Waxed Paper

For much of the twentieth century waxed paper was found in nearly every kitchen. At the beginning of the twenty-first century, it could be found in one of every two American homes, particularly in the homes of people who grew up with the product and knew how useful it can be in the kitchen.

Waxed paper is also called “glassine” because of its clarity. Glassine is made by passing paper through a device called a supercalender (alternating chilled cast iron and paper or cotton rolls). The result is a paper that is translucent and very smooth and glossy on both sides. When coated with paraffin, a petroleum-based wax, it is resistant to oils, grease, and odors.