Steel and food: 10 things you didn't know

Material undisputed prince for resistance to external agents and wear, used in many areas, stainless steel also has another peculiarity: it is resistant to bacteria ; that's why it becomes a protagonist in the food sector. If we think for a moment about hygiene and cleanliness in the kitchen, for example, those of restaurants immediately come to mind, where every wall unit, cabinet and worktop are made of stainless steel. Pots, containers, cutlery, appliances and the vast majority of utensils that come into contact with food are made of this noble material.

There are naturally different types of stainless steel : each alloy has its own strengths and weaknesses, which is why a different one is used for each tool depending on the use. There are acronyms that distinguish one alloy from another and undoubtedly the best steel that can be used in the food sector is 18/10, 18/8 or 18 / C, values ​​that are to indicate the presence of nickel or chromium in the alloy itself. Even nomenclatures such as AISI 316 and AISI 430 identify types of stainless steel more or less resistant to heat or corrosion.

In fact, one of the most important characteristics that make steel the best material to use for food is its resistance to wearing action which not only the detergents used for its cleaning can exert and sanitation but also that resulting from contact with certain foods and condiments; lemon for example, or tomato, but also salt and vinegar, some fruit drinks can damage the material that contains them, if not suitable.

10 things you (maybe) didn't know about steel

  • 1 - Steel is more than a thousand times stronger than iron.
  • 2 - It is one of the rare metals that can be recycled and that does not lose its initial characteristics
  • 3 - In 1918 the first steel car appeared on the market
  • 4 - The nickname "stainless steel" has been given to steel as it is the most corrosion-resistant material known to date
  • 5 - There are soap bars made of steel, able to remove bad smells due to the handling of garlic and strong smelling foods
  • 6 - More than half of the products manufactured in the world derive from production processes attributable to steel
  • 7 - Steel is an alloy composed of different elements, mainly carbon and iron; there are more than 3000 types of steel in the world
  • 8 - If the carbon percentage exceeds 2% it becomes cast iron
  • 9 - A computer is made of 30% steel
  • 10 - It is cheaper to recycle steel than to extract the components to produce them again

Last but not least, stainless steel is an excellent conductor of heat and at the same time it is suitable as an insulator, as well as being light and easy to handle; that's why it is used to produce pans and pots, as well as small appliances such as ovens, planetary mixers, blenders, and also thermal water bottles, food warmers and containers for storing food.

In fact, for those who are involved in producing high quality containers and utensils, both professional and for domestic use, hygiene is one of the fundamental factors that induce to use stainless steel as the main material . The surface is resistant to rust and, thanks to the presence of chromium, also to other oxidative agents. For those who want to bring food and store it outside the kitchen, during a trip, a trip, but also at school and at work, steel proves to be a resistant, light and highly hygienic material. The structure of the alloy in fact prevents bacteria from infiltrating both during use and cleaning operations; be careful, however, it is important not to use abrasive sponges made of steel fiber, as well as particularly aggressive detergents.

To wash and sanitize steel, simply clean it with a light cloth, soaked in a solution of water mixed with vinegar for example, or lemon, and obviously with specific products for this type of material. It therefore becomes very easy to clean even and above all when you are away from home, certain that a cleaning also based on natural ingredients will counteract bad odors and will be sufficient to thoroughly sanitize.

When choosing a container to storing, storing and transporting food , it is necessary to pay close attention to the words that distinguish it: stainless steel is the guarantee of a safe, resistant and hygienic, perfect for keeping food cool or warm, carrying water, soft drinks and beverages always with you both outdoors, at work or during a sports session, and suitable for children as it is resistant to shocks and scratches. Easy to clean and sanitize, the water bottles, food warmers and small appliances can be reused many times, returning as new every time.

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