Ashish is a Science graduate (Bachelor of Science) from Punjabi University (India). He spearheads the content and editorial wing of ScienceABC and manages its official Youtube channel. He’s a Harry Potter fan and tries, in vain, to use spells and charms (Accio! [insert object name]) in real life to get things done. He totally gets why JRR Tolkien would create, from scratch, a language spoken by elves, and tries to bring the same passion in everything he does. A big admirer of Richard Feynman and Nikola Tesla, he obsesses over how thoroughly science dictates every aspect of life… in this universe, at least.
An aluminum foil keeps the food warm.Dangers of aluminum foil Aluminum foil should ideally be used only to keep food warm for shorter periods of time but many people store the food for longer which may have consequences. Any food, if reaches 7- 8 degree Celsius or the time limit of 3-4 hours has exceeded (this may vary depending on the season and outdoor temperatures) then it provides an atmosphere for bacteria to reproduce, so it shouldnt be outside the refrigerator. The bacteria (lysteria, staph) developed on the food will not be visible but it may cause food poisoning, clammy skin, and vomiting. According to Shalini Manglani, Bangalore-based Wellness and Weight Management Expert, “Muslin cloth, food-grade brown paper, and food-grade parchment or butter paper can also be used to wrap foods. Aluminum foil locks moisture and odor in and keeps the food fresh but hot and acidic foods should not be put in aluminum foil as the aluminum will leach into the item.”
Whether it is lunch for office or college, planning a picnic or travelling, most of us pack our home-made food in aluminum foil and carry it. But have you ever wondered how it keeps the food warm and is it even safe to store food in aluminum foils for longer periods of time? Aluminum foil is made up of aluminum (as the name suggests), which has reflective properties and acts as a barrier to light and oxygen. As a result, the foil reflects the thermal energy back to the food maintaining the inherent aroma, moisture, and flavor of the food. It is often used for the packaging of perishable foods and dairy products also for longer storage. Aluminum foils usage doesnt only limit to food, it can also be used to put on windows to keep the house cool during summer and hot during winters.How Do Aluminum Foils Work? An aluminum foil keeps the food warm, but placing the foil directly on the object or food doesnt help much. The reason behind this is, if the foil is in contact with the object, the thermal energy would move in the foil itself and might get away, but if the foil is placed a little away from the food then it can properly reflect back the thermal energy and maintain the freshness of the food. So to avoid contact between foil and food, you can add a few layers of butter paper to make air pockets and then add a pack in a final layer of aluminum foil. As aluminum is a poor insulator (a substance that doesnt allow passage of heat) so to make the foil more effective, place it (food wrapped in foil) in fiberglass or ceramic tiffin boxes. It doesnt only keep the food warmer for longer, but also keep things cold. It acts as a barrier to oxygen and air which can transfer heat to cold or frozen food. The bottom line is it helps by maintaining the temperature of the food, be it warm or cold. (Also read: Why Cooking in Aluminium Foil Can Be Toxic)
Parchment or butter paper can also be used to wrap foods. Although aluminum foil is there to keep your food warm, it doesnt harm to try other alternatives too as suggested by experts. For most working people, eating packed homemade food is the norm. All you need to do is give a little attention to how this food is packed and carried. Be Safe!
Scientists : Why You Should Never Ever Cook With Aluminum Foil
FAQ
Why does aluminum foil not get hot?
Why doesn’t tin foil burn?
Why does aluminum foil cool so quickly?
How hot can tin foil get?
Does aluminum foil get hot?
It does get hot, but since it is so thin, and an excellent thermal conductor (being metal), it radiates/conducts away all of its heat so rapidly that it cools off much faster than anything else. Actually, aluminum foil does get hot when it is in the oven.
Why is foil too thin to hold heat?
Basically foil is too thin to hold heat because it’s just a thin slab of aluminum paper. Like a small rock that’s been laying on the sun all day but doesn’t burn your sole if it goes in your shoe. Reply [deleted]• Additional comment actionsReply more reply Loading Kobachalypse • Additional comment actions
Does a potato get hot if wrapped in aluminum foil?
Actually, it does get hot. In fact, if you wrap a potato in aluminum foil and put it in a hot over, the foil will get hot first. This is because metals like aluminum are very good conductors of heat, so they absorb heat very quickly.
What is tin foil used for?
Aluminum foil, or tin foil, is a paper-thin, shiny sheet of aluminum metal. It’s made by rolling large slabs of aluminum until they are less than 0.2 mm thick. It’s used industrially for a variety of purposes, including packing, insulation and transportation. It’s also widely available in grocery stores for household use.