An Introduction to Beeswax Wraps:
Today, people all over the world are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious. There was a time when we all used plastic quite liberally. But now we know it can be harmful to our environment and our future generations as well.
We, as a world, need products that are natural, sustainable, and easily compostable. One such wonderful product that is getting quite popular is the beeswax wrap.
For the uninitiated, Beeswax wrap is a natural food wrapping or food packing material. It is made with organic material such as beeswax, resin, and an oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil. Fabric such as cotton is used for the layer of coated fabric. This gives strength and form to the Beeswax wraps.
How to use Beeswax Wraps for food?
One of the reasons Beeswax Wraps are getting quite popular for packing food, apart from the fact that they are natural and biodegradable, is the ease of use when wrapping food. Maintaining them is easy too.
These wraps are easily mouldable and stay in place once they wrap around the food you wish to pack.
So how are these wraps used?
Using Beeswax wrap for your food is quite simple and easy.
In appearance, Beeswax wraps look similar to your wrapping paper.
When using this wrap to pack your food, you will first rub the paper between your palms. This process will generate warmth, which will make the beeswax wrap pliable.
You can now wrap the food of your choice in the paper and then mould it properly. The process will create a sort of a seal around your food. You are now good to go.
A word of caution, though. You will not be able to wrap your raw meats, fish, or chicken using a Beeswax wrap. Wrapping wet foods are also not advisable. You can place such foods in a bowl or container and then wrap the container with the Beeswax wrap.
How to care for Beeswax Wraps?
The best part about using these Beeswax wraps is that you can use them for over a year if you can maintain them properly.
You need to wash these wraps properly after every use and air-dry them properly. This is the key secret to the longevity of these wraps.
You can deep clean the Beeswax wraps with a sponge and some cold water with soap added to it in between a few uses. You can then rinse the wraps and hang them to air dry completely.
Cracks appearing on your Beeswraps?
You needn’t worry about throwing them away just yet. You can simply spread these wraps on baking sheets and allow them to dry in the sun or place them in a preheated oven.
Another good alternative?
Just blow your hair-dryer over the cracked surface. The heat will melt away the beeswax, which will then fill in the cracks. And you are good to go!!
How do I know when my Beeswax Wrap can no longer be used?
If you find it difficult to wrap your food with the wraps and are no longer mouldable and have lost their grip, it is time to throw away your wrap and get a new one.
What do I do when my Beeswax Wrap is no longer usable?
You can simply throw away your wraps in the bin. If you have a compost, then you can add the wraps to it too.
Some people use unusable beeswax wraps as firestarters, and they work surprisingly effectively.
How do I store my Beeswax Wraps when not using them?
When you aren’t using your wraps, carefully fold them and place them in a box. Tuck this box away in a cool dark place. Avoid any places that are warm or exposed to heat to avoid melting the wraps.
I am not really convinced about switching to Beeswax wraps. Tell me more!!
Beeswax wraps are a major way to avoid plastic filling up our oceans. We use huge amounts of plastic wraps. These wraps are filling up the oceans and choking up marine life.
A switch to these wraps will make a sea of a change, quite literally.
Apart from this, Beeswax wraps are breathable, which means your food stays longer.
Whether it is your sandwich, tortilla wrap, or a half-eaten fruit, beeswax wrap is going to make them fresher longer. You can even cover your bowls of half-eaten food or take-aways with these wraps. Put them in your fridge to eat later. And yes, the food stays fresh.
These wraps are available in stylish designs. So you can show off your packed food.
Final words… Switch from plastic wraps to Beeswax wraps. They are more sustainable, environmentally friendly, last you longer, and a huge gift to your future generations.