Glossy or matte side? Everything you need to know about using aluminum foil to become a chef

Have you ever stood in front of your kitchen counter with a roll of aluminum foil in your hands and wondered, "Should I use the shiny side or the matte side?" This dilemma is not uncommon—in fact, it's surprisingly common. Aluminum foil, an indispensable tool in every kitchen, has secrets that most of us do not know. But don't worry, we're here to reveal all the secrets and tricks you need to know to properly use this miraculous kitchen tool.

From debunking long-standing myths to discovering unexpected uses, our article will walk you through all the key information you need to know. If you thought aluminum foil was just for wrapping up leftover dinner, you're in for a surprise. Get ready to expand your kitchen knowledge and become a true aluminum foil master. Because once you know all its secrets, your approach to housekeeping will change forever!

1. Glossy vs. Matte Sides: The Ultimate Reveal Which Is Right

The first myth we need to dispel is the one about using the shiny and matte sides of aluminum foil. Let us tell you that this is just a trick created by the aluminum foil industry to confuse us! Technically speaking, both sides of the film perform the same function. The shiny side is the result of the production process, where the film is polished during the final rolls. The matte side is just a byproduct of this method. So no matter which side you use, your food will be cooked or stored the same. It is more important how you use the foil and not which side. Although some claim that the shiny side reflects heat better, in practice the difference is not noticeable. So don't worry about choosing the right side anymore - both are equal.

2. Tricks you need to know

Although the issue of foil pages is solved, there are many other useful tricks that you should know. Here are some of them:

Recipe: chocolate ice cream on a stick, for which you only need two ingredients

Sharpening scissors: Have your scissors become blunt tools? Do not worry! Take a piece of aluminum foil, fold it several times and then cut it several times. This simple method will sharpen your scissors like new again.
Cleaning the grill: After a picnic, cleaning up the grill can seem like a nightmare. Use a wad of aluminum foil instead of an expensive cleaner. Stubborn dirt and burnt-on residue can simply be rubbed off with crumpled foil, leaving your grill shiny and ready for the next use.
Prolonging the freshness of bananas: Have you noticed how fast bananas turn brown? Wrap the banana stalks in foil. With this simple trick, you will extend their freshness for several days, since the aluminum foil prevents the release of ethylene, which causes ripening.

3. The biggest mistakes when using foil

We often make mistakes that can easily be avoided:

Overuse: Wrapping food too tightly can cause problems. Food needs some room to breathe so it doesn't overcook or become soggy. Instead, wrap the foil loosely enough to allow steam to escape, which will allow your food to stay crispy and delicious.
Microwave: Never use aluminum foil in the microwave. Aluminum foil can cause sparks and even fire in the microwave, which is dangerous and can damage your appliance. For the microwave oven, use special containers that are safe for this purpose.
Unnecessary wrapping: Sometimes you don't even need foil to wrap food. Use reusable containers that are more environmentally friendly and reduce waste. Being aware of your ecological footprint is important, so consider when using foil is really necessary and when you can use alternatives.