WAX ON, WAX OFF

摘要

Natural waxes are syhthesised biochemically by numerous plants and animals. Especially in warm climates, plants secrete waxes as a way to control evaporation and hydration, essentially to protect against dehydration. But most fruits are also covered with a thin wax layer protecting them from environmental influences, and against pest infestation and microbial attack. Obtaining this wax is difficult, depending on the source. Usually the fruits or leaves are dried and then boiled out in water. The crude wax is skimmed off the water surface. Subsequendy, in several steps, impurities like suspended particles and peroxides are physically removed.