Aluminum foil is increasingly used for cooking. Not only commonly used by professional chefs, but also widely used by mothers to prepare food at home.
With an average thickness of about 0.2 mm, the sheet metal foil is quite flexible. The sheets can be easily folded, rolled and shaped, so that they are practically used as food wrappers. In addition to food, aluminum foil is also widely used for cosmetics, chemical products, and industrial supplies.
The way aluminum foil works in protecting food is by blocking exposure to oxygen, odors, germs, light and humidity of the air to food. This makes food more durable. Aluminum is also able to function as an insulator, both for hot and cold conditions, so that the temperature of the food does not change for several hours.
If there is no refrigerator, then cover the food with aluminum foil to keep the food taste and smell the same. Place food that has been coated with aluminum foil in a dry, cool, and not exposed to sunlight.
If you want to store food in the refrigerator, wrap the food one by one with aluminum foil, so it is not affected by the smell and taste of other food ingredients. In addition, aluminum foil can also wrap food that will be taken on the way.
Also take advantage of aluminum foil to wrap vegetables or other food ingredients when burned or roasted. This method will keep food ingredients from drying out and look attractive. In addition, cooking with aluminum foil makes it unnecessary to bother washing cooking utensils afterwards.
Aluminum foil sheets are more effective in maintaining the taste and moisture of food, compared to plastic sheets. However, be sure to coat the food tightly so that air cannot enter, so the food stays durable.
Although aluminum foil has many benefits in food storage and processing, be aware of the risk of food poisoning due to the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Conditions without oxygen in foods that are wrapped and cooked in aluminum foil, can make these bacteria multiply faster. Food poisoning caused by C. botulinum is called botulism. Although rare, this condition is very dangerous because it can cause breathing difficulties, paralysis, and even death.
Tips for Using Aluminum Foil
To maximize the benefits of aluminum foil, you need to know how to use it appropriately. The following explanation:
- When baking or grilling fish or vegetables, season them first before wrapping in aluminum foil. Once cooked, immediately open the aluminum foil layer, then transfer to a serving plate.
- If it is to be used for grilling chicken or other meat using an oven, it is recommended to coat the grill first with aluminum foil. Season the meat, then coat it with aluminum foil, no need to be too tight, then bake until cooked.
- Avoid using aluminum foil in the microwave. Therefore, electromagnetic waves from microwaves cannot penetrate metals, so food will not heat evenly. However, the use of aluminum foil is still permitted if it only covers a small portion of food.
Aluminum foil can help food to be more durable and appear more attractive when served. Nevertheless, still be aware of its use. Don't forget, always read food packaging labels that use aluminum foil before processing or consuming them.
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