The days of wrapping food in newspaper or magazine pages are long gone. Various types of food wrapping papers have been introduced into the market which is now widely used to wrap various foods. Food wrapping paper is an absolute necessity in any establishment. From packaging food to serving up sandwiches, cookies, and other baked goods, these durable products are guaranteed to enhance the look of any delicious food item. However, one type of food wrap stands out among the rest: Cling Wrap.
Cling wrap, also known as cling film and food plastic wrap is a thin plastic film commonly used for sealing and securing food items. The word “plastic wrap” is used to denote a variety of materials. Plastic wrap most commonly refers to pallet-securing industrial plastic wrap or food-grade plastic wrap. Individual rolls of plastic wrap for food are available, or a roll in a box with a cutting edge is more common. Matter of fact, its applications go far beyond simply storing food. The following points demonstrate the benefits of using cling wraps:
- Maintains the Freshness:
Cling wraps maintain the freshness of foods for extended periods of time. It does so by preventing the food from coming into direct contact with the oxygen in the air. It’s ideal for fruits like oranges and apples because the plastic wrap can be pressed nice and tight against the exposed surfaces to keep them from oxidising. Cling wrap can also be the perfect chapati wrap, keeping it soft all day.
- Is Freezer-safe as well as Microwave-safe:
Cling wrap, unlike other types of food wrapping paper, are freezer-safe. It allows you to safely store food in the refrigerator, freezer, and at room temperature. To keep the meat fresh for longer periods, wrap it in plastic cling wrap and place it in the freezer.
Some cling wraps, contrary to popular belief, can be used in a microwave. Asahi Kasei Premium Wrap is one such product. It is heat resistant and can be microwaved up to 140°C. It can also be used to cook and steam vegetables, making it a multifunctional product.
- Saves Time:
Preparing meals itself in advance can lead to eating stale food. Instead, you can ease your cooking process by cutting and marinating the vegetables ahead of time, wrapping them in a cling wrap, and storing them in the fridge. When cooking your food the next day, all you have to do is combine all the ingredients together, and your meals will be ready much faster. It would come in handy when you have to prepare a quick meal and you don’t have a lot of time on your hands.
- Keeps the Refrigerator Shelves Clean:
Messes are pretty much inevitable, and having to clean them up can be a time-consuming and difficult process. One way to save time cleaning your fridge would be to use cling wrap to seal the top of each shelf.
- Better than Aluminium Foil:
Aluminium foil reacts strongly with acidic foods such as tomatoes, vinegar, and citrus juice. Aluminium can leach into food from these items, which is extremely harmful to our health. Cling wrap is a better option than aluminium foil. It is far superior for storing acidic foods because it does not react with anything, and the thin film also makes it very malleable.
- Blocks Moisture:
Moisture can affect the taste, appearance, and shelf-life of food, as well as its physical properties. The high-barrier property of cling wrap prevents moisture from entering the food, preserving freshness and making it ideal for storing items such as raw vegetables (including those with high water content), fruits, meat, seafood, roti dough, and much more without fear of discolouration or oxidation.
- Avoids Spills:
Spills are a common occurrence in almost every kitchen. Everything from juice spills to icing splatters can make our kitchen look sloppy. A simple solution is to wrap the top of our juice glasses in plastic wrap and poke a small hole through it to insert a straw. This will keep the glass’s edges completely sealed and prevent spills.
- Reduces Wastage:
Using cling wraps allows you to properly store your food as well as maintain its freshness, thereby extending its life and reducing food waste. Therefore, using Cling Wrap is one of the simplest and most efficient ways of preserving food and reducing waste.