Heres why the skin on your cucumbers feels waxy.
The only question is: Why do cucumbers have waxy skin?
Do you oughta peel the skin to remove any traces of wax?
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
We talked to Lena Bakovic, a registered dietician and nutritionist for the skinny on that waxy cucumber skin.
Why Is Cucumber Skin Waxy?
But when theyre plucked from the garden and washed, some of the wax washes away.
This is often when cucumbers are treated with a special wax to enhance their shelf stability, explains Bakovic.
This edible wax helps commercially-grown cucumbers stay fresh longer and keep up their shiny appearance too.
Is The Waxy Skin Safe To Eat?
Youll want to remove any potential contaminants in whatever way you prefer.
Cucumbers also have a high water content, so theyre hydrating.
Despite this, however, the wax itself does not pose a hugely worrisome health risk, says Bakovic.
Do All Cucumbers Have Waxy Skin?
For the most part, all cucumbers have waxy skin, whether the naturally-occurring kind or synthetic.
What Does Cucumber Wax Taste Like?
Like any other wax, itcanleave a residue-pop in, smooth-in-texture aftertaste, notes Bakovic.
All the better reason to make produce washing a priority!
