Pure Beeswax

Pure beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees as they build the honeycomb in their hives. At Ames Farm, our beeswax comes from honeycomb cappings collected during the honey extraction process. These cappings contain beeswax that is rendered and filtered to remove impurities before the finished wax is prepared for sale.

The result is a natural yellow-to-golden beeswax with a delicate honey aroma and the characteristic properties of beeswax. Because it is not bleached or heavily processed, natural variation in color and appearance can occur from batch to batch.

Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees, while paraffin is petroleum-derived and soy wax is made from soybean oil. Beeswax has a higher melting point, approximately 160°F, and is valued for its durability and long-burning characteristics.

For candle makers, pure beeswax is a popular natural alternative when they want to work with a wax that has its own natural color and subtle honey aroma rather than a wax that requires added fragrance to provide its characteristic scent.

Pure beeswax is useful for a wide range of crafting, household, and DIY applications. Common uses include making candles, lip balms, salves, body butters, lotions, beeswax food wraps, natural polishes, and other handmade products.

Beekeepers can also use beeswax in hive-related projects, while crafters and DIY makers can choose it for projects where a natural wax is preferred. The best size depends on the amount of beeswax your project requires.

Ames Farm offers pure beeswax in three convenient sizes: 1-ounce bars, 7.5-ounce bricks, and 1-pound bricks. These sizes make it possible to purchase a smaller amount for individual projects or a larger amount for projects that require more wax.

For example, a small bar may be convenient for a limited DIY project, while a 1-pound brick can be useful when making larger batches of candles, wraps, skincare products, or other beeswax projects.

Beeswax can last for a very long time when stored properly. Keep it in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Storing beeswax in a stable environment helps maintain its appearance and makes it easier to use when you are ready for your next project.

Natural beeswax may develop a light white coating known as bloom. This is a cosmetic change associated with the natural wax and temperature changes and does not necessarily indicate that the beeswax has gone bad.

Beeswax food wraps are reusable coverings made by coating fabric with a beeswax-based mixture. Ames Farm's wraps use 100% organic cotton, pure beeswax, organic jojoba oil, and pine resin. The combination gives the fabric a flexible coating that can be shaped around food or containers using the warmth of your hands.

Beeswax wraps can be used for items such as sandwiches, fruits, vegetables, cheese, bread, leftovers, bowls, and containers. They are intended as a reusable alternative to single-use plastic wrap.

Beeswax food wraps can be used for many everyday foods, including sandwiches, fruits, vegetables, cheese, bread, and leftovers. They can also be used to cover bowls, jars, and containers to help protect food during storage.

Because beeswax wraps are difficult to sanitize thoroughly after contact with raw meat or seafood, they should not be used for those foods. Following the recommended care instructions can also help extend the useful life of your wraps.

Wash beeswax food wraps by hand with cool or lukewarm soapy water, then allow them to air dry. Avoid hot water because excessive heat can soften or melt the beeswax coating and may shorten the life of the wrap.

With regular use and proper care, beeswax wraps can last approximately 12 to 18 months. If the wax coating becomes worn, the wrap can be refreshed with additional beeswax mixture following appropriate DIY wrap-making instructions.

With regular use and proper care, Ames Farm's beeswax food wraps typically last approximately 12 to 18 months. How long an individual wrap lasts depends on how often it is used, how it is washed, and how carefully it is handled.

When the coating begins to wear, a beeswax wrap can be refreshed by applying additional beeswax mixture to the fabric. Proper cleaning and avoiding excessive heat can help preserve the coating and extend the wrap's useful life.