Is it possible to cook in an aluminum pan?

Aluminum cookware has been in demand for decades. It can be found in every kitchen. Kitchen utensils made from this metal attract a large number of housewives, because such products are light and inexpensive, and food is prepared quickly in them.

Despite the advantages of aluminum cookware, there have been rumors for many years that this metal is harmful to human health. Particularly impressionable people claim that it causes Alzheimer's disease.

Are aluminum kitchen utensils really hazardous to health? What are its pros and cons?

Types of aluminum cookware

Knowing the popularity of aluminum kitchen utensils, manufacturers are not slowing down the pace of their production. On the contrary, store shelves are replete with a variety of aluminum cookware.

Existing types can be divided into several categories:

1. According to the manufacturing method. Products are made in two ways: stamping (sheet method) and casting. The sheet method means that kitchen utensils are stamped from sheets of metal, additionally subjecting it to embossing or forging. Expensive models are made by casting - molten metal is poured into special molds. With this manufacturing method, the material does not change its structure.Cookware made of cast aluminum has positive thermal conductivity.
2. By type of coverage. Some manufacturers produce kitchen utensils with colored coatings. The finished products look attractive and original. In addition, the dishes are given additional protection against deformation. In addition to color, the following types of coating are applied to pans: ceramic, non-stick, marble. They are completely safe for the human body. At the same time, pans with such coatings heat up evenly, and the food in them does not burn.
3. Disposable. This type of tableware was initially used only in aviation to serve food to passengers. But gradually such dishes found application in other areas of life. The products are practical - they do not need to be washed. In addition, it is convenient to bake meat in foil: it does not lose its juiciness and cooks evenly.
4. "Purity" of the material. For the manufacture of kitchen utensils, both pure aluminum and some of its alloys, for example, duralumin, can be used. It is the models made of pure metal that are in great demand among housewives. But they cost a little more.

Is it possible to use aluminum cookware: truth and myths

Due to the large number of different myths, aluminum products have become “outcasts”.

Myths associated with aluminum kitchen utensils:

1. Using utensils leads to various diseases. This is the most common misconception that has not been confirmed. No research has been conducted on this issue. In addition, aluminum can enter the human body in other ways: from heartburn medications and antiperspirant deodorants. But people use these items all the time, and they do not cause any concern.In addition, scientists argue that the important thing is not whether aluminum is dangerous, what is important is how much of the substance enters the body. The daily dose should not exceed 50 mg. A person is simply not able to eat enough food to get the specified dose of metal.
2. Dishes are not durable. Of course, low-quality products made from thin sheets of metal will not last long. To prevent kitchen utensils from becoming deformed, you should purchase more expensive cookware with thick walls.

What can you cook in aluminum cookware?

Many housewives often ask this question. But it is impossible to give an unambiguous answer to this, because some foods can be cooked, but others cannot.

Aluminum kitchen utensils are ideal for cooking lean meats, dumplings, pasta, eggs, low-acid fruits and vegetables.

It is not recommended to cook: fish, beets, tomatoes. You should not cook food for children in an aluminum pan. For this, it is better to use stainless steel utensils. Also, you should not cook dishes with a lot of acid: jam, marinades, jelly, sour cabbage soup.

Attention! You should not cook foods that contain calcium and sulfur in aluminum cookware. When heated, they can leave a dark coating on the walls of pans.

Is it possible to store food in aluminum containers?

Aluminum is an active chemical substance, that is, it has the property of entering into various chemical reactions. For example, when acetic acid enters, aluminum turns into a salt - aluminum acetate. Also, when the metal comes into contact with alkalis and acids, hydrogen begins to be produced.

The walls of all aluminum kitchen utensils are covered with a thin film of oxide.When exposed to organic acids and subsequent heating, the film begins to collapse. This causes loose aluminum particles to leak into the food.

Therefore, only those products that do not contain acids can be stored in such containers. For example, pasta does not contain acid or salt, so it can be safely cooked in an aluminum pan; in this case, the film will not be destroyed. It is better to cook sour or salty foods in enamel pans.

Also, you should not store prepared foods in aluminum kitchen utensils. Ready or leftover food should be transferred to another container, and the emptied dishes should be washed thoroughly.

Even if the product has already reacted with the food being prepared, after they are transferred, the reaction will stop. The amount of aluminum in food will not increase.

Attention! No matter how high-quality aluminum kitchen utensils are, it is strictly prohibited to cook acidic foods or store ready-made dishes in them!

Features of using aluminum cookware

For a product to last for many years, it must be used correctly.

1. Aluminum kitchen utensils are strictly prohibited from being washed in the dishwasher. Dishes made several years ago, when reacting with salt and alkali, will begin to collapse. New products will darken and become dull.
2. Despite the fact that many cookware cannot be used in a microwave oven, aluminum kitchen utensils are an exception. It can also be used for baking and stewing in the oven. The prepared food is tasty and nutritious.
3. Aluminum cookware is not suitable for induction cookers.

When choosing aluminum cookware, you need to compare products from several manufacturers.Don't overpay for a famous brand. Often, the products of little-known companies are not inferior in quality, but are cheaper. Proper operation and careful care will be the key to its safety and long service life.