Why Eat the Ugly Apple? [Infographic]

Why Eat the Ugly Apple?
(Pesticides, Wax, Toxins)

The large, well-shapen, shiny and cheaper apple at the grocery store may be beautiful, and it may look to be nutritious - especially when compared to the smaller, often misshapen apples in the organic produce aisle or at the local Farmer's Market.

But, as this infographic entitled "Why Eat the Ugly Apple?" points out, beautiful in appearance is generally not better for your health.  Not when it comes to apples or other fruits and vegetables.

Conventionally grown produce (and other foods including meat and dairy) often travels hundreds (even thousands) of miles from other states and countries. It can be weeks or even months old by the time it reaches the grocery shelf. It is often laden with preservatives.  In the case of apples, most are waxed and not all wax is safe.

Infographic Source:  GrowNYC

Related:

Is Your Diet Toxic?
How to Remove Toxic Apple Wax
Clean Food Labels

How to Remove Toxic Apple Wax [Infographic]

How to Remove Toxic Apple Wax

Conventionally grown apples are often waxed.  The wax prevents the apple from drying out and acts as a preservative, allowing it to be transported long distances and stored for a long period of time.

Related: Health Benefits of Apples

According to this infographic entitled "How to Remove Toxic Apple Wax" and other sources, some apples found at your local market can be up to one year old!   Wax can also trap residue pesticides and other harmful industrial chemicals commonly used in non-organically grown produce.

While ingestion of small amounts of certain types of "edible" waxes are considered safe for human consumption, some producers use petroleum-based waxed, which is thought be harmful to human health. 

Peeling the Skin 

Since one can never be sure which type of wax was used, eating potentially harmful wax can be avoided by simply peeling the apple.  The downside to peeling the skin is that you will be missing out on the many important nutrients that skins of most fruits and vegetables often contain.  

Safely Removing Wax

It is also possible to remove the wax by first soaking the apples in lemon juice and baking soda and then gently brushing the outside of the apples, as this infographic explains.

Buying Unwaxed, Organic and Local

Whenever possible, buy unwaxed, locally and organically grown produce at local farmer's markets.  Organic fruits and vegetables are not only grown without harmful industrial chemicals but are also more nutritious.  Locally grown ensures freshness.

Further Reading:

Be Careful - Apples Coated with Harmful Wax

Buy Unwaxed Fruit

Infographic Source:  Step Into My Green World