Why Brass Utensils Hold Cultural Value in Indian Kitchens? – Kalasians index

In India, kitchens are more than just spaces for cooking – they are the hubs where families come together to cook and enjoy food, where traditions blend with modern appliances. Brass utensils have a special place in Indian kitchens for ages. These eco-friendly traditional brass utensils have transformed how we cook, and serve food. So, this blog will delve into the cultural value of brass cookware, its health benefits, and much more.

Traditional History of Brass Utensils in India

Brass has a long history in India and has been used for centuries in cooking and drinking water. Brass vessels were found during 2600 BCE – 1900 BCE, in Indus Valley Civilization. These are considered propitious and are used during special family occasions and other religious ceremonies. According to Ayurveda, cooking in traditional brass vessels can improve health. Even cooking with brass utensils is very common in India during festivals and other religious ceremonies because of their purity.

In many Indian regions, copper and brass utensils are handcrafted by local and skilled artisans using traditional methods passed down through Thatheras. They use hammering, shaping, and carving to create unique designs on cookware and serveware.

Now brass is widely adopted in Indian kitchens and is particularly known for making traditional dishes like biryani, kadhi, halwa, curries, etc.

Why Are Brass Utensils Valued in Indian Kitchens?

  1. Aesthetic Appeal

Brass utensils often have a timeless charm. Their golden shine adds an elegant touch to your kitchen or dining table. Whether you have a brass kadahi or a simple brass thali set, they enhance your dining and cooking experience.  

  1. Symbol of Tradition

Some Indians use copper and brass utensils to stay connected to their roots. These utensils add a touch of tradition to your kitchen.

  1. Health Benefits

Brass is known for its numerous benefits. Ancient Ayurvedic also highlights the positive impact of using brass for cooking and eating.

What are Brass Utensils Benefits for Your Health?

  1. Improving Digestion

When you use traditional brass utensils for cooking and eating food, it helps enhance your digestion. Preparing food in brass vessels helps neutralize excess stomach acid and other digestive issues, because of its alkaline properties.

  1. Enhancing Brain Function

Copper is necessary for the production of myelin which helps transmit signals in our brain.

  1. Good for Skin

The natural elements in traditional brass utensils help regulate blood flow, which ultimately gives a glow to your skin and prevents hair problems. When you use these, you get enough nourishment with these trace elements.

  1. Reducing Joint Pain

With the regular use of brass utensils, you can alleviate joint pain and other inflammatory conditions over time.

Simple Tips and Tricks to Maintain Your Brass Utensils

Proper care is essential to get maximum brass utensil benefits. Below we have listed some caring tips:

  1. Clean your brass cookware and serveware regularly with a mixture of lemon juice and salt. These ingredients help to remove tarnish effectively.
  2. Dishwashers can cause discoloration, so handwashing is best for brass cookware.
  3. Always store your brass utensils in a dry place to ensure they dry completely.
  4. Use a good-quality brass polish periodically to maintain their golden glow.

Modern Relevance of Brass Utensils

There are different metals and modern utensils available in the market today for cooking, however, brass still holds its cultural significance. Many Indian chefs and health-conscious individuals are now using traditional cooking methods and copper and brass utensils. The cultural value along with other benefits, make them a popular choice for those looking to blend tradition with today’s modern life.

Moreover, brass utensils are gaining popularity as home decor items. From intricately designed brass bowls to large cooking pots, these pieces are often used as decorative elements, adding a vintage charm to interiors.

What You Can Cook in Brass Utensils?

Well, brass cookware can be used to prepare a large variety of dishes like:

  1. Biryani

Brass handis and degchis are often used to cook famous Indian cuisine including rice dishes like pulao and biryani. These help in even heat distribution and ensure rice cooks evenly without hot spots.

  1. Curries

You can also use brassware for preparing curries and stews as it retains heat and evenly distributes it. Ultimately, it makes it easy to cook dishes for a longer period and let the flavors develop and meat or vegetables get tender.

  1. Sweets

Brass kitchenware can be used to make sweet dishes including halwa and laddoos, as it helps avoid burning and let the sweet cook evenly.

  1. Deep Fried Foods

Today brass kadahi or brass pan are used to cook deep fry items like pakoras and other Indian snacks. The tall sides of the kadai stop oil from splashing, and the brass material spreads heat evenly, which makes food crispy and well-fried.

Conclusion – Preserving Tradition with Brass Utensils

The use of traditional brass utensils in Indian kitchens brings culture, health, and sustainability. These help you connect with your roots and also give health benefits that other materials don’t offer. So, if you ever wonder if brass utensils are good for health or not? Then incorporate these into your kitchen and embrace a healthier lifestyle.

We at Kalasians bring an exclusive collection of copper and brass cookware, serveware, and gifting items. We are a leading supplier of traditional brass utensils. Whether you are looking for a brass thali set, brass ice cream bowls, or copper glasses, we have it all. Each piece is designed carefully with the traditional techniques of Thatheras. Our team of local and skilled artisans is committed to quality and sustainability and follows eco-friendly practices to craft each item. Explore our excellent collection now and add cultural value to your kitchen.

FAQs

Q1- What value do traditional brass utensils hold?

A – The heritage of cooking food in brass utensils preserves the ancient legacy and historical importance. They represent cultural heritage and play a necessary role in adding authenticity and enhancing flavors of dishes.

Q2- Is brass kitchenware safe to use?

A- Yes, brass is considered safe to cook food. However, it is recommended to take care of them properly to get maximum benefits.

Q3- Can we use brass cookware on the induction cooktop?

A- No, you should not use brass pots and pans on induction as they don’t have magnetic properties and are incompatible with it.

Q4 – Where can I find authentic and original brass utensils?

A – Well, you can explore our collection of traditional brass utensils. We at Kalasians have multiple options of brass kadahi, brass tawa, brass degchi, and much more, you can check out our website to find the perfect piece for your kitchen.

Q5 – Do I need to take any precautions while cooking food in traditional brass utensils?

A- Definitely! Brass has been used in Indian kitchens from ancient times, however, you need to take some precautions to ensure safe cooking, like:

  • Don’t cook acidic items like tomatoes, tamarind, etc.
  • It is recommended to not use harsh cleaning agents that can make your brass cookware susceptible to corrosion.

Q6- Can we boil milk in a brass pan?

A- Definitely! It is safe to boil milk in brass cookware. 

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