Why Can’t We Use Bronze Utensils for Cooking?

Cooking is an art, and with all kinds of arts, tools will make a difference. As and a metal from these cookware made. Regarding cookware and utensils, there is quite a wide range to choose from, from stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, and even copper or brass. Of all possible metals, the one that very seldom finds its place in a lineup within the kitchen is bronze. One could wonder why because bronze is such a tough, good-looking metal.

In this article, we are going to break down why bronze is not an ideal material for cookware and exactly where other materials are the pinnacle of superiority.

What Is Bronze Cookware?

The cookware made from bronze would be an alloy containing mainly copper and tin, with the occasional addition of small amounts of another metal, usually aluminum or nickel. Bronze is resilient, durable, and has a pleasing golden-brown color. It has been used in tools and ornaments for many years. However, it is not as common in the kitchen as other metals like stainless steel and cast iron.

Bronze gives a unique look to kitchenware and can give a vintage touch to the kitchen. Many people are attracted to them. The cookware or bronze utensils look impressive even when displayed. However, they are not seen in modern kitchens nowadays. Bronze utensils are not used for for cooking purposes due to some chemical properties that can give potential health concerns.

Combined with its tendency to corrode, this risk makes bronze an impractical material for cookware that is intended to have direct contact with food. However, though it could be a good-looking decorative piece, it is not recommended for cooking.

Disadvantages of Bronze Utensils

There could be a set of reasons why bronze is not particularly common in cookware. Let’s analyze them one by one at a time.

Heavier Weigh

Bronze kitchenware may be relatively heavy, as it is dense compared to other materials. This aspect may inconvenience people who like handling light kitchenware.

Copper Content and Toxicity

Bronze has a very high copper content, which may pose a problem during heating. During the heating of bronze cooking utensils or cookware during food preparation, food may attain copper through leaching. Although copper is essential in life and the body, it is only required in tiny amounts, and too much of it may be harmful.

Cooking involves heat mostly, and thus, the copper nature of bronze easily blends into your cooked meal, especially when cooking acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus. This is the reason why bronze, being highly rich in copper, is not recommended for any heated type of cooking.

Chemical Reactions with Food

Cooking very sour food often involves acidic and alkaline substances. When such kinds of foods come into contact with bronze, a chemical reaction may occur. This reaction leads to deterioration in the quality of the metal and the food itself, while the food develops a metallic taste and harmful substances.

Corrosion and Tarnish

Bronze tends to tarnish and corrode with exposure to moisture and salt and heat, two elements that are constantly present in the kitchen. Corrosion is the slow destruction of the metal that may result in changes in color and taste and even affect the safety of the food.

Over time, a patina of greenish coloration will form on the surface of the bronze. Whereas these patinas can be harmless and even desired in decorative pieces, they can be poisonous in cookware since they will generally be copper oxide. This is stimulated by repeated exposure to water and heat. For this reason, bronze is not a very suitable metal for everyday cooking.

Not Dishwasher Friendly

Handle with extra care. It would be better if utensils were cleaned by hand. Say goodbye to the convenience of the dishwasher.

Is It Safe and Good for Health to Cook in Bronze Utensils?

Now, let’s look more closely at the health effects associated with cooking with bronze cookware. As we mentioned, bronze cook food contains copper, which can be dangerous if it enters the body in high amounts. Here’s why it’s concerning.

Risk of Copper Poisoning

There is a danger of copper poisoning associated with cooking in bronze, especially if cookware or utensils have been used for quite some time. Copper poisoning can occur gradually in the form of traces accumulating in the body. This may lead to stomach pains, headaches, and even graver conditions if exposure is protracted.

Symptoms of copper poisoning include nausea and diarrhea, with liver and kidney problems in more serious cases. This is especially discouraging from using bronze in cooking, as the risk outweighs apparent advantages in durability or even in aspects of appearance.

Possible Allergic Reactions

Some people are allergic to copper, and long exposure may result in skin irritations or allergic reactions. Though cooking in bronze will not directly create skin irritations, traces of copper may transfer to your hands, utensils, or food and trigger reactions in sensitive individuals.

Interactions with Medications

High levels of copper act against certain medications, mainly those affecting the liver. Using bronze for cooking in such cases of those taking medications may lead to deteriorating health conditions or complications that emanate from the medications.

Comparison with Other Materials

Given that bronze does pose certain risks, why do we then use other metals? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular metals used for cooking and why they are considered much safer.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is considered one of the safest and most practical metal materials used in the kitchen. Very resistant to corrosion, it doesn’t react with either acidic food or alkaline food because it is a non-porous material. Even when heated at high temperatures, stainless steel does not leach harmful chemicals into food. It is, therefore, suitable for all kinds of cooking: boiling, frying, baking, and so on.

Cast Iron

Cast iron is the next common material used for cookware. Even though it releases trace amounts of iron into food, this is not known to be a hazard. It is very resilient as well. When seasoned properly, the cast iron attains a coat of non-stick, which makes it perfect for cooking.

Anodized aluminum

Anodized aluminum is another very good option to use when cooking. Processing anodization forms a non-reactive layer; hence, it prevents the metal from leaching into the food. Anodized aluminum does not react with acidic ingredients in foods, so it safe for a lot of recipes, too.

Copper Utensils

Pure copper is not safe to cook with, but fortunately, many copper pots and pans are lined with tin coating some other, safer metal, such as stainless steel. This provides the good heat conductivity of copper, without the risk of being poisoned by copper.

When Bronze Can Be Used in the Kitchen

There are a few ways bronze still could play a role in your kitchen. Here are some examples of safe ways to use it:

Decorative Items

Table ornaments of bronze utensils or vessels for cookery can be used. A good-looking bronze plate or spoon can give that sort of elegance to your kitchen without ever coming into contact with food during the cooking.

Serving of Non-Acidic, Room-Temperature Food

Sometimes, bronze can be used for serving dry, inert foods that will not react with the metal. This is not recommended for regular or daily use because even small amounts of moisture can cause reactions over time.

Kitchen Accessories

Bronze kitchen accessories would be great in items that do not involve cooking, such as pestles, scoops, and other non-food-contact decorative items. These are accents that give greater character to the kitchen without being a health hazard.

Conclusion

Bronze may have its aesthetic appeal and an excellent history from both the art and cooking utensils points of view. Unfortunately, it is not a safe material in which to cook anything. Leaching copper with food, heavyweight, chemical interaction of food, and possible health hazards are all issues associated with cooking, so this should not be regularly used in your kitchen. 

Safety has to be the first priority when selecting cookware. The right materials mean one can eat delicious meals without any fear of chemicals or metals being ingested in the body. If you love the look of bronze, you can add it to your kitchen as decoration or get other non-cooking accessories. It`s the perfect way to enjoy its beauty with no risks!