Embracing Beeswax Food Wraps: A Natural Solution for Fresher Food and a Healthier Planet
For so many years I had been using plastics and wraps for my refrigerator foods. Every time I would pull the plastic offenders out of the drawer to preserve my leftovers and fresh veggies I would cringe. Not only did I know I would eventually throw these away, I am unsure how safe they are around my food in the first place!
I considered these the ‘uglies’ in my kitchen and had been looking for ways to create a more eco-friendly choice in my everyday life – this is the most aspect that has been bothering me and now I feel I have found the answer. Beeswax Food Wraps!
These wraps, which are made from natural materials like beeswax, organic cotton, and jojoba oil, are much better than regular plastic wraps in many ways. This piece talks about the natural benefits of beeswax wraps, why they’re better than plastic wraps, how they affect the health of different types of food, and how long they last overall.
The Natural Perspective
Don’t you find these absolutely beautiful? I find the useful pattern of nature can be seen in beeswax wraps. Since these wraps are mostly made of beeswax, they naturally kill germs and microbes. This makes a naturally sticky, breathable wrap that molds to the shape of food and keeps it fresh. Usually they are made with organic cottons and jojoba oil.
The Benefits of Beeswax Food Wraps
Environmental Sustainability
One of the best things about beeswax wraps is that they are good for the environment. Plastic wraps come from fossil fuels that can’t be replaced and add to pollution and trash. Beeswax wraps, on the other hand, are made from natural materials that break down over time. They break down safely when thrown away, which naturally, creates less landfill and goes back to nature.
Reusability
Because beeswax wraps can be used again and again, they are an eco-friendly way to store food for a long time. Plastic wraps are usually only used once and then thrown away, but beeswax wraps can be cleaned and used again and again. One beeswax wrap can last up to a year with the right care, which cuts down on waste by a large amount.
Breathability
Because beeswax wraps let air pass through them, food stays fresher for longer. Beeswax wraps let food breathe, which stops condensation and mold from growing. This is in contrast to plastic wraps, which form a seal that traps moisture and makes food go bad faster. This ability to let air pass through helps things like cheese, fruits, and veggies last longer.
Natural Preservation
Beeswax and jojoba oil naturally kill germs and fungus, which helps keep them from growing on food surfaces. This natural way of preserving food not only keeps it fresh, but it also cuts down on the need for chemicals that are often added to plastic wrap. So, beeswax wraps are a better way to store food because they are healthier and more natural.
Natural Preservation
One of the most amazing things about beeswax wraps is that they can keep different kinds of food fresh. Let us look at how they affect different groups:
Cheese
Cheese has delicate tastes and textures, so it needs to be stored carefully so it doesn’t dry out or pick up smells you don’t want. Beeswax wraps make a shield around cheese that lets it breathe but keeps it from losing moisture. This keeps the taste and keeps it from drying out too much or getting mold. I have been experimenting with different types of wraps vs different types of cheese and have found that my beeswax wraps work wonderfully for cheese!
Fruits and Vegetables
When fruits and veggies are out in the air, they tend to dry out and go bad. Beeswax wraps make a tight seal around food, which keeps it fresh and crisp for longer than plastic wraps, which tend to trap moisture and cause food to rot. Beeswax wraps are a good way to keep a lot of different kinds of food fresh longer, from leafy greens to juicy berries.
Bread
When bread is handled wrong, it goes bad quickly and doesn’t taste good. If you want to keep bread fresh, beeswax wraps are a great option to plastic bags or cling film. Their protective yet open nature helps keep the bread’s moisture levels steady, keeping it from drying out while still letting it breathe, which keeps its structure and taste. Adding the wrapped bread to a fabric bag makes the perfect fresh seal.
Leftovers
When meals are kept in plastic containers, they often lose their freshness and taste. Wrapping leftovers in beeswax wraps is an eco-friendly and easy way to keep them fresh and tasty until the next meal. Beeswax wraps are a reliable and flexible way to store food. You can use them to cover a bowl of pasta or wrap a sandwich for lunch.
Longevity Compared to Saran Wraps/Plastics:
Durability
There is less chance of tears or holes in beeswax wraps than in plastic wraps, so they last longer. Natural materials like beeswax, resin, and jojoba oil make a shield that is strong and flexible enough to be used over and over again.
Maintenance
Taking care of beeswax wraps is easy and basic. You can wash them with light soap and cool water after each use and let them dry in the air. This simple way of cleaning helps keep the wraps in great shape for longer.
Extended Lifespan
A single beeswax wrap can last up to a year or even longer if you take good care of it. This longer life span is much longer than that of plastic wraps, which are usually thrown away after just one use. This helps reduce trash and the damage it does to the environment.
Environmental Impact
Customers can make a big difference in the environment by picking beeswax wraps over plastic wraps. Because beeswax wraps are made from natural, recyclable materials, they reduce pollution and plastic trash, making them a better choice for storing food in the long term.
Cost-Effectiveness
Beeswax wraps may cost more than plastic wraps at first, but they last longer and can be used more than once, so they are a good investment. Over time, the money saved by not having to buy throwaway plastic wraps more than covers the cost of the wraps themselves. This makes beeswax wraps an easy and affordable way to store food for a long time.
In such a natural way, beeswax food wraps have a lot of benefits. They are better than plastic wraps because they are better for the environment, can be used more than once, and keep food fresh. Beeswax wraps are a long-lasting and effective way to reduce trash and make the world a healthier place. They can be used to wrap cheese, fruits, veggies, or leftovers. We can take a small but important step toward a better future for future children by using beeswax wraps in our homes. I am so happy to have such a wonderful alternative and candidly, I enjoy using my beeswax wraps. The lovelies shown in the photos above can be purchased here.
They are so pretty, so adaptable and so very useful. I imagine this is perhaps what Heidi in the mountains may have used as she watched over her sheep! Tell me what you think – are these a good alternative? Have you found a better way? I would love to hear your own experiences.
Thanks for sharing, my friend!
Avi @ Heirloom Lifestyle
