When I embarked on my sourdough bread-making journey, I soon realized I was consuming a ton of gallon-sized Ziploc bags for my bread storage. Concerned about the environmental impact, I began searching for a more sustainable way to store my freshly baked loaves. That's when I stumbled upon beeswax wraps.
Why Beeswax Wraps?
Beeswax wraps are a reusable alternatives to plastic wrap and Ziploc bags. Made from cotton fabric infused with beeswax, these wraps provide a natural and breathable storage solution that helps keep bread fresh without sacrificing the environment or our pocketbook.
Benefits of Beeswax Wraps:
Breathable: The breathable nature of beeswax wraps allows bread to stay fresh longer by maintaining optimal moisture levels without trapping excess moisture.
Customizable: You can easily customize the size and shape of beeswax wraps to fit different types of bread, cheese and more.
Easy to Use: Simply mold the wrap around your loaf using the warmth of your hands. The wax softens with body heat, creating a seal that keeps bread fresh.
Materials You'll Need:
Cotton Fabric: Opt for organic or tightly woven fabric that can hold the wax well.
Beeswax Pellets: These will form the base of your wraps, providing the necessary waterproofing.
Parchment Paper: For the melting and setting process.
Old towel: To protect your countertop if the beeswax melts beyond the parchment paper and the heat of your iron.
Iron: To melt the beeswax pelts into the fabric. Make sure it’s on the dry setting.
Set-up Guide:
Prepare the Fabric: Wash and dry the fabric to remove any coatings or chemicals. Cut into desired shape(s). I typically cut my beeswax wraps large enough to encompass a loaf of sandwich bread. This size is also versatile enough to cover most bowls instead of using plastic wrap.
Prepare the Surface: Start by covering your kitchen counter with an old towel. This provides a soft, protective layer and prevents any wax from accidentally sticking to your counter.
Layer with Parchment Paper: Next, lay down a piece of parchment paper that extends beyond the size of your intended beeswax wrap by 2-3 inches. Depending on the size of your wraps, you may need to overlap two sheets of parchment to ensure adequate coverage.
Arrange the Fabric: Place your pre-cut cotton fabric on top of the parchment paper. This fabric will be the base for your beeswax wrap.
Sprinkle Beeswax Pellets: Evenly sprinkle beeswax pellets over the fabric. This is where the magic happens, as the pellets will melt and infuse into the fabric to create a protective and flexible coating.
Cover with Another Layer of Parchment: To prevent the beeswax from sticking to your iron, cover the fabric and beeswax pellets with another layer of parchment paper.
Melting and Setting the Beeswax:
Apply Heat: Use a medium-heat iron to melt the beeswax pellets into the fabric. The heat from the iron transfers through the parchment paper, evenly distributing the wax.
Check and Adjust: Lift the top layer of parchment paper occasionally to check if the wax has melted and spread evenly across the fabric. Use the iron to smooth out any uneven areas.
Cool and Set: Allow the beeswax wrap to cool completely. As it cools, the beeswax solidifies, creating a natural seal that helps preserve the freshness of your bread and other food items.
Ready to Use: Once cooled and hardened, your wax wraps are ready to use! Mold them around bread, sandwiches, fruits, or any food item using the warmth of your hands.
Care Instructions: Wash the wraps with cool water and mild soap as needed. Avoid hot water, as it can melt the wax. Air dry the wraps and store them flat or rolled up for future use.
Conclusion:
Beeswax wraps have transformed the way I store my sourdough bread.