Make your own beeswax wraps

The simplest beeswax wraps are made from just two things – cotton and beeswax. The wax gives the fabric a water-resistant coating which helps keep food fresh while still letting it breathe. Wraps can be used to cover everything from containers and bowls, to wrapping leftover fruit, veg and wrapping sandwiches to go.

You can tailor the size of your wraps for your specific needs or make a few different sizes to give as gifts.

You will need:

• Cotton fabric squares
• Beeswax pellets or grated beeswax from a bar – 20g for each 30cm x 30cm piece of cotton – adjust according for the size of wraps you are making
• Baking paper

1. Lay the cotton fabric on a piece of baking paper
2. Cover evenly with the pellets
3. Place another sheet of baking paper on top and iron until the wax has spread and melted evenly into the fabric.
4. Change the quantity of pellets depending on the size of the fabric square you are using
5. Allow to cool and they are ready to use

Clean after each use. Wipe your wax wrap down with a sponge or cloth, using cold water and dishwashing detergent. Rinse off and leave to drip dry.

How to revive your beeswax wraps

Depending how often you use them, your wraps can start to look a little the worse-for-wear after a while. But bringing them back to ‘as new’ is simple.

You'll need:

• A baking tray
• A silicone baking mat or baking paper
• Beeswax pellets (food grade)

1. Pre-heat the oven to 140°C.
2. Put a silicone baking mat or baking paper on the baking tray and lay your beeswax wrap on top. If there are any bare patches where the wax has worn away, add a couple more beeswax pellets.
3. Put your wrap in the oven, leave the door open and keep an eye on it until the wax warms up – this should take 2-3 minutes.
4. Remove from the oven and allow to cool and dry.
5. Your beeswax wrap is revived and ready to go.

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