Candelilla
Used as a natural wax to cover fruit after the natural wax has been removed in the cleaning process. It is also popular in the cosmetic industry (balms and body lotions) polosh, food additive, and other waterproofing uses.
It is a hard film that is most effective at helping prevent water loss, aiding longer term storage.
Candelilla is a flowering shrub, Euphorbia antisyphilitica native to the deserts of Northern Mexico. The wax comes from the leaves. Harvesting is, in theory, more sustainably controlled with only 60% of the leaves taken, after significant over cropping in the past.
E number is E902
It’s qualities are being explored for other uses such as biodegradable films.
