Why You Need to Stop Wrapping Your Food in Newspapers

Many times we don’t realise how we are packing our food. Our mornings tend to be rushed since we have to cook and pack our food for the day, so we may take whatever is closest and wrap our food in it. However, it’s not right to forsake our health for the sake of convenience. Aluminium foil is all you need in your kitchen to pave your way towards healthy eating. Understanding the benefits of using aluminium foil every day will surely bring a positive change to your kitchen.

This paper-thin metal sheet is one of the most essential elements in our kitchen and has almost become indispensable. This is mainly because it is so versatile in its uses. You can use aluminium foil for cooking, for food storage, to cover baking surfaces, to wrap foods, and to prevent foods from losing moisture while cooking. It can even be used to line grill trays, to keep things tidy and in order, and for scrubbing pans to remove stubborn stains and residue!

Dangers of Wrapping Food in Newspaper

Even though it may be easy to just take some newspaper to wrap up and store your food, it can be quite disappointing to see the results. Paper is not water or oil-resistant, and you will find that the water will end up tearing the paper, or the oil has soaked into the paper. Additionally, leaving food in paper or tissue can often leave a bad smell, and you definitely do not want that odour around when guests walk in! 

Studies have also shown that doing this can cause some major health problems. According to the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India), the printing ink on the newspaper contains certain agents that may also cause cancer. When the hot food touches the ink, it can melt and can get into the food. Hence for the sake of your health, it is better to switch to aluminium foil.

Benefits of using Aluminium Foil

Retains Heat

Aluminium has many beneficial properties because of its ability to retain and distribute heat. This is why it is used to cover many foods while baking or cooking. Its thermal processing ensures rapid heating and minimum heat damage during cooking. When cooking in an oven, the major source of cooking is convection. Hence, it is ideal to use aluminium foil for cooking in the oven to avoid the sides of your pie getting burnt, or to bake some potatoes and save yourself from adding that extra bit of oil to your food.

Seals the Odour

Aluminium foil has a barrier function that acts against the migration of moisture, oxygen and other aromas. This helps you to package your food and seal in the odour. Make sure to tightly pinch the edges and the sides while wrapping so that no air can go or come out.

Helps Store Food

Since aluminium can withstand high temperatures, it makes it the perfect material for packing food. This is why we always see those stacks of biryani in aluminium foil packaging. It helps keeps the heat inside, and makes it easy to reheat in the future. The foil reflects thermal energy back into the food maintaining the aroma, moisture and flavour of the food.

Prevents Germs and Bacteria

Using aluminium foil for storage will also help prevent the food from coming in contact with germs as it is highly resistant to all bacteria. You can also add an extra layer to your packaging to prevent it from being torn.

Easy Packaging and Sustainable

Aluminium foil easily forms around any shape with minimal effort. This is why it is the most ideal household and food industry item. It can even be used multiple times. It is easy to clean and can be used to store foods one after the other.

Healthier and Easier Cooking

Using aluminium foil for cooking can avoid the use of too much oil in your food. It can also save you the trouble of scrubbing and cleaning pans every night. Instead of using it as food wrapping paper, use it as a conductor at the base of the pan and prevent stickiness instead of oil. In this way, you minimise the use of oil, without having your pan dirty during the process.

So it is time to limit the uses of your newspaper to reading and making paper paper-boats, and start using aluminium foil to store your food in a safe and healthy manner.