Why would different types of pots/pans (made from different metal) give a different taste to food?
There's many types of pots and pans: from copper to stainless steel. I own several different types at home. I have been using them, and I've noticed a slightly different tastes each one give on the same food. I want to understand the reason why different pot and pan would give a different taste to food. Understanding this also might help me use the correct pot/pan for specific recipes.
I don't know if this is a topic that people are even going to agree with me on.
Is it because each pot/pan has different heat distribution? Or does the pot/pan impart something to the food depending on which metal it is?
Best Answer
Some metal react differently with some food, mostly with acidic ingredients like tomatoes.
Stainless steel and ceramic are non-reactive and should not impart different flavor to the food.
Aluminium, "regular" steel, iron(cast-iron), copper are known to be reactive and will react to ingredients and will change some of the flavors.
I mostly used stainless steel pans and pots (and stainless-steel lined aluminium pans) and don't have issues with "flavoring".
(from http://www.thekitchn.com/food-science-explaining-reacti-73723 )
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Quick Answer about "Why would different types of pots/pans (made from different metal) give a different taste to food?"
Aluminium, "regular" steel, iron(cast-iron), copper are known to be reactive and will react to ingredients and will change some of the flavors.Can a pan change the taste of food?
When acidic ingredients are cooked in \u201creactive\u201d pans, such as those made of aluminum or unseasoned cast iron, trace amounts of molecules from the metal can loosen and leach into the food. Although these minute amounts are not harmful to consume, they may impart unwanted metallic flavors.How does the metal used to make a cooking pan affect is cooking qualities?
Iron is an excellent heat conductor, which also retains heat for a long time; pots are easy to clean and last forever, despite being extremely heavy. It's also known that iron from the pot is absorbed into the food and until recently, people believed that this even increased the food's nutritional value.Does stainless steel make food taste different?
Metallic taste from stainless steel pans prevents you from enjoying the best flavor from recipes. Metal cookware can leach while you cook, giving your food a metallic flavor. Stainless steel pans are regarded as the safest because they are the least reactive.Why does my food taste like cast iron?
Because cast iron is reactive, a chemical reaction occurs whenever you expose it to certain foods: small amounts of dietary iron from your skillet can leach, and your food can change color or develop a metallic flavor. When this happens, you're essentially tasting the cast iron from the skillet.4 Types of Toxic Cookware to Avoid and 4 Safe Alternatives
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