Everyone wants to get the best possible nutritional value from the meals. Many factors like the ingredients, cooking technique, etc, influence how healthy a meal is. But one of the most important factors is the material from which the vessels are made. Nowadays various metal utensils like brass utensils, copper utensils are available in the kitchenware market.
As each metal has its properties, it is confusing to choose the best one. For this reason, we have explained the pros and cons of each metal that will help you decide which is best for cooking. So, let’s start.
Different Metal Utensils And Their Properties
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is made by mixing nickel and chromium with pure steel. It is very appealing to look at and durable in usage. Cooking meals in stainless steel vessels ensures good health for the users because it retains 65-78 % of the nutrients.
Moreover, it is budget-friendly and versatile as one can cook almost any dish in metal utensils. Furthermore, neither does it impart metallic flavour, nor does it change the colour of the food.
However, keep in mind that sometimes the stainless steel vessels are polished by chromium and nickel so that they look shinier. These chemicals can be harmful to the users’ health, especially for those having nickel allergies.
Brass
Brass is one of the most suitable metals to cook food because it retains around 90% of the nutritional content in the food. Thus, brass utensils are a must for every kitchen to prepare healthy and nutritional meals. However, keep in mind that you cannot cook too acidic food in brass as they react with the metal.
Moreover, brass vessels require specific cleaning approaches. Because even after a regular wash, the metal starts to oxidise, and a layer starts depositing on it. That’s why special methods and techniques are required to clean and maintain these vessels.
Cast Iron
Cast iron is a sturdy metal that ranks high in durability. Besides, by regularly cooking and consuming meals in these utensils, the iron levels in the body stay up to the mark. Because, every time you cook, a small amount of iron assimilates into the food.
For this reason, metal utensils are a must-have for iron-deficient people. However, if iron is present in excess, that is also harmful to the body. That’s why these vessels come with a protective layering that controls how much metal leaches in the food.
Also, keep in mind that rusted iron cookware is very hazardous for the body. Therefore, if you own a cast iron utensil, ensure proper maintenance so that the meals are safe and healthy.
Bronze
Bronze, also known as Kansa, is an important part of traditional Indian culture. For this reason, ancient Indian texts like Ayurveda also mention the benefits of Kansa. Later on, it was used by royal families for cooking and eating. Moreover, Kansa utensils retain around 97% of the nutrients in the food. Hence, you can cook the meals in bronze vessels without compromising the nutritional value of the food items.
Furthermore, this metal is attractive in looks and used for decoration purposes as well. That’s why various cafes and hotels have started using bronze to serve meals to their customers.
However, some kitchenware providers add tin and nickel to the bronze utensils which has an adverse effect on health. So, always buy Kansa vessels from a trusted kitchenware manufacturer; to make sure you don’t compromise on health.
Aluminium
Aluminium has a good heat conductivity. So, the meals cook faster, and the energy consumption is low. Moreover, when aluminium mixes with other metals like copper, magnesium, etc, its strength multiplies. Furthermore, it is very light in weight. That’s why even large utensils are easy to carry and use.
However, natural aluminium is not fit for kitchenware usage as it reacts with the foods acidic in nature and imparts its taste and colour. For this reason, this metal is mixed with some other metals to produce various utensils. Also, different non-stick variants of aluminium vessels are available in the market. Additionally, the metal is also combined with stainless steel to produce utensils that are easy to clean and attractive.
Copper
This metal is one of the best heat conductors. For this reason, copper utensils become hot quickly and also cool down pretty fast. Also, copper vessels are “Responsive Cookware” because they show a quick response to heat. That’s why a large number of professional chefs use copper for cooking.
However, copper reacts with various acidic foods and minerals. Therefore, to offer more versatility to its usage, it is mixed with tin, which is a non-reactive material. Moreover, if the tin wears out with time, the re-tining option is also available in the market.
Furthermore, copper is a precious metal. So, these vessels lie on a slightly expensive side. But, one can have total control and precision over the food while cooking in copper utensils. Additionally, one can get metal vessels at the best market rates by choosing a reputable kitchenware manufacturer.
Titanium
Titanium utensils are not mainstream as they are very expensive, but it is one of the healthiest and safest metals to cook food. Besides, it is highly durable and non-reactive as well. Moreover, it can retain the heat for longer intervals, and the food cooks faster compared to other metals. However, sometimes the user doesn’t get a proper idea of the heat while cooking in the titanium, and the food may burn. Furthermore, titanium is suitable to cook foods that are low in fats.
Conclusion
Metals like Kansa, copper, and brass are beneficial for health in one way or the other. Therefore, one must include these vessels in daily usage. You can shop for a wide range of metal utensils like Kansa utensil sets, brass eating utensils, and many more with just a simple online search.
As every metal has its advantages and disadvantages; the perfect metal for cooking varies for every user. However, after going through the above information, one can figure out a perfect kitchenware metal.
