Is it true that oranges are sometimes sprayed to allow them to have more of an orange color?

Question

A double dare rides on this. Please let me know and also the source to where your answer comes from.

Answer 1

When I use oranges or lemons in cake making I always put them in a bowl and pour boiling water over them before grating the zest. The waxy film comes off and so does a whole load of colour that tints the water.

I would say that they are coloured to make them more attractive to the shopper.

I generally buy unwaxed lemons but they are not always available. I have never seen unwaxed oranges for sale though.

Answer 2

Oranges are sometimes sprayed with a thin, clear wax coating to keep them fresher longer. But, I've never heard of them being sprayed to make them look more orange.