Wax on Cukes

[EZ rider]

I have heard that retailers put wax on cucumbers to extend their shelf life. Has anyone else heard this ? If that is the case then what is the effect of the wax ? Does it cause any digestive problems ? Does anyone peel their cucumbers before eating ?

[CaliRaw]

I heard the same thing about the shelf life extending. Also, it's used to make them look prettier/shiny. They do it to apples too. I read that the wax can hold the pesticides.

[EZ rider]

I read that the wax can hold the pesticides.Ouch ! ! ! Thats not a good thing :(

[JennaBoBenna]

I always scrub my non-organic cucumbers to get the wax off. I use dish soap, which seems to help. Then rinse it really well. Lately I've just been buying them from farmers(3 for a dollar!) or buying them organic :)

[herbalgirl]

I usually just end up peeling them to be safe.

[juliebove]

Standard cucumbers do have wax. So do apples. Organic do not.

[luckitri]

Food Grade Wax. The skin of the organic feels the same as the others so I assumed they are waxed also. I peel them all.

What I have really been wondering and hope that someone here knows - is there some way to tell if a cucumber is bitter prior to purchase? (Example: Like with Hatch New Mexico Chilies the pointy tip and round tip designate hot or mild?) I made the gorilla sandwiches the other day and failed to taste test for bitterness prior and so it was not very pleasant eating. Also years ago I heard that the way you slice a cuke can create bitterness or sweetness and I do not remember the technique - anyone know that?

[dalimeindacoconut]

Stick a wick in it and burn that cucumber candle LOL! Sorry, I couldn't help myself. Actually, stole this idea, but I hallow mine out and stuff it with whatever delicious raw stuff I can possible stuff it with, chew into it, wax n' all. My friend was surprised that I ate it with the skin. That is the only way I have ever eaten mine. She has always peeled hers before eating. Everybody has a different style.

[EZ rider]

What does the wax do ? I'm going guess that maybe it plugs up and gums up the absorption areas so that nutrients can't be absorbed. Is this about right ?

[dalimeindacoconut]

Morbin thought: I just hope it's not the same wax that morticians use. Is it? mortifying.

[PomegranatePip]

Yes, I've heard of this. I usually eat "hot house" cucumbers (not organic, but they're supposedly grown with less pesticides), and they don't have any wax. If I did come across waxed ones, I would just peel them (same goes for apples).

[dalimeindacoconut]

Cucumbers and Wax Coatings

Conventionally grown cucumbers, like other fragile vegetables, may be waxed to protect them from bruising during shipping. Plant, insect, animal or petroleum-based waxes may be used. Carnauba palm is the most common plant-source wax. Other compounds, such as ethyl alcohol or ethanol, are added to the waxes for consistency, milk casein (a protein linked to milk allergy) for "film formers" and soaps for flowing agents. Since you may not be able to determine the source of these waxes, this is another good reason to choose organically grown cucumbers

[Dandelion Girl]

Thanks for posting this. I had no idea all that was in the wax. I always buy organic, but have eaten non-organic ones in salads at restaurants.

[Morn]

If they are waxed I peel mine. But lately I have been enjoying cucumbers from friends and family's gardens.