Have you ever wondered which dishes are suitable for a copper pan and if there is any difference between cookware made from this metal and those made from more common materials?
The price of copper cookware—compared to those made of stainless steel and other metals—might make our eyes widen in surprise. However, this is not just a whim, and when it comes to pots, pans, and other cookware used for meal preparation, the material they are made of matters. Especially copper has properties that are valued not only by electrical industry specialists but also by the most renowned chefs. They are well aware of the advantages and characteristics of the materials their cookware is made from. They know which dishes can be cooked in regular stainless steel pots and which are suited for a copper pan. Why these differences?
Why do the best chefs fry with copper pans?
Copper is not called a semi-precious metal without reason. Compared to gold and silver, it is underrated, but while we can only eat from silver and gold, copper ensures the high quality of the prepared dish. Why is that? Just as electricians value copper for its excellent electrical conductivity, chefs adore this metal for its outstanding heat conductivity. Copper is an excellent conductor of heat. Therefore, pots and pans made from it have different, better properties than traditional cookware! And this quality is confirmed by over 9000 years of history of using this metal in the kitchen.
Compared to a regular pan, a copper pan heats up faster. Well, for that price, one might wait a little longer. But that's not all, because not only does a copper pan heat up faster, but it also heats more evenly. This is a crucial, yet not the only wonderful feature of copper cookware. Even heat distribution on the pan allows for better control of frying temperature, thus minimizing the risk of burning the dish. This often also determines which dishes are suitable for a copper pan.
Will a copper pan save you on bills and medication?
According to data, copper heats up (conducts heat) five times better than iron and even twenty times better than stainless steel! Let's note that this not only shortens the time in which we can start cooking the next delicacy. That's the least important. The most important—especially in current times—is energy savings. A faster and more evenly heated vessel helps reduce the amount of electricity or gas used for cooking.
Is that all? Not quite. Due to its thermal properties, copper stores heat very well, which also affects the time a dish remains hot. Some dishes don't taste good when they cool down, and reheating them might make them lose their original taste. However, it should be noted that copper is a reactive metal, so it's worth knowing which dishes are suitable for a copper pan. Heating acidic foods like citrus, tomatoes, or using vinegar on copper can result in a metallic taste. It's important to pay attention to this!
There is another particularly important feature of copper in the kitchen. This metal—like silver—is antibacterial. Life is tough and short for microorganisms that have the misfortune to settle on a copper pan. For these small organisms, copper is toxic, so they eventually perish. For us, this is good news because bacteria can be harmful to us, while copper poses no threat to health. That's why water pipes and door handles in hospitals are often made of copper—the metal prevents the spread of microorganisms.
What dishes is a copper pan suitable for?
Unfortunately, copper is not suitable for cooking every dish. As we have already mentioned, a copper pan not lined with anything can react with acidic fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, lemons, and other fruits often used in the kitchen. Besides, most dishes can be prepared in regular cookware. It's better to save the copper pan for the finest delicacies. So, what dishes is a copper pan suitable for? It is particularly well-suited for cooking dishes that require a constant temperature, intense heating, or rapid cooling. Its excellent thermal conductivity works both ways—we can also cool a copper pan quickly, which is advantageous for certain dishes.
Chefs most often use copper pans for cooking delicate dishes, such as fish, tender meats, and sauces. It is also a classic choice for pastry chefs who prepare various preserves on copper pans, such as jams. A copper pan is also perfect for making caramel. Pans made of this metal are an ideal choice if we enjoy the cooking method known as sautéing—in a small amount of oil "in its own juice." Now that we know what dishes a copper pan is suitable for, it's time to look for recipes and take the pan in hand!
