Aluminum foil is increasingly being used for cooking. Not only commonly used by professional chefs, but is also widely used by mothers to prepare meals at home.
With an average thickness of about 0.2 mm, aluminum foil sheet is quite flexible. The sheet can be easily folded, rolled and shaped, making it practical to use as food wrappers. In addition to food, aluminum foil is also widely used for cosmetics, chemical products, and industrial equipment.
The way aluminum foil works in protecting food is by blocking the exposure of oxygen, odors, germs, light and humidity to the food. This makes the food last longer. 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 a refrigerator is not available, then cover the food with aluminum foil to keep the taste and smell of the food the same. Place food that has been lined with aluminum foil in a dry, cool place out of the sun.
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 a trip.
Also take advantage of aluminum foil to wrap vegetables or other foodstuffs when grilled or grilled. This method will keep the food ingredients from drying out and keep their appearance attractive. In addition, cooking with aluminum foil makes us not have to bother washing cooking utensils afterward.
Aluminum foil sheets are more effective in preserving the taste and moisture of food, compared to plastic sheets. However, make sure to coat the food tightly to prevent air from entering, so the food will last longer.
Although aluminum foil has many benefits in food storage and processing, be aware of the risk of food poisoning due to bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Conditions without oxygen in food wrapped and cooked in aluminum foil, can make these bacteria multiply faster. Food poisoning caused by bacteria C. botulinum called botulism. Although rare, this condition is very dangerous because it can cause difficulty breathing, paralysis, and even death.
Tips for Using Aluminum Foil
To maximize the benefits of aluminum foil, you need to know how to use it properly. Here's the explanation:
- When grilling or grilling fish or vegetables, season them before wrapping in aluminum foil. Once cooked, immediately remove the layer of aluminum foil, then transfer to a serving plate.
- If you are going to use the oven to roast chicken or other meat, it is recommended that you cover the grill with aluminum foil first. Season the meat, then cover it with aluminum foil, don't need to be too tight, then bake until cooked.
- Avoid using aluminum foil on microwave. This is because electromagnetic waves from microwave cannot penetrate metal, so food will not heat evenly. However, the use of aluminum foil is still allowed if it only covers a small part of the food.
Aluminum foil can help food to last longer and look more attractive when served. However, be wary of its use. Don't forget, always read food packaging labels that use a layer of aluminum foil, before processing or consuming them.
