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Kitchen

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DIY Beeswax Food Wrap

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Beeswax wraps are the best alternative to plastic wrap and aluminum foil around!  I did this DIY before I had a blog, and therefore did not document it. However, I wanted an extra large wrap, and had some leftover cotton cloth from before, so I had some friends over for a "make and take," and we got to make some for ourselves and as gifts!

Supplies

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Beeswax

I grate mine, but you could also get pellets (about 0.5 oz. per wrap depending on size). This time I was able to use wax from a friend's hive. The first time I did this I used wax that came unpackaged at Natural Grocers. You can also find beeswax from tons of small honey shops all over the place (like from here or here)!

100% Organic Cotton Fabric

I recommend organic because you will be wrapping and re-wrapping food, and its very easily accessible online or at your local fabric store. GOTS approved is best!

I use a variety of sizes: 8x8 in., 12×12 in., 22×22 in., it all depends on your needs, but definitely cut before you craft!

Cookie Sheet

Fair warning, this sheet will no longer be good for cookies, so use an old one or pop over to Goodwill and grab one just for beeswax purposes.

Paintbrush

Will no longer be good for painting! Only beeswax-related activities. You can get small ones at most hardware stores for a dollar or two.

Cheese Grater

You could fudge the line with this one, but I'd also recommend just using this for beeswax.  I got my super old one at Goodwill for $0.99.

Yarn, Twine, or String

Make a makeshift clothesline to dry the cloths on.

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 185F.  This low heat melts the wax without burning it, DO NOT put the oven higher, or on broil!
  2. Place your organic cotton fabric on cookie sheet.
  3. Sprinckle your grated beeswax over the fabric.  
  4. Place cookie sheet in the preheated oven for about 5 min.
  5. Once the beeswax has melted, remove from oven.
  6. Brush the paintbrush over the fabric to evenly coat it, and to get any non-coated places. If needed, sprinkle a little more beeswax on a "bald spot" and put back in the oven for a few min.
  7. Hang on your makeshift clothesline to cool/dry (will only take a min or two)

Use and Care

Wrap around your food and seal by folding, with the heat from your hands, rubber bands, or spare string!

Wash in cool water with a mild soap. Liquid castille (like Dr. Bronner's) is fine, but don't use harsh dishwashing detergents.

These wraps can last months to years depending on your use of them! Once they've worn out a bit, you can repeat the waxing process to extend their lives!

My beeswax wrap covering my sourdough starter.

My beeswax wrap covering my sourdough starter.

notes

There are some DIY's which include Pine Gum Resin and Jojoba Oil in their recipes. This gives the wrap a more sticky grip. However, these often come packaged in plastic, and I have found just plain old beeswax to work just fine! But if you want to give them a try Mommypotamus has a great tutorial!

If you want beeswax wraps, but don't feel like making them. Never fear! Beeswrap is a great brand and there are also some awesome options on Etsy!

The first time I did this project I used the instructions from My Healthy Green Family's DIY!

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DIY Vanilla, Lavender, and Ginger Extracts

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Even before I went zero waste, I had a moment this Fall where I needed to buy vanilla extract for baking and just felt like I was WAY over paying for this teeny tiny bottle. Especially when the ingredients themselves were not actually expensive.  I could put a vanilla bean into alcohol and water, after all!

So I got experimental, with some guidance.  Once I decided to make one extract, I figured I'd just go for it with a few more since there would be leftover vodka (terrible, terrible vodka).

Ingredients

  1. 2/3 cups Dried lavender 
    • To buy: you can generally find it at bulk food stores, tea stores, or online.  For online purchasing recommend Victor's Lavender, San Francisco Herb Company, or Amazon.
    • Packaging: If you order online, though, you will probably get it in a ziplock bag. Many local stores will let you bring your own bag or jar.
  2. 3 Vanilla Bean Pods
    • To buy: I bought mine from my local Savory Spice, but you can also get them from Beanilla and Amazon.
    • Packaging: Savory Spice gave me the beans wrapped in foil, whereas many online stores will give them to you wrapped in plastic.
  3. 1/3 cup (45-50 g) peeled an chopped fresh ginger root
    • To buy: go to your local grocery store's produce section, ginger is relatively inexpensive!
  4. About 2 cups Vodka for each extract
    • To buy: The good news is you can use the cheapest vodka on the market for your extracts!  I got a 1/2 gallon handle of vodka for $11, the cheapest one in the store.  The smell when I opened it made me flashback to being a freshman in college again, but 3 months later I can now say the extracts all came out great!

Vanilla Extract Instructions

  1. Cut the beans once lengthwise. Make any necessary cuts to fit beans into your container.
  2. Put the beans in a clean bottle or jar.
  3. Add vodka
  4. Seal and let sit for 1-2 months.
  5. Invert extract several times a week during this period.
  6. Enjoy your awesome new extract!
  • My favorite use:  All my yummy baked goods!

Lavender Extract Instructions

  1. Measure out lavender
  2. Place lavender in a clean bottle or jar
  3. Add vodka
  4. Seal and let sit for 1-2 months.
  5. Invert extract several times a week during this period.
  6. Experience the glory of having lavender extract in your sweets!
  • My favorite use: adding a little to my vanilla ice cream and melting from happiness!

Note: Lavender extract is more difficult to pour because the flowers float, so I tend to filter most of the out at the end of the process.  The other solution is to put a small piece of fabric over the top of the bottle to filter them when you pour.

Ginger Extract Instructions

  1. Measure out ginger
  2. Place ginger in a clean bottle or jar
  3. Add vodka
  4. Seal and let sit for 1-2 months
  5. Invert extract several times a week during this period
  6. Fall in love with this strong, spicy flavor!
  • My favorite use: Adding a smidge to my chia tea! 

Keep it going

So now that you have some homemade extracts, you're never going to want to buy them again.  I do  a take a little, add a little strategy with extracts.  Once you've used a bit (maybe 1/4-1/3 bottle) add some more vanilla, lavender, ginger, or whatever you're making and add some more vodka.  This way you never really run out.  If your jar starts to get too packed with stuff, take out a bit of the old ingredient before you put some new in.

Price breakdown

Vanilla Extract:

  • 2 cups vodka: about $2.80
  • 3 vanilla beans: $10.95
  • 16 oz homemade cost: about $14
  • Store-bought cost: as low as $27.59 and as high as $55.95
  • Note: the vanilla beans I used are the quality used to make the $55 extract!

Lavender:

  • 2 cups vodka: about $2.80
  • 0.6 oz dried lavender: $1.65
  • 16 oz cost: $4.45
  • store-bought cost: $24.65 to $28.25

Ginger:

  • 2 cups vodka: about $2.80
  • 1/3 cup ginger: about $3.00
  • 16 oz cost: $5.80
  • Store bought cost: $17.65 to $21.85