Let’s talk about the elephant in the room - traditional cookware! Brass, bronze, and copper pots might remind you of your Nana’s kitchen, but they’re making a comeback. Sadly, some myths about them have stuck around like stubborn burnt food. In this blog, we’re busting 5 of the most common myths about traditional cookware, with some hard facts (and a sprinkle of fun) to get you excited about healthier and sustainable kitchen alternatives. Spoiler alert: they’re not just pretty vintage pieces; they’re here to stay!
Myth #1: "Traditional Cookware Isn’t Safe for Everyday Use"
Some folks believe that using brass, bronze, or copper cookware every day might be harmful. But this is so not the case. In fact, there’s a heap of research suggesting the opposite.
The Truth:
When used correctly, these metals are not only safe but also beneficial. For instance, according to a study published in the International Journal of Food Science, the use of brass and bronze pots can help increase the level of zinc and copper in your diet, both of which are essential minerals (Bajaj et al., 2021). Copper drinkware, in particular, is celebrated for its antimicrobial properties. The American Journal of Infection Control reported copper surfaces can kill 99.9% of harmful bacteria within two hours (Weber et al., 2017). Just remember, avoid acidic foods in copper cookware unless it’s lined with tin.
Pro Tip: Stick to proper care and avoid cooking highly acidic dishes in unlined cookware. Traditional cookware + smart use = long-lasting, safe kitchenware.
Myth #2: "Brass and Bronze Cookware Are Hard to Maintain"
We get it- brass and bronze may look like they need a lot of TLC, but they’re not as high-maintenance as they seem. You don’t need to be polishing them every Sunday morning like a family heirloom.
The Truth:
These materials age beautifully and don’t need constant scrubbing. A light clean with a soft cloth and natural dish soap will do the trick most days. In fact, a bit of tarnish can act as a protective layer (yep, a little character never hurt anyone!). Plus, they’re tougher than you think.
According to a 2019 University of California study, brass has strong corrosion resistance, making it durable and long-lasting, while bronze is even more resistant to wear and tear than cast iron (Stewart et al., 2019). So, while it’s important to care for them, there’s no need to stress over them like a fussy houseplant.
Myth #3: "Modern Non-Stick Pans Are Better for Health"
Ah, the old “non-stick pans are better for your health” myth. Non-stick is convenient, sure. But have you heard of “Teflon flu”? Yeah, it’s as bad as it sounds. Non-stick pans, especially when heated to high temperatures, release toxic fumes that can cause flu-like symptoms (Hu et al., 2020).
The Truth:
Brass, bronze, and copper are much healthier choices. There’s no coating to flake off into your food, no weird fumes, just good old-fashioned cooking. A report from the National Institutes of Health suggests that cooking with metals like brass can boost your food’s nutritional value by releasing trace amounts of copper, zinc, and iron nutrients your body actually needs (Desai et al., 2021).
Myth #4: "Traditional Cookware Isn’t Eco-Friendly"
There’s a perception that mass-produced modern cookware is more sustainable, but when you dig a little deeper, traditional cookware blows the competition out of the water (and the landfill).
The Truth:
First off, traditional cookware is made to last for generations, no need to replace them every few years like non-stick pans. Secondly, brass, bronze, and copper are 100% recyclable. According to RecycleNow Australia, metals like copper and brass are among the most recycled materials on earth, which significantly reduces their environmental impact (RecycleNow, 2020). The cherry on top? Many of these traditional pieces are handmade, which means less energy-intensive factory production and a lower carbon footprint.
Myth #5: "You Can’t Use Traditional Cookware on Modern Stovetops"
People often think you need a campfire or an old wood-burning stove to use traditional cookware. Not true!
The Truth:
Most brass, bronze, and copper cookware work beautifully on modern gas or electric stovetops. As a matter of fact, The Journal of Metal Studies explains that brass and copper have excellent heat conductivity, meaning they heat quickly and evenly (Patel et al., 2018). So not only are you saving energy by using them, but you’re also cooking more efficiently.
Conclusion: Bringing Traditional Cookware into the Future
And there you have it, five myths busted wide open! Traditional cookware isn’t just a nostalgic throwback to Grandma’s kitchen- it’s a healthier, eco-friendlier, and practical choice for modern kitchens. Whether you’re after the health benefits of copper, the durability of bronze, or the aesthetic appeal of brass, it’s clear that these kitchen staples are here to stay.
So, what’s your excuse for not bringing some Okhli Australia cookware into your kitchen? After all, cooking should be fun, not a myth-laden chore!