Aluminium is a majorly occurring metal with high utility in constructions, food industry and various other fields due to its appreciable physical-chemical properties and feasibility. This element in its metal form and in trace amounts are quite often found in our food, water and air. Despite the ever growing arguments on whether aluminium is safe for usage in the kitchen or not, the answer lies in how one chooses to use aluminium.
ALUMINIUM BAKEWARE:
Baking dishes are usually made up of alloy materials that have constituents of two or more metal that come together to give the product its desired properties. In the case of aluminium bakewares the aluminium constitutes the major portion and henceforth this metal’s properties are seen to be reflected more in the product. In most cases the metal aluminium is mixed with noticeable amounts of other metals like copper to induce extra sturdiness into the bakeware making it more efficient to be used for baking.
Most of the time, aluminium bakewares are perfectly safe to be used in homes as long as few necessary precautions are kept in mind and if the dishes are studiously used accordingly.
SAFETY MEASURES:
- Usage of old aluminium
- Baking techniques
- Temperature check
- Coated and non-stick bakewares
- Anodized aluminium to the rescue
- Clean and care procedures
USAGE OF OLD ALUMINIUM:
It is important to keep track of a utensil’s kitchen life time no matter the material it is made up of. An old pan or cookie tray can become unsafe for cooking if it is found to be scratched, chipped, or otherwise damaged by any means. Over use of bakewares need to be periodically checked and pans and dishes need to be replaced regularly to avoid any sort of risk. According to studies, the usage of years or decades old bakewares have an increased risk of the bakeware’s material getting infused into one’s food. Phenomena like the peeling of aluminium and other metals can be completely kept under check if the bakewares are replaced every now and then based on the usage. Older bakewares can still be reused as storing jars and must at all costs be avoided from being used in the baking process.
BAKING TECHNIQUES:
While choosing the right bakeware makes quite the difference in baking, cooking techniques also need to be periodically reviewed. One baking rule that must seldom be neglected is scraping of baked goodies from the bakewares’ surface must be avoid at any cost. It is also important to avoid using old aluminium foils to sheet or grease the bakewares and is always better to grease them with flour, oil, or butter. Sufficient greasing will also ensure that the baked delicacies don’t come in direct contact with the material of the bakeware used to bake them in.
TEMPERATURE CHECK:
Temperature is one of the primary entities to be kept in check while baking. Overheating can lead to the dish getting warped in the oven and under heating can make the dish a bake fail. The right temperature check is done not just to get the right texture in the dessert but also to ensure that there won’t be any health risks.
COATED AND NON-STICK BAKEWARES:
There are always safe options to choose from when it comes to aluminium based bakeware like coated and non-stick aluminium baking dishes and pans. Though there are many less expensive options like aluminium foil counterparts, it is always wise to choose a sturdier version of the pans and dishes available to make sure they are cent percent heat resistant, food safe, and have zero health risks. Coated and non-stick bakewares offer not just these pros but are also fuss free- non greasy, non sticky, easy to handle, easy to clean, easy to store bakewares.
ANODIZED ALUMINIUM TO THE RESCUE:
In the baking industry it is not uncommon for new bakewares popping in the market every now and then. While not many of it may be a success, few are there to stay and rule. One such bakeware that is presently invading the markets and are widely used by restaurants, professionals and amateurs are anodized aluminium bakeware. Strength, affordability, lightweight, uniform heat dispersion, name any necessary quality and anodized bakeware has it. They are light in weight and at the same time durable enough to not crack or warp like bakewares made of other metals.
In addition to this, anodizing makes sure that the baked goodies doesn’t come in direct contact with the bakeware’s material of make, be it aluminium or any other metal of choice. It is almost nonstick, non greasy and makes the whole process of baking a piece of cake. It eases away any doubts of health concern that may arise in one’s mind while baking in an aluminium based bakeware.
When shopping for a new set of bakeware or replacing a new one, always make sure to put in a little extra money, if that’s all it takes and get anodized bakeware. It may seem a little too expensive upfront, but will end up giving you a better overall experience and on-the-counter lifespan.
CLEAN AND CARE PROCEDURES:
Aluminium bakeware is right on top of the list when it comes to easy handling, cleaning and storing it for further use. It is always better to avoid washing aluminium bakewares in dishwashers as it may lead to a build up of grease on the cooking surface over a period of time. The suggested cleaning method would be to simply wash them with hands using hot soapy water and rinse well afterward. It is also important to air dry them thoroughly before putting them in storage. Disposable aluminium bakewares and pans need to be completely cooled off before placing them in storage.
Thus to conclude, baking isn’t just about using the right ingredients but it is a holistic approach of knowing every detail starting from choosing the right bakeware, safe and efficient utilization of the chosen bakeware, knowing the right formula of ingredients to knowing when to replace one’s bakeware toolkit. Health does make the most important factor.
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