Cooking at home is a never-ending task that needs to be attended to meticulously. The homemakers and wannabe chefs both want to ensure serving a delicious dish that is healthy as well. True, the health of the consumer depends on the quality of the ingredients by and large yet the cook at the helm must be equally concerned about using the best type of cookware. Pots, pans and other utensils crafted out of sustainable and natural materials can fulfill this objective perfectly. The real catch is to keep them clean and well-maintained. The users must be well aware of retaining them for a long time without spoiling the benefits, either.

It is most important to know that every type of utensil cannot be handled in the same manner. The users would do well to check the facts below and take appropriate actions that will enable them to continue using their favourite utensils for years.

Cast Iron

Being deficient in iron is a common complaint to be found among women in India. It thus makes sense to whip up delicacies and everyday dishes in a cast iron tawa or kadhai. The food that is cooked in such a utensil not only keeps the nutritional value intact but the inside of the tawa is free from toxicity too. The cook must make sure to keep it moisture free after washing it clean. This is important to prevent rust formation for a long time.

1. Hard scrubbing of grease is a strict no-no too. One can sprinkle some salt on it and gently sponge the surface to dislodge the grease instead. The cast iron tawa may be oiled meticulously after drying it too. This enables the chef to whip up fluffy pancakes and dosa for breakfast without worrying about the batter being stuck to the pan. The homeowner can use cast iron Appam pan from Amala Earth and maintain it effectively by following the above-mentioned tips.

Brass

1. Every Indian household stocks a few brass cookware items. It is a traditional material that is brought out on auspicious occasions especially for offering food to the Gods or the imminent guests. Amala Earth has an enviable collection of such cookware. Undoubtedly, washing with an effective dishwashing powder and water is most effective in removing the stains left behind after a meal but the brass cookware needs to shine brightly as before too. Washing it every single day is not advisable, however. One can try the old yet highly effective method of tamarind and salt too.

Application of salt to the stained surface is recommended. The user will have to remove it with a ball of tamarind that is used as a cleaning pad. It helps to take some time instead of hurrying. Washing the utensil with clean water afterward is the best way to maintain brass cookware. One may also use alternative sour agents such as vinegar or lime juice instead of tamarind. Drying the water by rubbing the utensil vigorously can restore the lost shine too. The user may have to get a particular utensil polished when the brassware is tarnished.

Stone

1. Peer into an Indian kitchen and the viewer is sure to find a mortar & pestle kept in one corner. It is a permanent fixture that is used for grinding everyday spices. Sure, modern mortars & pestles are created with a variety of materials yet it is the stone mortar and pestle that has remained a personal favourite for Indians across the country. The Green heirloom set from Amala Earth is useful in the kitchen. The heavy mortar is likely to become dirty once the masala is ground to perfection. It is most important to clean both the mortar and the pestle meticulously so that it is ready to be used the next day.

It is indeed intriguing to learn that stone mortar and pestle can be crafted out of a variety of stones at present. One may rinse off the remnants immediately after using a granite r white marble mortar & pestle. Harsh detergents should never be used to clean the stone kitchen tools, either. The user should be extremely careful about cleaning a soapstone item as well. A hot item should never have cold water poured on it. This will result in cracks.