Plastic wrap, aluminum foil, wax paper and parchment paper are all types of storage wraps that can be used to keep food fresh. These products all have different features that you should be aware of before choosing a product. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Plastic Wrap/Cling Wrap
Small amounts of particles from these wraps can sometimes transfer into the food they are containing. Many plastic and cling wraps are made with PVC, also known as plasticisers, which is though to be a cancer-causing material. There is some controversy surrounding how PVC actually affects the body and how much of it actually leaches into food from your storage, but it is wise to choose a storage wrap that is PVC or plasticiser free. Manufacturers are not required to publish this information on their packaging, but most manufacturers of items that are PVC-free will put a note on the package to encourage consumers to purchase their products.
Plastic wrap also cannot be recycled or reused. When put in the microwave, it can release cancer-causing materials into your food. If you must microwave something in plastic wrap, make sure that none of the wrap is actually touching the food.
The good thing about plastic wrap is that it clings to the food you are wrapping, forming an airtight lock, which helps prevent freezer burn. Some types of plastic wrap, especially products given the name "cling wrap," will also cling to itself, which can be useful in wrapping foods.
Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil also cannot be used in the microwave, since it's made from metal. It is very helpful in standard oven cooking as it is a conductor of heat and will warm your food faster.
Like plastic wrap, aluminum foil forms an airtight lock around what you are wrapping. Unlike plastic wrap, it does not cling to itself.
Aluminum foil can be recycled at any facility that recycles aluminum cans, so most people can throw it in with the rest of their recycling.
Wax Paper
Wax (or waxed) paper also keeps moisture in or out of a product. It can be microwaved, and you can actually put your vegetables inside a wax paper "tent" with a little bit of water to steam the vegetables in the microwave.
Wax paper cannot be used in the oven, as it will smoke, and also cannot be recycled.
Parchment Paper
Parchment paper is particularly useful in baking. Used to line cookie sheets or pans,it keeps your food from sticking to the pan. Parchment paper can also be used for storage and will keep moisture in or out in the same way as wax paper.
Parchment paper can be used in the microwave, but should not be used anywhere near an open flame, because it is paper and therefore easily flammable.
Parchment paper can be recycled where any paper is recycled.
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