Cooking is a skill that combines art and science. You need to choose the right ingredients, methods, and utensils to make delicious and healthy food. The utensils you use for cooking can affect how your food looks, tastes, and nourishes you. Some utensils may release harmful substances into your food, while others may keep or improve the quality of your food. Therefore, it is important to know what are the best utensils for cooking food and how to use them properly.
The best utensils for cooking food are those that are made of natural, non-reactive, and long-lasting materials that can handle high temperatures and do not react with different kinds of foods. Some of the best utensils for cooking food are:
Clay pots: Clay pots are made of natural clay that is heated at high temperatures. They are great for slow cooking, steaming, baking, and roasting. Clay pots keep moisture and heat well, and let the food cook evenly and gently. They also keep the natural flavor and nutrients of the food. Clay pots are good for cooking rice, beans, soups, stews, curries, breads, and desserts. However, clay pots take more time to cook than other utensils, and they need proper seasoning and care to prevent cracking and mold growth. Clay pots should not be used on direct flame or in dishwashers.
Cast iron: Cast iron is a strong and sturdy metal that can last for a long time. It is excellent for searing, frying, sautéing, grilling, and baking. Cast iron spreads heat evenly and keeps heat well, making it ideal for cooking meats, eggs, pancakes, pizzas, and cakes. Cast iron also adds a little amount of iron to your food, which can be good for your health. However, cast iron can rust and corrode if not seasoned and maintained properly. Cast iron should be washed with mild soap and water, dried completely, and coated with a thin layer of oil after each use. Cast iron should not be used for cooking acidic foods, such as tomatoes, vinegar, or citrus, as they can damage the seasoning and cause metallic taste.
Stainless steel: Stainless steel is a common and versatile material that is widely available, easy to maintain, and can cook many dishes. Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion, rust, and stains, and can withstand high temperatures and frequent use. Stainless steel is good for boiling, simmering, steaming, and sautéing. Stainless steel also does not leach any harmful substances into your food. However, stainless steel is not a good conductor of heat, and can cause hot spots and uneven cooking. Therefore, it is better to choose stainless steel utensils that have a core or base of copper or aluminum, which can improve the heat distribution and retention. Stainless steel should also be avoided for cooking foods that can stick easily, such as eggs, cheese, or milk, as they can be hard to clean.
Bronze: Bronze is a mixture of copper and tin that has been used for cooking since ancient times. Bronze is a beautiful and elegant material that can keep and enhance the flavor and nutrients of your food. Bronze is especially good for cooking rice, lentils, and sweets, as it can give them a rich and nutty taste. Bronze can also keep heat well and cook food evenly. However, bronze is expensive and rare, and requires extra care and polishing to prevent tarnishing and oxidation. Bronze should also not be used for cooking acidic or citric foods, as they can react with the metal and cause discoloration and toxicity.
Glass: Glass is a safe and non-toxic material that can be used for microwave, oven, and stovetop cooking. Glass is non-reactive and does not absorb or release any flavors or odors into your food. Glass is also transparent and allows you to watch the cooking process easily. Glass is suitable for baking, roasting, broiling, and reheating. However, glass is fragile and can break or shatter if dropped, scratched, or exposed to sudden temperature changes. Glass should also not be used for frying, as it can crack or explode due to the high heat and oil splatter.
These are some of the best utensils for cooking food that you can choose from according to your preference, budget, and cooking style. However, no matter what utensil you use, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, use the right heat level, and clean and store them properly. By doing so, you can enjoy tasty and healthy food every day.
Dr. Karuturi Subrahmanyam, MD, FRCP (London), FACP (USA)
Internal Medicine Specialist
Kify Hospital
Danavaipeta
Rajahmundry
Phone : 85000 23456
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