Ingredients
- One bar of wax
- Fabric (Pleasing to you, the finer the better, don't use denim...)
- A flat knife (for spreading the wax out when it is hot)
- A box grater (that will be used for this only, ever- please don't wash this in your dishwasher)
- An oven tray (that will be used for this only, ever)
DIY Beeswax Storage Wraps
Method
- 1
- Heat oven to 180C
- 2
- Cut fabric to size
- Work out what sizes will suit you
- 2 or 3 cm around the edge of a bowl is good
- I made a 42x42cm for my bread
- 3
- Grate the beeswax, it grates more easily at Dunedin room temp
- Don't leave it in the sun
- 4
- Place cut fabric on the oven tray one or two in a single layer at a time
- 5
- Sprinkle with wax, 2T or so per 20x20cm area
- Place in oven for 75 seconds (use a timer)
- 6
- Open door and check it is all melted (give it another 15 seconds if you need to)
- 7
- Bring out and use flat of knife, or old pastry brush to spread the wax to the edges
- 8
- Pick up tentatively by a corner and air dry for 20 seconds or so
- It should be cool enough to use
- 9
- Admire
- 10
- If you don't think you have enough coverage of wax, then sprinkle with a wee bit more wax and melt it again
Comments
Want to replace all the plastic wrap you use in the kitchen with a sustainable (and pleasing) alternative? Well, this is not the perfect trade but in some ways it is better and in all ways it is kinder to the planet and your wallet. The antibacterial quality and airtight nature of the wrap makes it ideal for storing cheese and bread, sandwiches and on bowls to go in the fridge.
You can clean these in a sink of COLD water with a mild soap as if they are slightly flimsy dishes.
They should last about 6 to 8 months.
When the wax starts to crack, or look thin just re-melt it a little in the oven then spread as above, you may want to add another tsp or two of wax when you do this.
The internet is abuzz with blogs on how to do this, if you would like more explicit instructions please consult Google.
Thanks to Bennies Honey for the beeswax used in the demonstration.
If you would like to download a printable version of this recipe, please click here
