Do you love the fancy feeling of using silverware when dining? So do we! But, before you start serving everything on your silver platter, did you know that there are some foods that are a big no-no for silverware?
Yep, serving certain every dishes in silver might not generally be a good idea.
Confused? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ll take a look at just this topic in this article.
Foods that react with silver
Although silverware has long been a mainstay of fine dining, do you know that not all foods go well with it?
One of the disadvantage of Silver is how a chemical reaction between some foods and it can result in discolouration or a metallic flavor, hence almost damaging it. Which aside from that might not be good for your health.
However, the good news is that this isn’t a new problem ¨C in fact, it’s been known for ages. The bad news is that we still make the same mistakes today. Here are some foods to avoid serving in silver:
- Eggs: Yes, your traditional breakfast item is a major no-no for silverware. Sulfur chemicals found in egg yolks can react with silver to tarnish or leave black spots on them. This is particularly true for eggs that are prepared in a more prolonged manner, such as hard-boiled eggs. Consider using porcelain or ceramic plates when cooking eggs rather than a silver dish.
- Tomatoes: Although it’s difficult to imagine a salad without ripe, juicy tomatoes, they are another food that can damage your silver utensils. Tomatoes’ high acidity can interact chemically with silver, resulting in a metallic flavor or discolouration. For this reasons, when serving salads with tomatoes, consider other utensils, e.g, glass or plastic bowls.
- Citrus fruits: Talking about acidity, citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges can also taint silverware and cause discolouration.Thus, refrain from serving them in silver bowls or juicing them into silver pitchers. Use glass or plastic containers instead.
- Salt: Salt can corrode or pit silverware over time, despite the fact that it may appear to be a safe spice. So don’t let salty meals sit on your silverware for a long time.
How to Care For Your Silverware
Now that you are aware of which meals should not be served with silverware, it is essential to take adequate care of your silverware to avoid tarnishing and other issues. Here are some pointers to keep your silverware’s quality and beauty up to par:
- Hand-wash with mild detergent and warm water: It’s recommended to wash your silverware by hand with warm water and a light detergent to prevent scratches or damage. Avoid using harsh chemicals or rough sponges that could harm the silver.
- Dry your silverware immediately after washing: Make sure to quickly dry them with a soft cloth or towel after washing them. It’s important you properly dry your silverware because water stains can cause rusting and discolouration.
- Store silverware in a dry, cool place: It’s also important you store your silverware in a dry, cool location away from sunshine and heat sources to prevent tarnishing and damage. This is because, the silver may become damaged and discolored when exposed to heat and sunshine.
- Use silver polish or a polishing cloth: If your silverware does corrode or turn discolored, you can use a polishing cloth or silver polish to restore it to its former glory. However, to prevent harming the silver, be sure to carefully follow the instructions on the polish.
- Have a Professional Clean your silver: It can be important to have your expensive or antique silverware professionally cleaned and polished. The silverware can be returned to its pre-damaged state with the aid of an expert, who can also offer guidance on future maintenance.
Alternatives Options to Consider
If Silvewares are not good for acidic food, what happens when you serve these kinds of food? Well, it’s simple ¡ª go for its alternatives. Below are a list of them:
- Use ceramic or glass dishes for acidic foods: If you’re worried about high-acid foods, such as tomato-based sauces, reacting with your silver, you could make use glass or ceramic dishes, since they’ve been researched to be non-reactive with all types of food.
- Serve foods on wooden platters or boards: Use wooden platters or boards if the dish may be messy or challenging to serve with a silverware. They can give your dining experience a rustic feel and make it simpler for visitors to help themselves.
- Use stainless steel or other non-reactive metals: You can also choose to use stainless steel or any other non-reactive metal for your serving utensils if you’re serving dishes like eggs or onions. Your silverware will stay cleaner and less likely to get damaged this way.
- Offer disposable cutlery for messy or difficult-to-eat foods: When eating delicacies like crab legs or corn on the cob that are messy or difficult to consume, it can be simpler to use a disposable flatware. By doing this, you can avoid the trouble of cleaning up after the supper and make it simpler for your guests to take pleasure in it.
Conclusion
So there you have it: a list of meals to avoid using silverware for, instructions on how to take care of your silverware, and some alternate serving ideas to think about.
Even though silverware is a classic that has stood the test of time, you should be aware that some foods might tarnish or harm your priceless silverware. But don’t panic, there are lots of alternatives available!
You can use ceramic or glass dishes, wooden platters, stainless steel utensils, or even your own hands. There are countless options, but the most crucial thing is to enjoy yourself and go outside the box when it comes to serving. So keep these suggestions in mind the next time you’re arranging a meal and enjoy the unique and exciting experience of dining with style and creativity.
