As you know, food cooked in copper utensils is always tastier and more aromatic, due to the special properties of copper. Copper quickly and evenly heats up, due to which the dish acquires a special refined taste. However, the health benefits the copper utensils set offers cannot be ignored.
It is for these properties that copper utensils are highly preferred in Indian kitchens. However, the metal has been used by Indians since ancient times. From Ayurveda, it is confirmed that three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha of the human body are balanced easily by copper properties.
Though there are many other reasons or particularly the health benefits that make this metal mostly likeable, check them out below!
Reasons for using Copper Kitchenware for cooking and eating
What is the use of copper utensils? Is it capable of harming health? These are some of the questions that require answers while purchasing such utensils. The positive properties of metal and products made from it include:
Good thermal conductivity
Copper products are characterized by fast, uniform heating. This is especially valuable when preparing sauces and desserts. High cooking speed helps preserve nutrients.
The heat transfer of copper eliminates the burning of food during the heat treatment, you can also be sure that the dish will be exposed to uniform temperatures from all sides.
Aesthetics
Copper utensils appeal to many Indian women as it looks good in vintage and Indian style. A pleasant appearance is characteristic of both ancient dishes and modern products.
Stop wrinkles and fine lines
In old age, the metal was used as an agent to beautify Indian skin or we can say that it was considered as a skincare product. The reason is only that it contains antioxidants and stimulates cell formation.
Small mass
Dishes usually weigh a few grams. This is especially true for brass products. Utensils made of pure copper weigh much more.
Antibacterial properties
Such utensils can be used to disinfect food. It effectively counteracts fungi and bacteria. But high temperatures lead to the loss of such properties. The use of copper utensils reduces the likelihood of infection with harmful microbes, including salmonellosis and E. coli.
Better for digestion
Drinking water from copper jugs stored overnight improves digestion. It helps in eliminating the toxins from the human body, boosts metabolism and soothes inflammation of the stomach.
Improves the health of the heart
Using the copper metal on a daily basis allows the dilation for accurate blood circulation. It does not let the plaque residue on the vessel, hence, is better for accurate heart functioning.
Things to Consider While Using Copper Kitchenware
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is destroyed from contact with a copper surface, so you should not drink fresh juices from such dishes.
- Do not store raw foods in Cu containers, as acids and vitamins, which are abundant in berries, fruits and vegetables, are destroyed. The same goes for the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. It can lead to serious illness when these foods are consumed. And in general, it is better not to leave food in these vessels for a long time.
- The surface of copper utensils oxidizes in a humid environment, a characteristic greenish coating appears. It is imperative to get rid of this oxide film (patina) by cleaning the walls in a timely manner.
- In order to reduce the possible negative impact on food, the inside of the dish is sometimes coated with a thin layer of another metal. Most often it is tin or stainless steel.
How to care for copper cookware?
No matter how beautiful a pan or some other kitchen item made of copper, their surface is quickly covered with plaque, and it needs to be looked after. The main thing is to be careful, but also gentle.
- Copper is a soft metal and dishes from it can be easily scratched. Therefore, stir the food with a wooden or plastic spatula.
- Do not leave empty dishes on the stove. This can cause it to burn out.
- After washing, the utensils must be wiped dry to avoid the formation of a dangerous patina.
- Avoid bumps and falls. Otherwise, ugly dents and concavities cannot be avoided.
- It is best to wash such dishes by hand, without abrasive pastes and brushes.
How to clean copper products with improvised means?
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Ingredients: citric acid, salt.
Dilute citric acid in a ratio of 50 g per 1 litre of water, add a pinch of fine salt, fill the copper utensil and leave for 30 minutes to 3 hours. Rinse with soda solution to neutralize the prolonged action of citric acid. Wipe dry.
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Ingredients: lemon, salt.
Take a slice of lemon, dip in fine salt and carefully wipe the copper surface, then rinse with soda solution, then with water and wipe dry.
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Ingredients: vinegar (or acetic acid solution), salt
Pour water into a copper container, add vinegar or solution, add a pinch of salt, leave for a while until bright, then rinse with soda solution to extinguish the prolonged action of acetic acid, wipe dry.
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Ingredients: ketchup
On a clean cloth, apply a small amount of ketchup and spread it evenly over the surface of the dish. Leave for a few minutes, then wipe with a dry cloth until completely dry.
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Ingredients: salt, white vinegar and wheat flour
Stir a tablespoon of salt into a teacup of vinegar, then gradually add the flour until a paste is formed. With a soft cloth, apply the paste to the surface of the dishes, especially carefully on dark spots. Leave on for 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the degree of soiling. Rinse with warm water, dry and polish
A copper kettle without internal tinning can be cleaned of darkening inside by boiling water in it with a solution of citric acid or acetic acid and adding a pinch of salt.
Concluding Remarks
Copper utensils have many undoubted advantages because of which the Indians like to use in their daily kitchen activities. It is characterized by durability, high antibacterial properties, and is also able to give the interior an atmosphere of luxury.
If you follow the basic rules, you can use them for many years without fear for your health.
