Cooking is an art and an essential part of our daily lives. Having a beautiful and aesthetic kitchen is the dream of many people, and for this, we put in a lot of effort. Utensils and cutlery also play an important role in making our kitchen look better. Apart from this, utensils also directly impact our cooking time and the food we are preparing.
Using the right type of pot or pan saves a lot of time and energy and retains the nutrients of the dish. Copper, bronze, cast iron, brass, and silver are some popular types of metals that are considered best for cooking. But do you have any wooden utensils in your cabinets? They not only make your kitchen elegant but are also eco-friendly and healthier.
Here are five reasons to use wooden utensils for cooking:
Heat Resistance
Wood has a natural heat resistance, which means it won't conduct heat like metal. You can comfortably use wooden utensils in hot pots and pans without worrying about burning your hands. On the other hand, when metal or plastic utensils come into contact with heat, they can experience adverse effects. Plastic can soften or melt, while metal can conduct it very quickly. Both can be harmful if they are not handled carefully. But wood, on the other hand, is safer and can stay in a hot substance for a long time without emitting any heat.
Antibacterial
Wooden utensils have antibacterial and germ-killing properties, which makes them absolutely safe for preparing and serving. While plastic and other metal utensils easily attract bacteria and can become breeding grounds for them, this can cause many health issues if used without disinfection. Some of the best woods for cooking utensils are pine, oak, and teak.
Non-Reactive Material
Many utensils, like aluminium and low-quality stainless steel cookware, react with heat and alter the taste of the food. Certain utensils also react with foods that are high in acids (for example, lemon juice or tomato sauce). These chemical reactions can have a negative impact on your immune system. Wooden tools are non-reactive, so they won't react with acidic ingredients, altering the taste of your dishes. This makes them perfect for cooking a wide variety of foods. Serving bowls for salad, and gravy, steamers for dumplings, etc. can be made of wood.
Environmentally Friendly
If you want to go eco-friendly, then switch to wooden utensils. Apart from being toxins-free, they help reduce the load of non-biodegradable and toxic plastic. Wooden utensils are renewable, environmentally friendly, and safe for humans. Wooden spoons and spatulas also won't scratch your pots and pans when you use them.
Anti-Rust And Non-Corrosive
Wooden utensils are naturally stronger, and with some care and attention, they can last for many years. Apart from this, wood is smoother, softer, and less abrasive than stainless steel. Another amazing thing about wooden kitchenware is that it is anti-rust and non-corrosive. They don’t react when exposed to acids, so you don't need to sit and get tired of rubbing off the rust.
Tips for Maintaining Hygiene:
- Hand Wash: Avoid using a dishwasher; instead, hand wash wooden utensils with mild soap and warm water immediately after use. Avoid soaking them for extended periods.
- Avoid Harsh Detergents: Strong detergents can strip wood of its natural oils and finish. Use a gentle dish soap.
- Regular Oil Treatment: To prevent the wood from drying out and cracking, periodically apply food-grade mineral oil or beeswax to your wooden utensils.
- Sunlight and Air: Allow your wooden tools to air dry thoroughly, and occasionally place them in direct sunlight to kill bacteria and moisture.
- Replace When Necessary: Wooden utensils have a lifespan. If you notice splintering, cracking, or deep stains that won't come out, it's time to replace them.