It is the oldest material worked by man who, since the dawn of time, has used it to build objects, jewelery and pots, which have entered into tradition and are today preserved as true family legacies. The important thing is to take care of it.
The best pans for slow cooking? Definitely the copper ones. But not only that: pure décor objects, jewelery and pottery made of this material are present in every family’s homes. However, when it comes to cleaning them, the desire to use them again disappears, especially in the case of kitchenware. In reality, with a few precautions and a home solution, they can be brought back to their former glory.
Copper, like most metals, tends to oxidize naturally and for this reason pots and objects made of this material appear increasingly opaque as time passes, perhaps with some residual halo from a quick and less than thorough cleaning. Inspired by the tradition handed down by older generations, there is a homemade solution based on vinegar, salt and wheat flour, which guarantees an excellent result, as well as being completely green.
First you need some white vinegar, white flour and fine salt. With these kitchen ingredients, in equal parts, a homogeneous solution is prepared to be used to remove the oxide layer formed on the surface. It is a real “abrasive paste” but delicate, which should be rubbed with a soft sponge – the ideal is a soft microfibre cloth – while abrasive ones should be completely avoided, as they would scratch the surface, ruining the typical “mirror effect”.
Once the surfaces have been coated with the compound, they should be rinsed under a jet of cold water and then dried with a dry cloth. The copper will return, as if by magic, to its characteristic splendor. Naturally, it will be an operation to be repeated several times throughout the year, because oxidation is inexorable, due only to exposure to the humidity present in the air.
