As we discussed in a previous article, beeswax is becoming more and more popular for food storage and preservation. Although it is not new to use it to conserve food (the ancient Egyptians have been doing it for centuries), its revival is in the form of reusable beeswax wraps. 

Reusable Beeswax Wraps

These are mouldable sheets with which you can wrap your food and food containers for storage. The fabric, mostly cotton, is infused with food-grade beeswax. Usually, manufacturers add some other ingredients too, such as rosin, coconut oil and jojoba oil, to enhance the functionality of the product.

Beeswax wraps are waterproof and limited the movement of moisture. Thus, they are helpful in preventing unwanted moisture from the atmosphere percolating into your food; and help trap moisture inside your food, thus keeping it fresher for longer. It is also said to be anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, making it ideal to seal fresh cheeses for ageing. Beeswax wraps are reusable and have a lifespan of approximately one year. You can extend its lifespan by maintaining your product well and reviving the beeswax every now and then. 

Are these Right For You?

Beeswax wraps are a sustainable alternative to plastic wraps and single-use plastic, although not the only solution. It is a good option in our current battle against plastic pollution. The material is breathable and keeps food fresher for longer, reducing food waste. If you’d like to know more on beeswax wraps and sustainability, check out this link.

The wraps show some drawbacks as well. They are not suitable for wrapping wet food items, such as raw meat or raw fish. Neither can they be used to store food for little children or for the immunocompromised. Next to that, beeswax wraps are currently expensive. Have you ever tried using beeswax wraps? What was your experience with them? Let us know!

Written by Elise Coudré and edited by Jashan Sippy. 

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