Can You Use Paraffin Wax For Food Wraps?
Paraffin wax is a soft, colorless wax derived from petroleum that has a melting point between 115-145°F (46-63°C) (https://medium.com/@lane.zheng/food-grade-paraffin-wax-for-food-wrapping-paper-c7c92737bc2c). It is commonly used to make candles, as a lubricant, and in cosmetics. However, food-grade paraffin wax can also be used to create reusable food wraps as an alternative to plastic wrap. Using wax wraps allows you to cover bowls, wrap sandwiches, cheeses, fruits, and other foods to keep them fresh without having to use disposable plastics. The wax coating creates a seal to prevent food from drying out. Paraffin wax wraps are reusable, washable, and biodegradable.
Pros of Paraffin Wax Wraps
Paraffin wax wraps have several advantages that make them a popular choice for food storage and preparation:
Paraffin wax is considered non-toxic and safe to use with food. According to Healthline, paraffin wax has been found to be free from toxic contaminants and safe for external use (https://www.healthline.com/health/paraffin-wax). This makes it an ideal material for food wraps where it will come into direct contact with food.
Paraffin wax wraps are reusable and washable, making them a more eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic wraps. The wraps can be gently hand washed with soap and water and reused many times.
The wax is pliable when warmed, allowing users to shape and mold the wraps as needed to cover bowls, plates, and other items. Once cooled, the wrap will hold its shape.
Paraffin wax provides a good moisture barrier to keep foods fresh. According to The Ideal Wrap, it is moisture-resistant while still allowing foods to breathe (https://www.idealwrap.com/blogs/ideal-wrap-blog/pros-and-cons-of-beeswax-food-wrap). This can help extend the shelf life of wrapped foods.
Cons of Paraffin Wax Wraps
Though paraffin wax wraps have some benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider before using them. One of the main cons of paraffin wax is that it is not biodegradable. Paraffin wax is a petroleum product, so it does not break down easily in the environment (source). This means that paraffin wax wrappers should not be composted and will persist in landfills.
Another drawback is that paraffin wax wraps have limited reuse. The wax coating can start to break down and peel after 10-20 uses, especially if not cared for properly. So while they provide some reusability compared to single-use plastic wrap, paraffin wax wraps have a shorter lifespan than some reusable options like silicone or beeswax wraps (source).
Paraffin wax wraps also need proper care between uses. The wraps must be washed gently by hand and fully dried to preserve the wax coating. Leaving moisture trapped can breed bacteria and lead to food contamination. The wraps also should not be placed in the microwave or dishwasher as the heat can melt the wax quickly.
Alternatives to Paraffin Wax Wraps
While paraffin wax is commonly used to make food wraps, there are some alternatives that are more environmentally friendly and sustainable. Three popular options are beeswax wraps, silicone wraps, and reusable plastic wraps.
Beeswax wraps are a great natural alternative to paraffin wax wraps. Beeswax is a byproduct of honey production and is more biodegradable than paraffin wax. According to this source, the downside is that beeswax tends to be more expensive than paraffin wax.
Silicone wraps are reusable, flexible covers that form an airtight seal around food. They are an easy-to-clean alternative to single-use plastic wrap. Silicone is considered relatively inert and non-toxic.
Reusable plastic wraps made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic are another option. They cling to containers and foods while remaining breathable. However, they still generate plastic waste and need to be cleaned regularly.
Overall, beeswax and silicone wraps avoid some of the environmental impacts of paraffin wax while providing food storage solutions. They may cost more upfront but can be reused repeatedly.
Making Paraffin Wax Wraps
Making your own paraffin wax wraps at home is easy with just a few basic ingredients. According to https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-make-beeswax-wraps-4107933, the main items you will need include:
- Paraffin wax – Look for food-grade paraffin wax. Some recommend using a mix of beeswax and paraffin wax.
- Fabric – 100% cotton fabrics work best, such as cotton muslin or quilting fabric. Avoid fabrics with synthetics.
- Pine resin – Optional but helps the wraps become sticky to grip food.
- Coconut oil – Also optional but makes the wraps more pliable.
The basic steps to make paraffin wax wraps are:
- Cut the fabric into the desired sizes and shapes for your wraps.
- Melt the wax and any other ingredients in a double boiler. Use around a 2:1 ratio of paraffin to beeswax or resin.
- One at a time, immerse the fabric pieces into the melted wax and coat thoroughly. Use tongs or silicone brush to remove excess wax.
- Place the coated fabrics between pieces of parchment paper. Iron the wraps on medium heat to spread the wax evenly.
- Once cooled, trim the frayed edges and your wraps are ready to use!
Tips for best results:
- Try a variety of fabric patterns and textures for different looks.
- Add extra pine resin for grippier wraps that hold food better.
- Re-coat used wraps occasionally to refresh the wax.
- Avoid high heat when washing to retain the wax coating.
Using Paraffin Wax Wraps
When using paraffin wax wraps to store food, it’s important to follow proper techniques to get the most out of them. Paraffin wax creates an airtight seal around food to keep it fresh, so make sure to wrap items tightly and mold the wax wrap around all edges and surfaces. You can wrap sandwiches, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and leftovers. Overlap any seams and press firmly to activate the wax and create a tight seal.
To keep paraffin wax working well, avoid getting the wraps wet or placing hot foods directly on them. Allow hot items to cool slightly first. You can lightly dampen the wax wrap to help it conform if needed, but don’t submerge in water.
When it’s time to clean your paraffin wax wraps, use cool water and mild soap if needed. Avoid hot water as it can melt the wax. Gently scrub any stuck on food particles. Hang wraps to fully dry before storing. Proper storage in an airtight container will help extend the life of your paraffin wax wraps.
With proper use and care, paraffin wax wraps can provide an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap for covering bowls and storing a variety of foods. Following wrapping best practices will ensure you get the most mileage out of your homemade or store-bought paraffin wax covers.
Storing Food with Paraffin Wax Wraps
Paraffin wax food wraps can be useful for storing a variety of foods, as the wax coating creates an airtight seal to retain moisture and freshness. However, there are some foods that are better suited for paraffin wax wraps than others.
The best foods to store in paraffin wax wraps are cheeses, fruits, vegetables, and baked goods. Hard cheeses like cheddar, gouda, and parmesan will keep fresh when wrapped in paraffin wax for 1-2 weeks. Soft cheeses like brie and goat cheese will last 3-5 days. Fruits like berries, grapes, cut melons, citrus slices, and stone fruits can be stored for 3-7 days before getting moldy or drying out. Raw vegetables wrapped in paraffin wax will stay crisp for 5-7 days. Cookies, breads, muffins, and other baked goods will retain moisture and not go stale for at least 5 days when wrapped in paraffin wax.
Foods that should not be wrapped in paraffin wax include raw meats, fish, damp produce like lettuce leaves or cucumbers, and leftovers or prepared foods. The wax wrap does not provide an adequate barrier against bacteria growth on perishable raw proteins. Produce with higher moisture content may get slimy quickly. Leftovers and prepared foods also have a shorter shelf life than raw ingredients, and should be stored in airtight plastic or glass containers in the refrigerator instead.
In general, paraffin wax wraps can extend the shelf life of foods by a few days. They are suitable for short-term storage of items you plan to eat within a week. The wax coating is not robust enough to enable long-term freezer storage. But they can be used to protect sandwiches and other foods for 1-2 days in the freezer before quality declines. With proper use, paraffin wax wraps provide an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap or bags for keeping food fresh for a limited time.
Paraffin Wax Wrap Recipes
When making homemade wax wraps, most recipes use a blend of beeswax, oils, and resins to create a sticky, pliable wrap. Some popular recipe options include:
Beeswax blend: A basic beeswax wrap recipe contains beeswax, pine resin, and jojoba oil. For example, this recipe uses 2 tablespoons jojoba oil, 6 tablespoons pine resin, and 1 cup beeswax pellets (https://www.chefsouschef.com/beeswax-wraps/). The pine resin makes the wraps sticky so they cling to containers.
Coconut oil blend: Coconut oil can be used instead of jojoba oil. The coconut oil adds pliability to the wrap. This vegan beeswax wrap recipe uses 2 parts coconut oil to 1 part beeswax (https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/the-complete-guide-to-diy-beeswax-wraps-including-a-beeless-vegan-food-wrap).
Essential oil blends: Essential oils like lemon, lavender, mint, and tea tree can be added for scent. Typically only a few drops are needed per recipe batch. The oils also provide antiseptic properties.
Troubleshooting Paraffin Wax Wraps
Paraffin wax wraps can sometimes develop issues like tears, loss of stickiness, or stains. Here are some tips for troubleshooting common problems with paraffin wax wraps:
To fix tears in the wrap, heat up the area around the tear using a hairdryer or by briefly holding it near a stove element. Once the wax is malleable, press the edges of the tear together until they seal back up. Allow to fully cool and harden before using. Small tears can often be fixed this way without compromising the integrity of the wrap.
If your paraffin wrap is no longer sticking to containers, the wax coating may have worn off in spots. To restore stickiness, wipe the smooth side with a paper towel soaked in a small amount of melted paraffin wax. Buff gently once dry to remove any excess wax.
To remove stains, spot clean the wrap with a paper towel dampened with a small amount of mild soap and warm water. Avoid submerging the entire wrap in water as this can damage the wax coating. For stubborn stains, try gently rubbing with baking soda before wiping with a clean damp towel.
If fixes like these don’t solve your paraffin wrap issues, it may be time to recycle the wrap and create a new one. With proper care between uses, a homemade paraffin wrap can typically last 3-6 months before needing to be replaced.
Conclusion
In summary, paraffin wax wraps have some pros and cons compared to other reusable food wrap options like beeswax wraps. The main benefits of paraffin wax wraps are that they are inexpensive, easy to make at home, and form a tight seal around food. However, they may not be as naturally antibacterial as beeswax, and some people prefer to avoid petroleum-based products when possible.
Paraffin wax is considered food-safe, but should be used with some precautions like minimizing direct contact with acidic foods. Ultimately, paraffin wax wraps can be a budget-friendly alternative to plastic wrap and disposable bags, helping reduce waste. They work best paired with proper food storage techniques. While not for everyone, they provide a usable option for creating homemade, reusable food wraps.
