Washing apples properly: running some water over them is not enough

Created: 09/27/2022, 2:30 p.m

By: Jasmine Farah

Apples are healthy and taste good.

But there's a gross reason why you'd better wash them hot and thoroughly in the future.

They contain lots of vitamins, are part of a healthy diet and are in season right now: apples.

They are available in different varieties and there really is something for all tastes.

It is not for nothing that the English proverb "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" is a popular saying.

The shell in particular is said to contain a lot of nutrients, which is why it can be eaten with pleasure.

Washing apples properly: running some water over them is not enough

However, retailers use a few tricks to ensure that they look just as crisp and fresh in the supermarket after transport as they did after harvesting.

This includes, among other things, the use of pesticides during cultivation to keep pests and diseases away.

So if you eat the peel, you should wash the apple thoroughly with water beforehand.

Interestingly, this also applies to bananas.

But it's not enough to hold it under the water for a few seconds and then bite into it.

Hot water is better than cold water for washing an apple.

© RACHEL ANNIE BELL/Imago

Instead, it is advisable to use a small brush to work the bowl under running water.

However, residues of plant products can still remain, some of which have even penetrated the inside of the apple.

But don't worry: According to the

, these amounts are so small that they are classified as harmless.

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On the other hand, if you grow apples in your own garden, you should also wash the fruit before eating.

Because garden animals such as beneficial insects and pests can be found on and in them.

Therefore, it is best to put it in a salt water bath first.

The latter do not like this, let go of the apple, and then swim in the water.

Wash apples properly: Only hot water can loosen the artificial wax layer

What many people don't know, however, is that there is another reason to wash apples well.

In order for them to look plump and shiny, many producers cover them with an artificial layer of, for example, beeswax.

The apple already has such a layer naturally, but this is usually washed off after harvesting.

The artificial layer of wax is not harmful to health, but some people find it disgusting.

However, to get them off, it is important to use hot water.

Only then does the layer dissolve and is washed down the drain with the water.