Copper cookware is some of the most beautiful cookware on the market. It evokes thoughts of rustic European kitchens, the gleaming pots and pans hanging among strings of dried peppers and herbs. Copper is earthy and natural, and the warm glow of a polished copper pot is a symbol of a simpler time.
For all of its warmth, though, copper is toxic, which is why copper pots are lined with tin or steel. This way, the utensil can benefit from the excellent heat conductivity provided by the copper without creating a safety hazard.
Copper cookware is also known for having a higher than average need for upkeep. The first problem is that copper tarnishes regardless of use and so it must be regularly polished. And, when you do use your copper pots, care must be taken when cleaning them.
Washing
As previously mentioned, copper cookware is always lined with some other metal to prevent food from being exposed to contact with the toxic metal. But, to maximize the heat conductivity of the copper (the main functional benefit of the cookware) this metal lining is necessarily very thin.
When food gets burned onto a copper pot or pan, all abrasive scrubbing material should be avoided – especially products containing steel wool. Repeated scrubbing with these materials will wear through the lining. Linings can be replaced, but it is cheaper and easier to avoid it with proper care.
If food is burned on, copper cookware should be soaked in hot, soapy water; even overnight, if necessary. Then, it should be wiped with a wet cloth and dried with a clean, dry cloth.
Polishing
Copper will tarnish (begin to turn black) simply by being exposed to the air, and will develop a patina if left unchecked. So it must be cleaned and polished regularly, even if you don’t use it that often in your cooking.
There are commercial copper tarnish removers on the market, but it is easier and cheaper for you to make your own tarnish remover, considering how often you will need it (especially if you have a complete cookware set with multiple pieces).
For spot treatment, cut a lemon in half, sprinkle salt on it and scrub the tarnished area. For larger areas, mix lemon and salt together in a larger quantity and apply with a soft cloth. Once the tarnish is removed, rinse the piece with water.
If no lemon is available you may substitute ketchup. Some say the acid in ketchup, provided by tomatoes and vinegar in the ingredients, also work to remove tarnish and is useful because it will stick and can be left on for deeper tarnish.
Storage
There is no way to store copper so it will avoid getting tarnished. The most important thing you can do is keep it as dry as possible. If you wash it, be sure to dry it thoroughly right away rather than leaving it to air dry.
If you can follow these steps, your copper cookware will remain as a beautiful and functional addition to your kitchen for many years.
Article provided by Only Cookware – a consumer guide to cookware including stainless steel cookware, copper, cast iron and non-stick. The goal of Only Cookware is to provide a one-stop resource for anyone looking to buy cookware including unbiased cookware reviews, helpful tips, hints and advice.
