Aluminum is not the best baking medium, parchment paper is not just for baking, and plastic wrap is used for a very specific trick.
When it comes to baking, we usually use aluminum foil or parchment paper, depending on what we have on hand. Without thinking too much about it, this gesture seems inconsequential. However, this choice should not be taken lightly. If used incorrectly, aluminum foil can be harmful to health.
Aluminum for conservation
As a general rule, we place aluminum foil on our baking sheets, for our cookie preparations, grilled eggplants or papillotes. Indeed, the anti-heat properties of this paper are formidable. Even after 1 hour in the oven, no fear of burning yourself by taking it in your hands, its temperature will remain unchanged.
However, when in contact with heat, aluminum can turn into a powerful neurotoxin. With its residues deposited on food, nothing like it to create a risky cocktail.
We therefore reserve aluminum foil to wrap our sandwiches before a picnic and any other meal that we want to keep fresh. But if we can’t do without it for papillotes: start by wrapping your preparation with baking paper before wrapping it in aluminum foil. The main thing is to avoid any direct contact with the food.
Baking paper for cooking
It is the magic, waterproof, non-stick paper that resists very high temperatures. Even if it can be difficult to handle when it comes out of the oven (since it breaks easily), it will never burn you. Above all, it is safe for your health, since it is completely natural.
Unlike aluminum foil, food does not stick to parchment paper.
Cellophane for freezing
While aluminum foil protects food from temperature variations, plastic wrap protects it from air, mold and bacteria. Its use slows down food oxidation and optimizes its preservation.
The film was originally designed for foods to be placed in the freezer. You can still use it in the refrigerator, for example to preserve the smell of a plate of leftovers.
If you don’t have any cling film for freezing fish, use baking paper which will be a very good non-stick coating.
You know everything, and all you have to do is test them!
