To beeswax or wrap

                                                                      Week 5 ( Save $5 )

Is there another natural GREEN alternative for food storage instead of PLASTIC cling wraps ? I want to start by doing my part more by finding something that is reusable, keeps food fresher and ZERO waste.



I have my block of cheese all beeswax up!

Actually there is sustainable fabric bees wax wraps which are slowly finding it's way on store shelves. These organic cotton fabric sheets comes in many sizes and shapes.  They are lightly coated with bees wax and jojoba oil. They are reusable!

Just a simple wash with gentle soap in cool water, air dry and good to wrap again for up to a year! Price tag : 3 for $18 (sizes: small, medium or large)

#beeswax

After looking at different methods of making these wraps on the internet...Why don't I TRY to DIY my own ! Now, the most important thing to source : 100 % beeswax ( the wax must be food safe ! )

I was fortunate that my big chain health food store did carry a few varieties of  beeswax's and it made sense to buy the small bar (and if I am not happy with the wraps, look out for future candle tutorials).  Beeswax is also available at Michaels so I was told *shrugs

My fabric was purchased for a few bucks and it was perfect for this project especially with the food motif ( it was also 100 % cotton).  **Make sure your fabric is washed, dried and pressed before starting.

You will need : measuring tape, scissors, cheese shredder, parchment paper,  safe ironing area , large old towels and an iron.

Let's get started! (I decided to make ONE square wrap 12 x 12" to test without any essential oils )

Figure out what size wraps work best for you: 7x7, 10x10, 13x13.
Cut your fabric size and shape out ( maybe you rather use circular shapes vs. squares ).

grate the wax

sprinkle the wax

On your ironing board or area, place an old large towel with a piece of parchment paper larger than your fabric cut out. Place the fabric on top of the parchment paper ( it does not matter whether the fabric is the right or wrong side) .

With your shredder, either shred the wax on the fabric or in a container and spread the wax generously only on half of the fabric only (Shredder washes easily clean). For my fabric,  I only covered 6 inches with the wax.

Fold the non waxed side of the fabric over the wax covered side.  Place another piece of parchment sheet over the folded fabric.

With your iron set on medium-high, slowly iron the parchment paper slowly to melt the wax through the two layers. You will see the waxy grease spots and keep ironing. Remove the top parchment paper and wave the fabric to air dry.

I am using a small
travel iron

Once the fabric has cooled, touch the fabric to make sure every square inch has been covered by melted wax. If you find some bare spots, sprinkle some more shredded wax and iron again between the 2 parchment papers. You can iron on single sheet and do not have to fold in half for this process, Repeat the process until you think the fabric is evenly coated.

Once the fabric dries, it will be stiff yet pliable.

With the warmth of your hands, you can  press it over a bowl, fold it around a block of cheese, fruit or vegetables. You may need to tie a string around your bowl or wrapped item. You will never get that plastic cling wrap seal which is fine because its works! Never wrap raw meat with the wraps, it's not ideal for all foods!

Apparently, you can recoat the surface of your fabric again when you find the wraps are a little worn and not as pliable...how awesome is that!

Here are my thoughts : I used only about 1/8 " of the beeswax. I can probably make about 12 more wraps with the one block of wax ( I paid $8 ). It's very economical to make.  I will use a larger grater next time for larger coverage... it is a learning process to figure how much wax to spread on the fabric. The beeswax is food safe and the waxy grater did come out clean easily .
Overall, I am quite happy with the final product and I will update you next time regarding wax wrapped items.  I was told sometimes the scent from of the beeswax gets absorbs into the wrapped food item.

Are you convinced to go with the Beeswax ?  Let me know your thoughts below in the comment section.


                                                           Enjoy!