Desiring some biryani for dinner or some sweet pongal? Cooking in brass or bronze?
If these are your doubts, its time to put them to rest. Read on to understand what these metals are exactly. The bronze vs brass utensils debate has been gaining a lot of attention due to their similarities & differences.

Used since the time of Greek and other empires, brass and bronze have been a common name in everyday usage. Though archaic, these metals have properties that are in vogue even in contemporary times. With the new turn of modernity that harks back on traditional wisdom, these metals are back in fashion and how. With time when newer metals like aluminium came forward, this traditional wisdom did face some setbacks. But it didn’t give up. Each time, the ancient knowledge has given strong answers to its detractors. These heirlooms are now becoming a part of our present and also a brighter future. Given the desirability of these metals, there also exist several questions as to how to use them? For what can they be used? Can one heat them or not? Etc etc. Its now time to put answer some of the pressing concerns. There must be many out there, looking for their answers; so worry not! Lets begin.

Bronze vs Brass utensils

A bright golden alloy of copper and zinc is brass while the radiant gold bronze is the alloy of copper and tin. They both retain a high percentage of nutritional value.

With a long history in culinary traditions, both brass and bronze have served us since a very long time. One often wonders that whether brass or bronze, which is better for cooking. Brass pots have been used to make rice, pans for sautéing, vessels for frying and so on. 

In fact, brass kadhais are a must have especially in Indian households where frying of pooris or making curries or veggies is a regular phenomenon. Food cooked in brass utensils like kadhais, pans, patilis especially helps in respiratory problems also. The properties of the metal are such that it helps in preventing sticking or burning of food. The food kept in brass utensils also keeps the food warmer for longer time. The beautiful handis also serve as decorative pieces with flowers falling from them or in other ways also.

Like brass, bronze has also been used for cooking purposes since a long time back, especially for many Mediterranean and European cuisines. Kansa metal is a great material to eat from it promotes gut health, reduces inflammation and increases immunity. A beautiful kansa thaali set for instance is a perfect way to make ones guests feel special and at the same time can

be used a a great gifting option. In fact, it may sound interesting to you that kansa metal does not let water become stale! Drinking water from a kansa glass is thus an easy and simple way to remain healthy as the water gets positively charged. It balances the Tridoshas or three doshas, Pitta, Vata, and Kapha, in our bodies. It thus also helps in fighting diseases especially water borne like cholera, dysentery, jaundice etc.

Out of both these metal, brass is highly reactive and thus alining called ‘kalai’ must be done in order to use these metals for proper cooking. This is a tin coating that ensures less corrosion. Without such lining, souring and curdling of food items like curd may happen in brass vessels. Without kalai, brass can be used simple as a
beautiful serve ware or drink ware. Bronze on the other hand is not very reactive and thus cooking can be done easily even of food stuff that is sour. Storing ghee, curd, milk and other items is also safe here. High temperatures are not a problem for either of these metals and thus cooking can be easily done.

Properties & Difference between Brass and Bronze:

Time to Decide:

The maintenance of these metals is easy, simple and does not require much time. Simple household items like tamarind pulp, pitamabri etc. can be used to ensure their cleanliness. If properly maintained, brassware can be a valuable addition to your kitchen and bronze can