Better Homes And Gardens Fajita Ranch Chicken Wraps

brunswick, me december 4 the author wraps a turkey sandwich made from fresh baked bread with beeswax coated cloth, a sustainable food wrap staff photo by ben mccannaportland portland press herald via getty images

Portland Press Herald Getty Images

CL columnist and city smallholder Sara Ward tell us how to make beeswax wraps at home. Beeswax wraps are not just a great plastic-free way to store food but they also make the most of wax's natural anti-bacterial properties – so you can benefit from beeswax in the same way people have for hundreds of years.

How to make your own beeswax food wraps

Equipment:

High-quality refined beeswax pellets BUY NOW
Squares of medium-weight cotton fabric (you can pick whatever size you like but
30cm x 30cm works well) BUY NOW
Pinking shears
An iron
Non-stick parchment paper
Old newspaper

Method:

Trim the edges of the cotton squares with the pinking shears to prevent them fraying.
Prepare a base of flat newspaper covered with a sheet of parchment.
Lay the cotton square on the parchment and sprinkle lightly with beeswax pellets.
Cover with another sheet of parchment followed by a couple of sheets of newspaper.
Using the iron on a low setting, gently press down on the newspaper, allowing the wax pellets to melt into the cotton.
Lift up the top layer of paper and parchment to check for even coverage of wax over the cotton square, sprinkle on extra pellets if needed to fill any gaps, re-cover and press with the iron again.
Allow to cool and use to wrap cooked foods and cheese (not raw meat), cleaning in between use by wiping with a mild detergent on a cool, damp cloth.

Nato Welton

How Sara extracts her own beeswax

Spotting my queen bees, when we open the hives after the colder months, always fills me with joy. Some of these insects could be as old as four or five years. While the other bees in the hive live a maximum six months, our queens head up strong colonies by laying new eggs, up to 2,000 a day, for years. So, knowing that they've made it through the winter (when they literally huddle together for warmth) is a huge relief.

As the days get longer and more food is available from spring flowers and blossom, the colony will start to grow, making this the perfect time to give the hive a spring clean. It also offers the chance to remove the beeswax and put it to good use.

Having washed the hives, filled them with new frames and gently shaken the bees back into their home (called a 'shook swarm'), I'm left with old frames containing old honey, pollen, larvae, cocoons, eggs and wax.

To extract the wax, I prize away the wooden frames and gently melt the wax combs in an old large saucepan with rainwater (to avoid limescale from hard tap water). As it melts, the honey dissolves in the warm water and the lightweight cocoons and other debris float to the top. I allow this to cool and the wax sets at the top with the honey water below. I can then lift off the floating block of wax. The next step is filtering. I do this by melting it through a fine cloth over simmering rainwater and discarding the impurities that end up trapped in the filtering cloth.

While we know, both from old cave paintings and honeycomb found in the pyramids, that people have enjoyed honey for many thousands of years, there's evidence that beeswax has also been highly valued for centuries. In the Middle Ages, when most candles were made of animal fat that smoked and smelt awful, beeswax candles were reserved for the rich and the church as symbols of purity and holiness. Later, it was used for sealing letters and as a coating to preserve cheese. More recently, its anti-pathogenic properties have made it popular in skincare.

Once I've finished the cleaning and filtering, I'm left with a lovely smooth bar of beeswax. It makes a wonderful furniture polish when melted with olive oil and can also be used to create beeswax wraps.

Rather buy wraps than make your own?

20 beeswax wraps to help you go plastic-free

Flower beeswax food wraps, set of 4

Shades of red and green in lovely muted hues give this set real vintage vibes.

Beeswax wraps, set of 3

Bee Bambu

We like the blue and white tones in this set of three — the feathered pattern is definitely a favourite.

Bee's Wrap, set of 3

Bee's Wrap

US$18.00

US$14.99 (17% off)

Bee's Wrap is one of the most popular brands of these reusable food wraps available — it's a little pricier than some of the alternatives on this list, but the quality is really lovely.

Beeswax food wraps, set of 3

Healthy fast food outlet Leon has released a range of foodie items in John Lewis (we love this walnut salad bowl), including these vibrant orange beeswax wraps.

Beeswax food wraps, set of 3

Fans of foxes will love these bright and bold wax wraps — and the presentation makes for a lovely gift.

Beeswax wrap, 1 metre roll

Like cling film, opting for a roll of wax wrap, rather than pre-cut sheets, gives you more control over the sizes you need. It's especially handy if you've got an awkwardly-sized bowl to cover, or you just have lots you need to prep!

Beeswax wraps and bowl covers, set of 3

As well as some standard wax wraps for your sandwiches and smaller bits, this set contains some elasticated bowl covers to ensure an extra-snug fit.

Beeswax food wraps and silicone lids, set of 6

At just under £10, this is a great price for a set of six. Along with the cotton wax wraps, you also get three stretchy silicone covers. These are reusable, fit over square, circular and rectangular containers and are good for covering items while microwaving as well. I have some, and I'd recommend.

Beeswax block

Are your wraps in need of a refresh? You need a block of wax. This block gives you enough wax to make two 30cm x 30cm sheets.

Beeswax gift set

Here's a lovely gift — along with a large piece of reusable wrap, you also get some honey made in Lincolnshire, a couple of scented wax melts and a full-size beeswax candle too.

Beeswax food wrap

This set is appropriately bee-themed and there are a range of sizes to choose from.

Beeswax food wrap

They're also available in white, if blue isn't your colour.

Cotton bowl covers, set of 3

These aren't waxed, but they are elasticated, so they'll still fit snugly. Each set of three contains covers large enough for mixing bowls, cereal bowls and jars.

Food storage set, set of 18

Here's a complete food-storage solution. Save space in your fridge by switching Tupperwares for these reusable food bags, and there are six silicon lids and three beeswax wraps, too.

Plant wax food wrap, 1 metre roll

Sea Sky Rock

If you're a vegan who tries to avoid beeswax products, try this plant wax wrap instead. It comes in a one-metre roll, so you can use as much or as little as you need.

Beeswax food wraps, set of 6

Dual Accord

These bright and beautiful gingham wraps will add some retro charm to your kitchen.

Beeswax wraps, set of 6

Made from 100% organic cotton, these wax wraps contain jojoba oil, which is a natural antibacterial agent, to keep food fresher for longer.

Beeswax wrap, 1 metre roll

For fans of Japanese style, this monochrome metre roll of wax wrap is a good choice.

Beeswax wraps, set of 8

You can currently get 50% off this set of wraps on Amazon. There's eight in a pack, so there should be plenty for all your needs.

Beeswax wraps, set of 3

Olyee

We love a Monstera house plant, and now you can bring that energy into the kitchen with this cheese plant-patterned set of wax wraps.

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