Poisonous Verdigris - Precaution and Tips in Taking Care of Brass and Copper Cookware

Amidst all the types of cookware coming out inwashing soda. You can also use cream of tartar.
the market, copper cookware is still one of theAdd 1 tsp for every cup of water. You will see
best. It has been tried and tested already forthe food flood within 20 minutes. After this, you
many generations already. Even if newer modelscan wash it the usual way.
are coming out made of aluminum or titanium,Another option is to cover the inner burnt bottom
many users still prefer copper cookware. Copperwith washing or baking soda. Then, add enough
cookware is not only considered classic, it is alsowater to cover the soda. Soda will dissolve the
popular for its beauty and excellent heat qualities.stickiness of the food, releasing stuck food in
Most of these pots and pans feature copper andeven layers. However, sometimes this procedure
brass exteriors as well as stainless steel interiors.takes overnight.
The combined materials make the cookwareWash cookware immediately after use. Never
easy to clean and use. You can simply wash andplace most of your pans and pots inside the
rinse this using warm sudsy water to preventdishwasher. It is extremely important also not to
food from sticking. Then wash with a copperboil your copper and brass cookware dry. This will
brass cleaner afterwards. Dry immediately tomelt the tin lining. Use wooden utensils when
prevent discolorations and hard water stains.cooking with brass or copper cookware. Metal
Even if some copper and brass brands areutensils can scrape off and scratch the tin lining.
deemed dishwasher safe, it still has parts that canMost copper and brass cookware are tin-lined
discolor and tarnish. Handwash them to preventbecause these two substances are known to
this problem.develop verdigris. It is a highly poisonous
To clean, you can try using a homemade cleaningsubstance that can contaminate food. Stop using
solution. This is a mixture of salt, flour, ammoniayour cookware when you see greenish
and lemon juice. This can be applied on copperdiscoloration already.
cookware with a soft scrubbing brush. Make sureIt is important to note that any material has a
that you polish for a dry, clean luster.certain degree of harmfulness. Whatever we
Avoid using the following materials because theychoose, precautions are always our first guards.
will scrape off the copper and brass material:Always keep cooking materials clean because
alcohol, steel wool, bleach, abrasive cleaners, metalthese come in first contact with the food we eat.
implements and oven cleaners. For burnt copperDry these well after washing to prevent moisture.
and brass pans and pots, clean them with coldWet surfaces are good environments for germs
water. It lessens the burnt taste and drasticallyand other bacteria to grow.
reduces temperature after being heated in highWhen properly cleaned and maintained well,
temperature.copper and brass still remain as two of the best
If you see cake-on, burnt-on coatings or films ofmaterials used in cookware.
food, you can boil it and add 1 tsp baking or