a shine that is appealing to the eye.
That’s petroleum food wax for you—an invisible, tasteless, textureless phantom whose sole purpose is to keep your produce looking fresh and inviting.
Petroleum (oil) wax is the ultimate party pooper—it shows up uninvited, takes up space, and leaves you wondering why you bothered in the first place.
What is petroleum-based food wax?
So, what is this phantom? Petroleum-based food wax is a type of coating derived from petroleum, used to preserve and protect certain foods, especially fruits and vegetables.
My question is, why the hell would anyone consider eating petroleum?
Petroleum is primarily used as fuel for heating our homes, transportation, and the generation of electricity. Oil-based products are also used in cosmetics, aspirin, solar panels, dentures, packaging, and synthetic food dyes.
Yeah, and it’s used to coat our fruit to ward off the bugs.
In fact, this is written on a box of peaches we ordered.
So I decided to investigate how it is made, and if there are any health issues associated with consuming it in and on our foods.
Here’s what I found out:
- Purpose: The wax helps to retain moisture, extend shelf life, and improve the appearance of produce by giving it a shiny, attractive finish.
- Composition: It is made from compounds derived from crude oil, such as paraffin and microcrystalline wax. These substances are refined and processed to be safe for use on food.
- Application: The wax is typically applied in a thin layer after the produce is harvested and cleaned. It acts as a barrier to moisture and gases, reducing the rate of spoilage and decay.
- Safety: Regulatory agencies like the FDA approve and monitor the use of petroleum-based waxes on food to ensure they are safe for consumption. However, there is some debate and concern among consumers regarding the ingestion of these substances, leading some to prefer organic or unwaxed produce. This comes next.
- Alternatives: In response to consumer demand, some producers use alternative waxes derived from natural sources, such as beeswax, carnauba wax, or even shellac, which are considered more environmentally friendly and preferable by some consumers.
- Removal: To remove the wax, consumers can wash produce with warm water and a brush or use commercial produce washes designed to break down the wax coating.
OK . . . my next question is:
How is petroleum-based food wax made?
Petroleum-based food wax is produced through a refining process that converts crude oil into various petroleum products.
Here’s a step-by-step overview of how it is made:
- Crude Oil Extraction: The process begins with the extraction of crude oil from the earth, either through drilling or other extraction methods.
- Refining Crude Oil: The extracted crude oil is transported to a refinery, where it undergoes several refining processes to separate it into various components, including gasoline, diesel, and other byproducts. One of these byproducts is the raw material used to make paraffin and microcrystalline waxes.
- Fractional Distillation: In the refinery, crude oil is heated in a distillation column. As the oil heats up, it separates into different fractions based on their boiling points. Waxes are found in the heavier fractions, which have higher boiling points.
- De-oiling: The heavy fractions are further processed to remove any remaining oil, leaving behind the waxy components. This is typically done through a process called solvent de-oiling, where solvents like ketones or toluene are used to separate the wax from the oil.
- Hydrotreating: The waxy fractions are then subjected to hydrotreating, a process that uses hydrogen gas and a catalyst to remove impurities and undesirable components like sulfur and nitrogen. This step helps to refine and purify the wax.
- Crystallization: The purified wax is then cooled and crystallized to form solid wax. This can involve cooling the wax in a controlled manner to form crystals of a specific size and shape.
- Bleaching and Filtering: The crystallized wax is further refined through bleaching and filtering processes to remove any remaining impurities and to achieve the desired color and consistency. Activated carbon or clay is often used in this step to absorb impurities.
- Formulation: The final step involves formulating the wax to meet specific requirements for food use. This can include blending different types of waxes, adding antioxidants to prevent oxidation, and ensuring the wax meets food-grade standards.
- Application: The finished petroleum-based wax is then applied to produce using various methods such as spraying, dipping, or brushing. This thin layer of wax helps to preserve the freshness and appearance of the food
The pressing matter for me is whether or not petroleum-based food wax poses any threat to our health.
Again, I decided to dig a little deeper.
Are there health hazards from consuming petroleum-based food wax?
The use of petroleum-based food waxes is generally considered safe by regulatory agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—not that this says much.
However, there are some concerns and potential health hazards associated with their use:
Chemical Exposure: Petroleum-based waxes are derived from crude oil, and some people are concerned about the potential for chemical residues to be present on the waxed produce. Although these waxes are highly refined and considered safe in the amounts used, the long-term effects of consuming these substances are not entirely understood.
How would this be studied? Control a study where 10,000 people get a full Functional Physical™ as a baseline then have them repeat this biochemical physical after eating nothing but fruit coated with petroleum for 6-12 months and see what changes in the body. This would never happen.
Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be sensitive or allergic to certain components of petroleum-based waxes, leading to mild allergic reactions. These reactions can include skin rashes or gastrointestinal discomfort.
Digestive Issues: Ingesting wax, even in small amounts, might cause digestive issues for some people, such as stomach discomfort or constipation, particularly in individuals with sensitive digestive systems.
Environmental Concerns: While not directly a health hazard, the environmental impact of petroleum-based products is a concern for some consumers. The production and disposal of petroleum-based waxes contribute to pollution and reliance on fossil fuels.
Consumer Preference for Natural Alternatives: Due to the concerns mentioned, some consumers prefer natural wax alternatives like beeswax, or carnauba wax, which are perceived as safer and more environmentally friendly.
While the “controlling agencies” state petroleum-based food waxes are considered safe for consumption in the quantities used on produce, some consumers—including myself—choose to avoid them due to potential health concerns and a preference for natural alternatives.
How do you remove petroleum-based food wax from porous fruit like peaches?
Removing petroleum-based food wax from porous fruits like peaches can be challenging due to the fruit’s delicate skin and texture. However, you can use several methods to help remove the wax effectively.
1. Warm Water and Brush
Steps:
1. Rinse the peaches under warm running water.
2. Use a soft brush, such as a vegetable brush, to gently scrub the surface of the peaches.
3. Rinse the peaches again under warm water to remove any loosened wax.
2. Vinegar Solution
Steps:
1 Mix a solution of one part vinegar to three parts water in a large bowl.
2 Soak the peaches in the vinegar solution for a few minutes.
3 Use a soft brush to gently scrub the surface of the peaches.
4 Rinse the peaches thoroughly under warm running water to remove any remaining vinegar and wax.
3. Baking Soda Solution
Steps:
1 Mix a solution of one tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of water.
2 Dip a soft brush or cloth into the baking soda solution and gently scrub the peaches.
3 Rinse the peaches thoroughly under warm running water to remove any remaining baking soda and wax.
4. Commercial Produce Wash
Steps:
1 Purchase a commercial produce wash from a grocery store.
2 Follow the instructions on the product for washing peaches.
3 Typically, this involves spraying the wash onto the fruit, allowing it to sit for a few minutes, and then rinsing thoroughly with warm water.
5. Blanching (for thorough cleaning)
Steps:
1 Bring a pot of water to a boil.
2 Prepare a bowl of ice water.
3 Dip the peaches into the boiling water for about 30 seconds.
4 Immediately transfer the peaches to the ice water to stop the cooking process.
5 The blanching process can help to loosen the wax, which can then be gently wiped off with a cloth.
6 Note: This method may slightly soften the peaches and is best used if the fruit is to be consumed or processed immediately.
Tips
• Be gentle when scrubbing peaches to avoid damaging their delicate skin.
• Using warm water helps to soften the wax, making it easier to remove.
• After washing, dry the peaches with a clean towel before consuming or storing them.
By using these methods, you can effectively reduce the amount of petroleum-based wax on porous fruits like peaches, making them safer and more appealing to eat.
These methods can also be used for other fruits.
My ending thoughts
While petroleum-based food waxes might keep your peaches looking pristine and extend their shelf life, the cost to taste, potential health implications, and environmental impact lead many to seek out more natural, less industrialized options.
If you’re like me, and you are concerned about what you’re putting into your body avoiding petroleum-based waxes is a choice you may find worth making.
You should also consider buying organic produce to avoid exposing yourself to this phantom fruit cloak.
For more information on eating “clean,” I suggest you get a copy of Rebuild. I guarantee you’ll be happy you did.
References
Source: Fruit Growers Supply – Best Food Grade Wax Options for Postharvest (Serving Agriculture Since 1907).
Source: STAR-K Kosher Certification – Facts on Wax: Are Vegetables and Fruit Waxes Kosher? (STAR-K).
Source: Wikipedia – Fruit Waxing (Wikipedia).
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