Introduction
Five decades ago, it was very common in Indian homes to ladle the vegetable dish with a brass ladles or a copper ‘lota’ which was kept underneath the sun. Dal or the dish of pulses was always cooked using a brass handi.
Then, as modernization occurred, people began to use non-stick, stainless steel as well as plastic. They seemed to be the more ‘convenient’ choice. The brass utensils were packed away into storage trunks or used as decorative vases.
Now, as people are becoming more concerned about health, heritage and harmony, these brass and copper utensils are making their way back into our houses.
Benefits
According to Ayurvedic science, if you drink water from a copper vessels, it balances the three ‘doshas’ of the body. These three doshas are called ‘Vata, Pitta and Kapha’. Copper utensils are supposed to completely cleanse the whole human body. It boosts the immunity and makes a person feel much younger. This is because bacteria like Estensia Coli and salmonella typhi are killed if water is stored in a copper vessels for a few hours.
Brass is the outcome of the marriage of copper and zinc. If you use brass utensils, it will increase your capacity to digest food and infuses the food with trace materials. Some elders also state the eating from brass utensils makes the food richer, deeper and enhances their taste.
Brass and copper are completely natural; they do not possess any microbes or chemicals. These vessels are very long lasting. Even if you possess a copper lota which is a hundred years old, you still possess the power to recycle it. Unlike glass utensils, they do not break into pieces. Unlike plastic, they do not take millions of years to decompose. In fact, they start to look more artistic if there is a slight tarnish on them, almost as if it has come from a painting. If you buy a copper or brass utensil, it is as if you are investing in tradition.
Symbol of Luck
Some people do believe that copper is a symbol of good energy. When there is a Lakshmi puja in the house, brass utensils are used. All Hindu pujas are incomplete without these kind of utensils. If using certain utensils will increase your health, wealth and luck, then people will definitely make use of it. Whenever your guests leave the house, if you are giving them a brass diya, it means that you wish them good luck on their journey. That is why they are even given as gifts during weddings, housewarmings or ‘grihapravesh’ and naming ceremonies. You can often spot their gleam in weddings as well.
Maintenance
In order to maintain these vessels, you do not have to keep scrubbing them. You should use a slight amount of lemon juice or salt or tamarind and it will help in cleaning them. Some vessels are even lacquered coated or lined or pre tinned which will make them suitable for induction or to put them on a stove. There are various companies like Coppre, Kansa Vatika, P-Tal that are making modern adaptations of copper and brass vessels. These companies include items like a thali which has minimalistic design or a spice box which is made of copper or a brass coffee filter.
Conclusion
When we cook in these vessels, it allows for even heat distribution which will make the flavors come out beautifully. That is why these vessels are even called flavor conductors. Kheer that is cooked in a brass patila tastes richer and sambar that is stored in a copper vessel makes the taste more flavorful. These are not utensils, they are living forms of heritage present in your hands.
Author
Shreeja Mukherjee