Wax paper (waxed paper) is a kind of paper that is made moisture proof through the application of wax.

The practice of oiling parchment or paper in order to make it semi-translucent or moisture-proof goes back at least to medieval times. The invention of wax paper is credited to Thomas Edison or Thomas Conners, one of his assistants.^{[citation needed]} Wax paper is commonly used in cooking, for its non-stick properties, and wrapping food for storage, such as cookies, as it keeps water out or in. It is also used in arts and crafts.

Contents 1 Food preparation 2 Other uses 3 See also 4 References

[edit] Food preparation

Oven: wax paper should not be used for most baking as it will smoke, however it can be used in some baking as long as the batter completely covers the wax paper.

Microwave: wax paper can be used to prevent splatters in microwave cooking. Because the paper is mostly unaffected by microwaves, it will not heat to the point of combustion under normal usage. This makes wax paper more functional than plastic wrap which will melt at lower temperatures, or aluminium foil (or tin foil) which is not safe for use in most microwave ovens.

[edit] Other uses

Safety razor blades are traditionally wrapped in wax paper to make handling them less dangerous. Wax paper can also be used to make long lasting paper boats because of its resistance to water.You can also use it to prevent splatters in microwaves.

[edit] See also

• Glassine
• Tetra Pak
• Parchment
• Parchment paper (baking)

[edit] References

• Kaufmann Mercantile History, Uses & Large Images of Wax Paper