As Beeswax wraps are relatively new to the market, we thought we’d answer some questions that have often been asked about this product.
We are always looking to update our website with useful information, so if you have a question that we haven’t answered for you, please do get in touch.
WHY SHOULD I USE BEESWAX WRAPS?
Beeswax wraps have lots of great benefits; its healthy living and a safe alternative to plastic wraps. In addition, it’s natural, eco-friendly and non-toxic, it has antibacterial properties that help keep things clean, it has anti-fungal properties that prevent the growth of yeasts and other fungi, it keeps unwanted moisture out to keep food fresh.
WHAT ARE BEESWAX WRAPS MADE OF?
Beeswax food wraps are made from 100% cotton material, Beeswax, Organic jojoba oil and Pine Tree Resin. This combination of ingredients creates a pliable food wrap that can be shaped and reused.
The beeswax and jojoba oil have antibacterial qualities that help to keep food fresh. Plus they’re reusable so you can use them again and again.
HOW DO I USE A FOOD WRAP?
Simply use the warmth of your hands to shape the wrap around a piece of food or to over a bowl; the wraps will become pliable. Beeswax wraps are ideal for cheese, cut vegetable, fruits, snacks and anything you used to wrap in plastic, except meats or fish.
HOW DO I CLEAN MY BEESWAX WRAP?
In COOL water with a gentle dish soap. The beeswax coating will be stiff, providing a stable surface to clean. Wash the air dry, or blot carefully with a tea towel, then store.
WHERE CAN I STORE THEM?
You should store them away from heat and direct sunlight. You can keep them in the box they came in or leave them in a drawer for convenience.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY BEESWAX WRAP?
After using your wraps, just clean them with cool water & mild soap without scrubbing. Let them air dry. Then store them folded flat for your next use. You can store them flat in a drawer. If the wraps are used for food in the fridge, just be gentle with them as the wax will be stiff. Avoid prolonged use with coloured foods such as beetroot or turmeric as this will stain the wraps.
HOW LONG WILL MY BEESWAX WRAP LAST?
Beeswax wraps can last anywhere from six months up to a year depending on care and use. For wraps that are used heavily, expect less. Taking good care of your wrap will extend its life.
DOES A BEESWAX WRAP HAVE A SCENT & DOES IT TAINT THE FOOD?
Yes and no. Beeswax wraps carry a subtle scent of beeswax, which will remind you that the bees helped to make them! The scent will reduce with time and use. There is no need to worry about the scent transferring to your food, as it doesn’t happen!
WHAT CAN I USE MY BEESWAX WRAPS FOR?
You can use them to cover bowls, baked goods, sandwiches, cut fruit & vegetables, cups and jars, etc. The list goes on…with a little creative thinking, the possibilities are endless.
Beeswax wraps are not suitable for wrapping fresh meat, chicken or fish as the wraps cannot be washed in water hot enough to eliminate the possibility of cross contamination with other foods. However, these items can be stored in a bowl with a wrap over the top as long as the wrap does not get contaminated.
CAN I USE MY BEESWAX WRAP IN THE MICROWAVE?
No, because it will melt the wax and possibly ruin the wrap.
CAN I USE MY BEESWAX WRAP IN THE FREEZER?
Yes, you can. Just wrap your food item as normal to create a tight seal and pop in the freezer or fridge. It works well to store dough and other freezer foods.
After the wraps have been placed in the freezer, they will become stiff as the wax hardens. To prevent the wax on the wrap from cracking, allow them to come to room temperature before unwrapping.
WHAT THINGS DO I NEED TO AVOID ?
• Do not use hot water or strong chemical dishwashing liquid
• Do not submerge or soak your wrap
• Avoid acid fruits like pineapple, lemons, limes, oranges, etc.
• The wraps are not suitable for dishwashing, microwave oven, direct heat or high temperatures.
• Keep away from all source of heat and open flames.
• Beeswax wraps are not suitable for wrapping fresh meat, chicken or fish as the wraps cannot be washed in water hot enough to eliminate the possibility of cross contamination with other foods. However, these items can be stored in a bowl with a wrap over the top as long as the wrap does not get contaminated.
WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE MY WRAPS LAST LONGER?
After some time and usage, you may find your wrap becoming less adhesive. You can easily remedy this by heating the wrap with a warm hair dryer until you see the wax shining as it heats up. You will see your entire wrap rejuvenate! Another method is to place your wrap on a tray with a sheet of grease proof and place it in an oven at 100 degrees Celsius for a minute or so. Let the wrap cool, then you're ready to it use again.
WILL MY WRAPS GET STAINED?
Stains and creases in the fabric are normal as the wraps are made of natural material. It is likely that deeply pigmented foods will stain your wrap. This is perfectly normal and totally harmless. You can minimise staining by rinsing your wrap in cold water shortly after food has been removed. Please avoid prolonged contact with oily or greasy food.
Scientific Bonus!
Did you know that beeswax is 100% hydrophobic? This means that it’s water repellent so moisture will not stick to it, making it easy to wash.
One of the most important properties of natural beeswax is that it has antimicrobial properties against such organisms as Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, yeast and mould. It has been widely used for maturing cheeses for hundreds of years because of this. It is ideal for this purpose as it prevents proliferation of mould due to its moisture and water repellent properties: beeswax allows the cheese to breathe and moisture to escape. Fruit and vegetable skin does exactly the same: it allows the contents to breathe but won’t allow contaminants to enter the fruit.
The use of plastics to cover food will seal food, but at what cost to the environment and the food? If you wrap cheese in some cling film, it will soon start to sweat. This moisture then breeds bacteria and mould growth and the food will deteriorate very quickly. This does not happen with a beeswax wrap ... Enjoy your purchase!
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