Unlocking the secrets of aluminium foil: Essential kitchen tips

Aluminium foil is an essential item in every kitchen. Although it is commonly used for wrapping sandwiches, baking, or grilling, many of us are unaware that it can be utilised in various ways. Here are some tips on how to use aluminium foil properly and what mistakes to avoid.

Aluminium foil is a practical kitchen gadget that facilitates baking meat, fish, or vegetables, as well as grilling food products or storing them. You must have noticed that one side of the foil is matte and the other is shiny. There is a reason for this. Here's how to correctly use both sides of the foil.

One side of aluminium foil is shiny, and the other is matte. This is intentional. Both sides - the shiny one as well as the matte one - serve different purposes. The shiny side of aluminium foil insulates heat, while the matte side absorbs it. Which side for what?

When baking or grilling products, the shiny side of the foil should face inward, with the matte side outward. This way, the dish heats up better and bakes, and the heat is efficiently retained inside.

When storing food products, it's the opposite - the matte side of the foil should face the inside, with the shiny side outward. This method helps keep food fresh longer because the foil doesn't heat up and allows air in, maintaining the right temperature in the fridge.

Aluminium foil is not just for wrapping sandwiches. This simple material has many other, extremely practical applications in the kitchen. With a few simple tricks, aluminium foil can become your ally in the fight against stubborn dirt and help you maintain cleanliness in the kitchen.

An excellent example of an unconventional use for foil is its use for cleaning. A crumpled ball of aluminium foil acts as a natural scrubber that effectively removes even the most stubborn dirt. It works great for cleaning burnt pots and pans and for polishing steel elements.

Read also: Are you packing food this way? A serious mistake

It can also be helpful in cleaning the oven - a ball crumpled from foil is perfect for cleaning greasy dirt. Remember, aluminium foil will give your cutlery a beautiful shine through polishing. However, avoid using it to clean non-stick and delicate surfaces as it might scratch them.

Unfortunately, aluminium foil is not always safe for health. Its improper use can lead to aluminium leaching into food, which can be harmful in the long term. Aluminium, from which the foil is made, is a light and durable metal. However, in large amounts, it can be harmful to our bodies.

To avoid negative health effects, it is worth following some rules. When baking at high temperatures, especially acidic dishes or products with high salt content, aluminium can leach into the food. Therefore, it is better to avoid using aluminium foil with such products. Long-term contact of food with foil also increases the risk of aluminium leaching, as does using foil for fatty foods. Fat can react with aluminium, creating harmful compounds.

Applying the above tips will help us use foil without worries and also reduce the negative effects on health and the environment. As alternatives, it is worth trying more eco-friendly products, such as glass containers. The health and safety of our loved ones are most important, so let's ensure that the products we use daily are not only convenient but also safe.