How to Z Wrap: Getting Started

It is estimated that half of all plastic produced is intended to be single use, and most ends up in landfills, contributing to an enormous global problem of plastic pollution. Do you want to reduce your consumption of single-use plastics in the kitchen, but are not sure where to start? Are you concerned a Z Wrap won’t be as good as plastic wrap or a bag, or will be hard to find a use for? Well we’re here today to jump-start your creativity and banish any doubts about how to switch to Z Wraps, a sustainable, reusable, and plastic-free food storage alternative. Here are 3 ultra-easy wrapping techniques that you’re sure to use again and again. You can try each of these styles right now with a Multi-Pack of wraps, as we’ll be using one of each size. 

Small Wrap: The Second Skin 

This is probably the simplest way to wrap, and you’ll find yourself using this method all the time. Hold a small Z Wrap flat in the palm of your hand, or lay it on the counter. Place your item to wrap directly against the fabric; cut side down (ex: cut side of an apple), if there is a cut side, usually works well. Wrap the remaining corners around the rest of the item, and stick any remaining wrap back to itself. Smush gently with warm hands for a tight seal. Below, we’re using a chunk of cheddar.

Medium Wrap: The Package Deal (AKA: The Sandwich)

A versatile and uncomplicated workhorse, the Package wrap method can be used for a huge variety of different foods, but around here we so often use it for sandwiches that we usually just call it that! Bread however, is not required to use this awesome wrapping style. Start with a medium Z Wrap laid flat. Place your item in the middle oriented so that you have a couple inches of wrap left as a border. Bring two opposite edges together above your item, and roll or fold them down back towards the food together to create a seam. Now, take the two unused ends, which will be sort of a tube, press flat, and roll towards your item. In the illustration, we’re using a few leftover pastries.

Large Wrap: The Grande Burrito

In our house, if it’s taco or burrito night, there’s only 1 rule: go BIG or go home! Start with a Large Z Wrap laid flat, and set yourself up similarly to The Sandwich, except you’re going to fold 1 edge over the end of your burrito before wrapping and rolling your seam- incorporate any extra wrap from your first fold into the seam. Roll or fold your remaining burrito end, and you’ve got a wrap to go...or maybe just for later! Here, we’re using a similarly shaped and sized item: a fresh napa cabbage.

Bonus: The Stackable Leftover

You already know you can cover a dish with a Z Wrap. But did you also know that your Z Wrap’s seal is tight enough that it’s stackable? When your Z Wrap sticks, it stays. Try it out!

Ready to Try for Yourself?

Give Z Wraps a try and let us know what you think! Or if you're already wrapping, let us know in the comments what your favorite uses are or what techniques you'd like to see featured in our next installment of this blog series.