Shellac - what is this for?

Shellac is used in many branches i.e. in food industry as E904, pharmaceutical industry, in process of producing paints, lacquers, drawing inks, as well as in renovating antique objects and in horology as a glue.

Shellac (E904) in the food industry is used as glazing substance for confectioner’s products, bread, nuts, coffee beans. Very often it is used for protection as well as glazing of many varieties of fruits:

Citrus fruits

Melons

Peaches

Pineapples

Apples and pear

For orchardist it is shellac means much more than only glazing substance. Used on the surface of fruit it reduces withering due to limited loss of water. This is why shellac is so popular in Europe for preservation apples and pears.

Shellac is not harmful for health, but it may cause some allergy.