Beeswax wraps are a great alternative to plastic wrap. They are more sustainable, you can use them again and again, and they are also stronger than other traditional wraps. Making your own is easy! All you need are some ingredients that you probably already have at home.
This guide will cover how to make beeswax wraps. The process is quite easy, but it does take some time to produce the wraps. It is worth it though, as they are a healthy and eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap.
The first step is gathering everything you need for this project. You will need about 2-3 yards of 100 percent cotton fabric, a grater, baking paper, an iron, scissors and of course beeswax. It is also imperative that your beeswax be sustainably sourced because it allows you to avoid the environmental impact that comes with using petroleum-based waxes or other synthetic materials.
The first step is to grate the beeswax into smaller pieces with your grater. Then cut a piece of cotton fabric so that it's about an inch bigger than the size you want your wrap to be. Put a sheet of baking paper onto a flat heat resistant surface and place your piece of cotton fabric onto the sheet. Spread a tablespoon full of grated beeswax evenly over the fabric. Put another layer of baking paper over the top and then gently iron over this baking paper for 20-30 seconds at a medium heat or wool setting. Leave the wax soaked fabric to cool and then peel it from the top and bottom pieces of baking paper. Any leftover beeswax can be peeled from the paper and used again to make another beeswax foodwrap.
This video shows how to make a beeswax wrap using an oven rather than with an iron:
That's it! You can now use your homemade beeswax wrap as you would a piece of clingfilm. Just make sure the food you are going to wrap is cool then simply wrap it around letting the warmth of your hands mold it into shape.
Unlike clingfilm, a beeswax food wrap can be used over and over again. You can wash it in cool water with a little detergent before laying it out flat to dry.
Remember that beeswax begins to melt at between 62 and 65 deg. C so don't put them in contact with hot food or containers. Some of the wax may get where you don't want it even though beeswax is harmless if swallowed!
Should your beeswax food wrap get a few permanent wrinkles or become less sticky, you can easily revive it by ironing it between two sheets of baking paper . Once it has been allowed to cool it will be ready to use again.