The truth about the aluminum foil that few people know
For years, many domestic chefs unknowingly used an aluminum foil in a “wrong” way – or so some demands.
There were rumors about hidden secrets for its design, some of which even indicate that the use of the wrong side could affect food safety or cooking results. Could there be a secret purpose behind the shiny and boring parties? Or is it just another myth of the kitchen?
If you have ever used aluminum foil, you may have noticed something curious: one side is boring while the other is shiny …
The mystery of the shiny and boring sides of the aluminum foil
If you have ever used aluminum foil, you may have noticed something special – one side is shiny while the other is boring. This led to debates in kitchens around the world. Does it depend on the difference? Should one side be used above the other for cooking? The answer could surprise you.
Let’s explore why the aluminum foil has two different finishes and whether it affects how you use it.
How is aluminum foil produced?
The aluminum foil begins as a strong aluminum plate, which is gradually a war into thinner leaves. At the end of the process, the foil is so thin that it risks tearing. To prevent this, the manufacturer will combine two sheets in the final phase.
Here is an interesting part: a party that comes into direct contact with the rollers appears shiny, while the side pushed between the two leaves remains boring. That’s all – there are no special coatings or chemical treatment. It is simply the result of the production process.
Does the shiny side cook better?
The common misconception is that the shiny side reflects more heat and should always face food. Although it seems logical, it is not really true. The difference in the reflectance between the two sides is so minimal that it does not affect cooking results.
Whether you cover the bowl in the oven or wrap baked potatoes, you can use both sides of the foil without affecting the result. The debate about the shiny versus-Dull is purely cosmetic.
Is one side safer for food?
Another frequently asked question is whether one side of the film is safer for food contact. The good news is that both sides are completely safe. There is no chemical difference between them, so you can use both sides when freezing residues, grilling vegetables or cooking meals.
However, it is important to realize that aluminum foil should not be used with highly acidic foods such as citrus or tomato sauce for a long time. Acids can cause a slight disintegration of the film, potentially transfer the metal taste or trace amount of aluminum to your meal.
When does the foil side really care?
The only time the foil side makes a real difference is a non -stick aluminum foil. This type has a special coating on the one hand and the matt side is usually marked as non -stick. In this case, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that you use them correctly.
Next time you stretch the aluminum foil, do not stress on which side to be used-I except working with non-stick varieties. Otherwise, the choice is everything yours!
Conclusion
Finally, the difference between the glossy and dull sides of the aluminum foil is purely the result of the production process, not the functions for specific cooking purposes. While the myth of the shiny side reflecting more heat persists, the truth is that it does not have a significant impact on cooking performance. In addition, both sides of aluminum foils are completely safe for food, although it is best to avoid long -term contact with acid food to prevent any metal transmission.
The only time when the sides of the foil really matters is when using non -stick varieties where the matt side is covered to prevent food from sticking. Otherwise, whether you are using a glossy or matte side is entirely for personal preference. So the next time you are in the kitchen, you can confidently catch your foil without exaggerating which side you use!