So it’s almost the season for candy apples and chocolate-dipped apple slices in bouquets. Here are some tips for removing the wax from apples to help your sweets stick to the apples.
Most traditional apples shipped in and around the U.S. have a light, food-safe wax coating that helps prevent bruising and keeps the apple fresh for longer. It’s edible, but organic apples have a thinner or no wax applied at all.
This waxy coating tends to be shiny and slippery, and can prevent tempered chocolate, syrupy candy coatings, or buttery caramel from sticking to the apple. Sometimes it will all slide down the side and pool at the bottom of the candy apple instead of completely coating it smoothly.
As a wanna-be confectioner and pastry chef, I understand the importance of ensuring that candy, caramel, and chocolate stick to apples and apple slices. It’s usually best to remove the wax coating from the apple surface to achieve this.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove the wax from an apple effectively:
- Start by washing the apple: Rinse the apple under running water to remove any dirt or debris on the surface. Gently scrub the apple with a vegetable brush to ensure thorough cleaning.
- Use a mild dish soap or baking soda: Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Soak the apple in the soapy water for a few minutes, allowing the soap to break down the wax. Or you can apply a sprinkle of baking soda to the wet apple. (Note that dish soap is usually better at breaking down fats, which is what wax is.)
- Scrub the apple: Take a clean vegetable brush or a soft cloth and scrub the apple surface gently. Pay close attention to areas where wax might be more concentrated, such as the stem and the bottom of the apple.
- Rinse thoroughly: Once you’ve scrubbed the apple, rinse it under running water to remove any soap residue and loosened wax. Ensure that all traces of soap are washed away.
- Dry the apple: Use a clean towel or paper towel to dry the apple completely. Make sure there is no excess moisture on the surface before proceeding.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove the wax from an apple, creating a clean surface for candy and chocolate to adhere to.
Here are a few additional tips to ensure success:
- Use organic apples: Organic apples often have a thinner layer of wax compared to conventionally grown apples. This can make the wax removal process easier.
- Use a vegetable peeler: If you prefer, you can also use a vegetable peeler to remove the wax. Gently skim the edge of the apple, being careful to just remove the wax layer.
- Dry thoroughly before dipping: Before dipping the apple into melted chocolate or candy coating, ensure that it is completely dry. Any moisture on the surface will prevent proper adhesion.
- Chill the apple: After dipping the apple in chocolate or candy coating, place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to allow the coating to set. This will help the candy or chocolate stick to the apple better.
The bottom line
With these tips and techniques, you can confidently remove the wax from an apple, preparing it for a delightful candy, caramel, or chocolate coating or dip!
Enjoy creating delicious treats with perfectly coated apples and apple slices!