Hey Friends… It’s Summertime—Wash Your Fruit 🍑🌞

We’re deep into farmers market season, with stone fruit, berries, apples, cukes, and so many crunchy, juicy, vibrant gifts from God’s garden in abundance. I’ll always encourage you to buy local and support your nearby growers—which, thankfully, is pretty easy to do here in California.

But when organic isn’t an option and you need to go the conventional route, there’s one extra step I recommend before digging in.

Check to see if your fruit is coated in wax, especially if you bought it at a supermarket. If it's in a bag, check the label. If it's in bulk, ask the produce manager. 99% of the time, that perfectly shiny nectarine is wearing makeup. WAX.

Let’s talk about wax on produce, why it’s there, what it’s made of, and how to safely wash it off before you eat it.

Why Is Wax Used on Fruits and Veggies?

The short answer: to make produce last longer and look prettier on the shelf.

After harvesting, fruits and vegetables naturally start to lose moisture. Wax creates a barrier that helps prevent spoilage, locks in moisture, and gives them that glossy “fresh-picked” look. Grocery stores love it. But your gut? Maybe not so much.

What Is the Wax Made From?

This is where it gets interesting (and a little ick).

Natural Wax is just that. All fruit naturally has a wax layer, called the cuticle, that helps retail moisture. Don't worry about this wax.

Vegetable-Based Waxes come from natural sources like carnauba wax (from palm leaves), candelilla wax, or beeswax. These are generally considered safer and are more common on organic produce. You'll still want to wash is off though.

Petroleum-Based Waxes Conventional produce is often coated in wax made from petroleum derivatives. The same base used in motor oil or plastic. These synthetic waxes may contain chemical solvents, preservatives, and sometimes morpholine, a compound that’s been restricted in some countries due to potential health concerns. Legal in America, for now.

Is Wax Harmful?

I mean, eating a little wax isn’t going to send you to the ER. But it’s worth being mindful, especially if you’re eating a lot of conventionally grown fruits and veggies, skin and all.

Some concerns include:

• Digestive irritation: May cause bloating, gas, or changes in bowel movements for people with sensitive digestion.

• Chemical exposure over time: Certain compounds in synthetic waxes may contribute to the body’s toxic load, potentially affecting liver detox pathways and hormonal balance.

• Interference with nutrient absorption: Wax coatings can trap pesticides and prevent your body from properly accessing nutrients found in the skin—like fiber, antioxidants, and polyphenols.

• Residue build-up on produce that blocks natural flavor: The waxy coating can dull taste and texture, and may leave behind a film that’s unpleasant to eat.

How to Wash Off Wax

Washing with just water usually won’t cut it. Wax is meant to repel water! You can buy Veggie/Fruit wash in the market, or make your own! I keep a spray bottle on the sink for easy access.

Try This Natural Produce Wash:

1 tablespoon baking soda

1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar

1 cup water

Mix in a bowl or spray bottle. Scrub firm produce (like apples or cucumbers) with a soft brush or your hands. Rinse well and pat dry.

For softer fruits (berries, grapes), soak for a few minutes in the mix, gently stir, rinse, and drain.

Wax on fruit is the sort of thing that used to freak me out. I've mellowed out. This isn’t about perfection or paranoia. Just a gentle nudge: if God gave us beautiful, nourishing foods, let’s care for them and our bodies in the process. A little rinse goes a long way—and your gut will thank you.

Let’s keep soaking up the sunshine, crunching juicy peaches, and savoring the season—mindfully, gratefully, and with clean produce. 😉

Need help reducing toxins or improving your gut health? I offer one-on-one consultations where we explore simple, personalized changes that support your body and nervous system naturally.

💛 Book a consultation → HERE Let’s make healthy living feel doable, blissful, and rooted in grace.