<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Hello list.

For any of you who live in Israel or wish to visit, here is some news
hot off the wire services:

NEW COATINGS FOR PRODUCE
A new type of cheap and edible coating for fruits and vegetables has
been developed by a research team at Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
The commonly used material for this purpose is wax.  The new family of
coatings consists of edible gums and various hydrophobic ingredients
common in the outer layers of specific fruits and vegetables.  The
researchers point out that their work has led to the firm conclusion
that development of successful coatings requires careful study of each
product that is to be protected, and that there can therefore be no
single coating that suits all products or needs.  Interest has already
been expressed by local citrus and mushroon growers; similar inquiries
from abroad are anticipated.

Who knows what this coating will actually be made from. Israel has
always prided itself on FRESH fruits and veggies all year round. Now
this resorting to longer shelf-life, which is basically for financial
profit.

Still, it would be difficult to believe that the coating would contain
wheat starch since that would make such produce, edible any day of the
year, inedible during Passover. I will try to get details, especially
for potential tourists who have intollerances besides gluten.

Sharon Marcus
Haifa