subject: Tips For The Proper Care Of Brass Cookware [print this page] Many professional and amateur chefs are today opting to use brass cookware in their kitchens instead of the traditional stainless steel kind. Not only is the rich golden colour of brass an attractive feature in any kitchen, the metal also offers chefs a number of benefits, including ease of use and simple cleaning. To ensure that you are looking after your brass cookware properly, try using some of the below tips to ensure that it lasts you well into the future:
Even if the bottom of the pot says that it is dishwasher safe, you should always hand wash your brass cookware to ensure that it doesnt tarnish or become discoloured.
To keep your cookware looking shiny and new, you can try using this homemade solution: mix together salt, flour, ammonia and lemon juice, then apply the solution to the pot using a soft scrubbing brush. Give the item a polish once youve finished to return its shine.
Avoid using any of the following substances on your brass cookware, as it is known to damage the surface: alcohol, steel wool, bleach, oven cleaners and other abrasive substances.
To remove caked- or burnt-on food, put the brass put onto the stove to boil. Then add either 1 teaspoon of baking soda or cream of tartar for every cup of water you have filled the pot with. Within 20 minutes, the food will have been removed and you can clean the pot as usual.
Always wash brass cookware immediately after use to ensure that any remaining food doesnt dry and stick to it. Use warm soapy water followed by a brass cleaner and a clean water rinse. You should also dry the items immediately to prevent discolouration.
Most brass cookware is fitted with a tin lining, as this prevents the development of verdigris (a poisonous substance that can easily contaminate food). Do not let your pots boil dry, as this can melt the tin layer and open up your food to verdigris.
Only use wooden cooking utensils when cooking with brass cookware, as metal ones are known to scratch away the tin layer, as well as creating irreparable damage to the pot or pan.
By ensuring that your brass cookware is consistently cleaned and maintained according to the above tips and instructions, you will ensure that your pots and pans are long lasting and provide you with many delicious meals. The moment you notice a greenish tinge to your cookware that cannot be removed with polishing, however, you should replace the item with a brand new piece to prevent contamination.
