Is Brass Safe for Eating and Drinking Daily?

Yes, brass utensils are safe for eating and drinking daily when they are made with the correct alloy and used properly. For centuries, Indian households have used brass for storing water and cooking because of its durability and natural antimicrobial properties. However, safety depends on alloy quality, food type, and correct maintenance.

What Is Brass Made Of?

Brass is an alloy primarily made from copper and zinc. The exact proportion of these metals determines the quality, strength, and safety of the utensil. Traditionally, food-grade brass contains a balanced ratio that prevents excessive metal leaching while maintaining durability.

Problems arise when brass is made cheaply or mixed with harmful metals like lead. This is why sourcing from trusted sellers and understanding the alloy composition is crucial when buying brass utensils.

Why Brass Was Traditionally Used in Indian Kitchens

Long before stainless steel became common, brass was widely used across Indian kitchens. The reasons were practical rather than decorative:

• Brass resists bacterial growth better than many other metals

• It is extremely durable and long-lasting

• It keeps water naturally cool

• It was easy to maintain using natural cleaning methods

Ayurveda also associates brass with improved digestion and balanced metabolism when used correctly.

Health Benefits of Using Brass Utensils

When used properly, brass utensils can offer several benefits:

• Antimicrobial properties that reduce bacterial contamination

• Trace mineral intake from copper and zinc

• Improved water quality when water is stored in brass vessels

• Eco-friendly alternative to plastic and synthetic materials

These benefits are most noticeable when brass is used for water storage and dry or mildly cooked foods.

Common Myths About Brass Safety

Myth 1: Brass utensils are toxic

Brass itself is not toxic. Health issues arise only when utensils contain unsafe alloys or are used incorrectly.

Myth 2: Brass should never touch food

Brass is safe for food contact, especially for water and non-acidic foods.

Myth 3: All brass utensils are the same

Quality varies greatly depending on craftsmanship, alloy composition, and finishing.

When Brass Can Be Unsafe

Brass can become unsafe in certain situations:

• Cooking or storing highly acidic foods (like lemon, vinegar, or tamarind)

• Cooking acidic foods without tin coating (kalai)

• Using poor-quality or lead-mixed brass

• Neglecting cleaning, allowing heavy oxidation buildup

• Using damaged or chipped lacquer coatings

Understanding these limitations ensures safe long-term use.

If you're looking for a brass cooking vessel with food safe tin coating, you can have a look at our brass saucepan with tin coating (kalai)

How to Care for Brass Utensils Properly

Proper care keeps brass safe and beautiful:

• Wipe the utensils off of any residual water after washing with dish soap.

• Clean frequently using lemon and salt or brass cleaners

• Avoid harsh chemical cleaners

• Do not use a scrubber with steel wool. Only use sponge.

• Do not store acidic foods for long periods

• Polish occasionally to prevent oxidation

Natural cleaning methods are both safe and effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can brass utensils cause zinc poisoning?
A: Only when low-quality brass is used excessively or acidic foods are stored for long periods.

Q: Is lacquer-coated brass safe for food?
A: It depends on whether the coating is food-grade. Always confirm before use.

Q: Can I drink water from a brass vessel every day?
A: Yes, drinking water stored overnight in brass is considered safe for most people.

Q: Does brass react with milk or curd?
A: It is best to avoid storing dairy products in brass for extended periods.

Q: Is using tin coated (kalai) brass utensils better for cooking/storing acidic foods?
A: Yes, tin coating is recommended for cooking acidic foods and has its own health benefits.

Conclusion

Brass utensils are safe for daily use when they are well-crafted, food-grade, and maintained correctly. Their long history in Indian households is rooted in practicality, not tradition alone. By understanding proper usage and care, brass can be a healthy, sustainable, and durable addition to modern kitchens. The inherent beautification it adds to the kitchen is a bonus.

At Peetal Mandi, we focus on traditional craftsmanship and responsible material choices to ensure our brass products are both safe and timeless.