Using butcher paper and parchment paper greatly improves food safety and sanitation conditions in the kitchen. These kitchen supplies help prevent bacterial contamination. Additionally, they avoid the accumulation and spread of bad odor-causing scents and spills in your kitchen and home.
While both are paper and essentially for kitchen use, they differ in many ways.
What’s the difference between butcher paper and parchment paper? The main difference between butcher paper and parchment paper lies in the types of production materials. Butcher paper is made from Kraft pulp, while parchment paper is made of cellulose fibers.
Kraft pulp is the material people use to make butcher paper. It is wood pulp, a by-product of the Kraft process, where wood is converted to cellulose fibers. On the other hand, cellulose fibers from trees and plants is what people use to make parchment paper.
What are Other Differences Between Butcher Paper and Parchment Paper?
Besides the basic difference in production materials, butcher paper and parchment paper also differ in color. Butcher paper is usually white or reddish in color, while parchment paper is whitish with a tint of yellow or orange.
Another difference lies in their coating. Butcher paper is coated with a sizing or size. This coating helps provide strength and resistance to wetness. In contrast, parchment paper is coated with silicone. This coating makes parchment paper nonstick, grease-resistant, and heatproof.
One very important difference is in their use or purpose. Butcher paper is typically used for wrapping meat and fish. Butcher paper wrapping keeps the contents from airborne contaminants. Parchment paper, however, is mostly used for baking or roasting. Parchment paper makes it easy to remove the baked product from the baking pan.
Some more differences between butcher paper and parchment paper? Butcher paper is thicker than parchment paper. Interestingly though, butcher paper is more breathable than parchment paper.
Does Butcher Paper Look Like Parchment Paper?
No, they look very different in color and texture.
Can You Use Butcher Paper to Substitute for Parchment Paper?
No. It is not advisable to use butcher paper as a substitute for parchment paper primarily because it is not heatproof, grease-resistant, or nonstick. Likewise, while you can certainly use parchment paper to wrap just about anything, it is not recommended to use parchment paper to substitute for butcher paper.
Where Can You Find Butcher Paper and Parchment Paper?
Butcher paper and parchment paper are generally easy to get. Both grocery shops and office supply shops carry these products. You can also find them in specialty stores, for example, barbecue shops, baking and cooking supply stores, and etc.
How Do Sellers Pack Butcher Paper and Parchment Paper?
Butcher paper and parchment paper are usually packed in sheets or rolls.
Is Butcher Paper the Same as Freezer Paper?
No. Unlike butcher paper, freezer paper is usually white. And, while people use butcher paper to wrap your meat purchases, households use freezer paper to store meat in the freezer.
Is Parchment Paper the Same as Wax Paper?
No. Both parchment paper and wax paper are nonstick. They are also both heat-safe. However, parchment paper is heat-resistant, while wax paper is not. Thus, you can’t use wax paper for baking purposes. If you do, wax paper will burn inside the oven.
When Should You Use Butcher Paper?
Use butcher paper when buying meat such as chicken, beef, pork, and fish from the market. Most stores will have a plastic bag for your meat purchases. However, it’s still best to ask them to wrap your meat purchase in a butcher paper. This seals your meat in and protects it from possible contamination.
You can also use butcher paper to wrap your barbecue or sausage with. Or keep them packed in a butcher paper after basting or marinading them and prior to grilling them.
When Should You Use Parchment Paper?
Use parchment paper to line your cookie sheets and muffin pans. Use them before you pour the cake, pie, or bread batter. That way, it won’t be hard to lift the cake, pie, or bread out once they are ready. You can also line your tray with parchment paper before laying out your veggies for roasting.
Can You Roast or Grill with Butcher Paper?
Yes. More and more varieties of butcher paper are coming out for sale. You can buy a roll of butcher paper you can use to cover your brisket, barbecue, beef, pork, chicken, or fish. Then prop them on the grill and let them cook. Juices will keep because butcher paper is strong enough to hold them in.
Can You Roast or Grill with Parchment Paper?
No, not really. While you can use parchment paper on the grill, the risks of using it does not make it a wise choice for grilling food with. Parchment paper can easily burn if you don’t place it properly and if you don’t watch it carefully.
How Long Can You Wrap Meat in Butcher Paper?
It is best to cook your raw meat on the day you buy them. Some recommend keeping your meat purchase wrapped in butcher paper for up to three days only.
How Long Can You Bake Food in Parchment Paper?
Parchment paper is usually up for any baking tasks in the oven. That being said, always check the condition of your parchment during baking. Watch out for signs of burning like browning of the paper or burnt edges.
Final Thoughts
- Butcher paper is for wrapping raw meat and fish, while parchment paper is used for baking or roasting purposes.
- Parchment paper is made from tree or plant cellulose fibers, while butcher paper is made from wood pulp cellulose fibers.
- Butcher paper is thicker than parchment paper.
- Parchment paper has silicone coating, while butcher paper has sizing coating.
- Butcher paper is more breathable than parchment paper.
- Parchment paper keeps your baked dish from sticking onto the baking pan, while butcher paper keeps your raw meat from airborne or direct contamination.
- Butcher paper is water-resistant, while parchment paper is grease-resistant.
- Parchment paper is whitish with a tint of yellow or orange, while butcher paper is white or reddish in color.