We often buy cookware, not being aware of the materials used for its construction, whether if it’s harmful or not – and it’s all because we’re lead by the price. In reality, the best cookware is the one which suits
We often buy cookware, not being aware of the materials used for its construction, whether if it’s harmful or not – and it’s all because we’re lead by the price. In reality, the best cookware is the one which suits our habits and needs in the kitchen.
It’s quite common for people to talk about healthy and harmful foods, but we lose out of sight the importance of good cookware. A lot of harmful toxins can be released from pots, pans, saucepans and baking trays, so it’s of utmost importance to get yourself familiar with the safety of these materials. So, how do we choose the safest cookware for our health?
Below is a list of materials used for making cookware, and their advantages and disadvantages.
Glass is made from a natural substance and it’s widely considered to be one of the healthiest materials for cooking. There are no harmful chemical reactions to the food. The cookware made from fireproof glass is easy to clean and can withstand high temperatures, but you should avoid sudden changes from hot to cold because they can break the glass.
Enamel cookware is made from metal (iron or steel), and from the outside, it’s covered with a layer of enamel. Speaking in simple terms: it’s a glass which is, by a process of melting, being “glued” onto the metal, so the enamel layer can protect the food from contacting the metal.
I avoid enamel cookware of the poorer quality because it has a really thin layer of enamel which can break quickly thus leading to metal reacting with the food.
Cookware made completely from natural ceramic is considered to be ideal for cooking and serving – the only flaw being it’s very sensitive, so there should be proper handling. There’s a difference between real ceramic and the dishes which are in fact metal, but only have a thin layer of ceramic. The biggest advantage of ceramic cookware is that, when it gets warmed up, it becomes even more resistant!
Cooking in clay cookware has maintained its longtime glory and is said to be very healthy. New clay cookware should be heated and seasoned prior to first use. Let it sit for a few hours and then wash it with lukewarm water.
Clay bowls should always be washed with lukewarm water and dried on the stove – never use detergent on this kind of cookware. However, this type of cookware can be quite pricey.
Mostly made from steel, it can also contain small quant