Hi All:
I love how easy plastic bags work for proofing and storing bread, but I do not love that the are plastic. I try and reuse them as much as possible before throwing them out.
Anyone know if the are decent waxed paper bags available that are large enough to hold bigger loaves of bread?
Or any other type of reusable bio-based proofing or bread storage bags?
I think what you're looking for are non-waxed glassine paper bags. That's what bread was put in back in the 1950's in the old bakeries and Mom & Pop stores. Size and cost varies. Glassine used to also be used for photo negatives because they were non-stick and not waxed.
These bags are made of wood fiber put under great pressure and heat that some how produces a product that is water and grease resistant. You can also get waxed versions what may be cheaper but not quite the same.
I don't think this would be ideal for proofing, mostly for storage.
Dave
I use parchment paper. Works well. I use fresh parchment for baking
Probably not reusable but compostable kraft paper bags might do, like these (i have not tried them):
https://www.foodbizsupply.com/8-x-6-kraft-pla-window-bag
Otherwise, King Arthur has a washable and resusable bread bag with a washable liner bag but it's very expensive.
TomP
At about 1 per year - stick with plastic. Reusable and recyclable. You can find them anywhere - cost is minimal - and as a bonus you get the bread. Beware paper - or highly pourous wraps - they will dry things out. Enjoy!
Probably not for proofing, but for storage: Bee's Wrap is reusable for about a year. It is bee's wax impregnated cotton. I have one that I have liked. Like KA's, not cheap, but if you get enough uses out of it it may make sense.
Thank you all!
While talking storage, does anyone know of a loaf size glass storage container for things like banana bread. I’ve looked online, and can’t seem to find one that would hold a nice tall loaf of banana bread. I have a Pyrex with snap on lid, but the loaf bakes tall and the lid won’t fit.
Banana breads are usually very moist. I would be concerned about molding inside an impermeable container like glass. Remember old-fashioned bread boxes? They were always ventilated.
TomP
The use of alternative bread storage was discussed in this thread:
https://weightloss-slim.fit/node/75185/non-plastic-alternatives-bread-storage%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3Cp%3EThere is a link for a company that sells waxed bags in smaller 100-pc. lots. I've been using these waxed bags inside a plastic bag. I do find that the waxed bag may still absorb some moisture from the bread.
Re/zip makes my favorite reusable freezer bags, and they also have great bread bags. I use them for bread and to store flour & nuts.
https://rezip.com/collections/food-storage/products/reusable-roll-top-bread-bag
Wash them well and let them air out when you first get them-- the big bags can have a smell. But they're food safe, fridge & freezer safe, and totally reusable. The oldest re/zips I have are at least 10 years old, and have been frozen with soup in them multiple times.