There are so many tricks to replace plastic wrap, among the popular ones is beeswax wrap. But, how did this food packaging become so popular?

The use of plastic as food packaging is not recommended. Not only because it will trigger new waste, but the chemical compounds in plastic are dangerous for our health.

Beeswax wrap is among the best solutions for wrapping food. This product can be used many times to pack the food, and does not contain harmful chemical compounds that contaminate food.

What Is Beeswax Wrap?

Beeswax wrap is the latest breakthrough for eco-friendly food packaging without having to rely on plastic products.

In general, beeswax wraps are made of cloth covered with beeswax, rosin (a type of natural resin made from plants), and jojoba or coconut oil. All of these materials are categorized as food-grade and organic.

The result is a sheet of cloth that is flexible and reliable enough to wrap the food. Through its wax coating, beeswax wrap is waterproof but not airtight so it is perfect for storing food.

Beeswax wrap is not only the best solution to avoid single-use plastics, but it is the best packaging that has antibacterial compounds. This natural product is able to keep food fresh and does not trigger new waste because it can be washed and reused. Because it is not airtight, food will stay fresh longer.

As an eco-friendly food packaging, beeswax wrap can be used repeatedly, helping to reduce plastic packaging which produces environmental pollution.

When it reaches its final cycle, due to tearing or damage, beeswax wrap is biodegradable and does not harm the environment. This product is suitable for households who want to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle.

What Foods Can Be Stored with Beeswax Wrap?

Almost any type of food can be stored in beeswax wrap, even for opened or peeled food. Fruits, vegetables, cakes, cheese, and bread are some examples.

Fruits such as avocados, lemons, oranges, tomatoes, mangos, or other types that have been peeled can be wrapped in beeswax wrap to maintain their condition. Various types of vegetables, cheese, and pastries can be stored as well.

Cakes stored in beeswax wrap can last up to two weeks, while breads can last up to one week. An important tip, when opening food wrapped in beeswax from the refrigerator, wait for the beeswax to reach room temperature. Opening faster will make the wax layer break.

When bringing lunch to the office, use beeswax wrap again to wrap the dirty cutlery such as spoons and forks. Though, it is not recommended to store hot food in beeswax wrap. This is because hot food can damage the wax covers. Foods that can be stored in beeswax wrap are temporarily limited.

Likewise, soup should not be packaged with beeswax. The reason is that the majority of beeswax products are still available in sheet form. Also, it is not recommended to store raw meat in beeswax, including raw fish. The solution, put the meat and fish in a bowl then use beeswax wrap as a cover.

How Long Can Beeswax Wrap Last?

When used and cared for properly, beeswax wrap can last up to 150-250 uses. In general, this number is equal to one year. But how long food stored in beeswax wraps can last, will depend on the type of food.

In general, food stored in beeswax wrap and placed in the freezer can last up to three weeks. But because beeswax wrap is not an airtight packaging, it is better to check the freshness level periodically.

If the frequency of using beeswax is lower than average, this food packaging product may last even longer. If due to high frequency of use and the beeswax begins to lose its waxy coating, this can be corrected by placing it in the heater for 5 minutes and using the lowest temperature for 5 minutes.

Though, not all beeswax wrap can be fixed with this method. When the beeswax wrap is old or starting to lose its function, it could be a sign to replace it with a new one. Cut the beeswax wrap into small pieces and compost it, or throw it in the organic trash.

How To Clean Beeswax Wrap?

As an eco-friendly product, beeswax wrap can be used repeatedly so it must be washed when it is dirty and stored when it is clean. Care for beeswax wrap is easy to do.

Just use clean water then rub gently and let it dry. To remove food, odors, dust, or residual dirt, add soap while scrubbing. What should be noted, do not use a rough or abrasive sponge, your hands are enough.

It is important to note, you should not use hot water to clean any beeswax product. There's no need to put the beeswax wrap in the washing machine as it will damage the wax coating. After cleaning, the beeswax wrap does not need to be dried under the sun because it can damage the wax layer.

For storage methods, place beeswax wrap in a shaded area away from heat, including household appliances that store heat.