How to Wax Cucumbers

Elongate the shelf life of your cucumbers by waxing them.

Cucumbers are waxed to protect them during the shipping process and to trap in moisture. An organic substance, called carnauba wax, naturally preserves the cucumbers. It is made from the carnauba palm tree. Petroleum-based waxes are not considered as healthy because they contain solvent-based resin. A variety of vegetables are waxed, including potatoes, bell peppers and eggplants. If you want to preserve your cucumbers safely, apply carnauba wax to the skin. Does this Spark an idea?

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Soft cloth
One cup of carnauba wax
Microwavable container
Microwave

Instructions

- 1
  
  Rub the skin of the cucumbers gently with a soft cloth to remove dirt and other residue. Do not wash the skin as it removes the natural protective coating of the cucumber.
- 2
  
  Insert one cup of carnauba wax in a microwavable container.
- 3
  
  Microwave the wax using the "Medium" setting for 30 seconds. If the wax is not completely melted, repeat the heating process in 10 second intervals until it fully liquefies.
- 4
  
  Place your index and middle finger into a soft cloth. Dip the soft cloth into the wax.
- 5
  
  Rub the skin of the cucumber with a thin layer of wax. After you coat the skin, place the whole cucumber in the soft cloth and rub the entire cucumber to spread the wax evenly. You have now waxed a cucumber.