Did you know that copper can naturally resist bacteria? So can many brasses, which is one reason brass has been used on doorknobs and push plates for so long. So, how can this germ-fighting material be used in the kitchen? Here are a few ideas:
- Cookware: The line of Mauviel copper cookware is available at Williams-Sonoma
- Sinks: a gorgeous double-basin sink with adjacent dish drainer by Quality Copper Works
- Work Surfaces: an expanse of copper countertop by JAG Fabrication
- Food Prep: Mauviel Copper Mixing Bowl and Stand
From Wikipedia: "Copper and its alloys (brasses, bronzes, cupronickel, copper-nickel-zinc, and others) are natural antimicrobial materials. Ancient civilizations exploited the antimicrobial properties of copper long before the concept of microbes became understood in the nineteenth century. In addition to several copper medicinal preparations, it was also observed centuries ago that water contained in copper vessels or transported in copper conveyance systems was of better quality (i.e., no or little visible slime formation) than water contained or transported in other materials."
Related: Gorgeous Recycled Copper Sinks from Native Trails
(Images: Mauviel, Quality Copper Works, JAG Fabrication, Williams Sonoma)
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Another excellent source for copper cookware is Falk Culinair at copperpans.com.
Enjoy!
In India, many people store drinking water in copper pitchers to keep the bacteria out--plus it doesn't hurt to let it sit for a day or two.
Oh man...... any less expensive resources?
Less expensive? Estate sales and garage sales by people who are tired of polishing copper!
I second the falk culinar recommendation. The falk copper sauté pan we received as wedding gift is one of my most beloved, treasured kitchen tools. And I never waste my time polishing it, to be honest - I have it to cook delicious food, not to make a fashion statement. :D
That being said, copper cookware is always lined with another material (stainless steel or tin) due to copper's reactive nature, so it's not really like you get much antimocrobial action from the pans.
I'm desperate for help, re: cooper pots! My fiance and I are in the market for a new set of pots. I cook every night & love the look (and the even heating) of copper. Is there a set of pots you guys recommend? Is copper too high maintenance? The salesperson in williams sonoma on 57th St. told us "unless you have a housekeeper that can polish your copper pots 1x monthly" you better stick with stainless steel with a copper core. Help!?
I have had copper pots and pans (from Falk) for a little over a year now and have never polished them. I don't mind the tarnish and a couple of my lesser used pans only have a bit on the bottom.
I'm loving copper sinks in the kitchen at the moment. It patinas, or heals itself, over time, and is 100% recyclable. Pretty cool stuff!
More hot trends and cool sinks at sink.com