Kitchen Metals - Copper

Copper is one of the ancient metals known to mankind, that has been used across countries and civilizations, ever since its discovery. This metal is immortalized in the kitchens even today, for the following reasons:

  • The beauty and shine of copper cookware is undeniably attractive.
  • Its unrivaled heat conductivity translates to shorter cooking times. So, restaurants often favour the use of copper utensils.
  • It is also known for its natural anti-microbial properties.
  • As one of the essential micro nutrients, trace amounts of copper has its health benefits.

In spite of all these pros, everyday use of copper is uncommon. Why?

  • In addition to being expensive, it takes effort to maintain their look and shine.
  • Copper utensils cannot be used for cooking acidic foods as they leach, introducing unwanted toxins into the food.

These days copper vessels are lined with less-reactive metals like silver, tin or stainless steel, utilizing its heat conductivity, but avoiding its toxicity.

The mini-copper pot or kadai seen below is a recent addition to my kitchen. Though they require extra caring, I simply adore them. Lined with tin, these are oven-safe and broiler-safe. They are perfect for serving individual sized portions.

What better Metal to Click than copper. What do you say?

Copper Pot

Paneer butter masala served in copper kadai, with rotis, lemon and onion

24 comments:

amna said...

agreed! :)

Meeta K. Wolff said...

Outstanding!

Raaga said...

beautiful pic :-)

bee said...

dont ask why i am up at 3 am! this was welcome respite. thanks for participating. -j

ushaprashanth said...

Hi suganya!!!!
you can use lemon and salt to clean copper!!!! this will always give you the vessel a new and shiny look!! try it out! btw your blog is very nice!!!!! Great work!!!!!!:)

Sia said...

Gorgeous click sug. I have bought few pieces of copper utensils lined with stainless steel this time i visited India and I simply adore them. Although bit heavy on pockets they r just irresistible :)
and again we did it again. u'll know what i meant when i post my next mushroom recipe;)

sunita said...

That's a beautiful click...and the kadai is so adorable :-)

KonkaniBlogger said...

Beautiful pic..

sandhya said...

Beautiful picture... great entry...

Anonymous said...

Hm, I never knew! That picture makes me want to go out and buy copper cooking vessels though, it's so beautiful.

musical said...

Pretty! Copper and brass utensils are the most gorgeous!

Cynthia said...

I am jealous!
I am envious!
I love it!

Rachel said...

sighhh is all that I can say now :)

Gattina Cheung said...

this litte copper really looks adorable, so as your photo!

Lucy said...

I love my copper saucepan and only clean it once every six months. I actually quite like the patina it develops when it's been neglected!

Anonymous said...

Excellent click and delicious masala also. I remember Martha Stewart telling that copper bottomed utensils can be cleaned using tomato ketchup.

Anonymous said...

I say.."beautiful"!

Anonymous said...

Picture Perfect!!! I fell in love with the kadai!!

Namratha said...

Absolutely!! Now pray tell us what's the dish...looks yummy :) Perfect click too.

KayKat said...

Insanely cute! And even prettier with that green chilli perched on top :)

Susan said...

Someday, in my next life, I shall have an entire arsenal of French hammered copper cookware. Sensational photo. I've been out of touch - must catch up.

Madhavi said...

Excellent click :)

Kalai said...

Wonderful click, Suganya! :)

Helene said...

Absolutely perfect! Copper rocks!

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