There is no problem with storing food in (stainless) steel containers. In fact, most gastronorm containers you see used by professional kitchen are made from stainless steel.
This doesn't mean that they are somehow "the best" - they are as much suited for storing as many other types of container. If you have some special requirements, you have to find out what offers the best tradeoffs for your preference. If you don't, then it doesn't matter if you get stainless steel or something else that is suitable.
The above assumes that your containers are non-reactive. This would include stainless steel, or containers which are surface treated, for example emailled. Naked blue steel will likely react with many foods, so it is not a good choice. Blue steel which has been seasoned at home will also have some reaction with food, even though more slowly than naked, so it is used in pans, but not in storage containers.
It is always a good idea to munch on fresh fruits and vegetables in place of salty or sugar laden junk foods. But to get the most out of these nutritional wonders, you also need to store them correctly.Some people use air tight containers to store freshly cut fruits and vegetables while others opt for glass jars. There is a common belief that you should avoid storing fresh fruits and vegetables that are particularly acidic in nature in metal container as the acid in fruits may react with the metal. So, should you avoid storing fruits in commonly used aluminium, steel or copper containers? Let's find out.
It is believed that certain metals can react with the acid present in some fruits and pose a risk to our digestive health. If the container is made of low grade metal, the toxins present in the metal can leach out into the food stored in such containers. This is why it is often recommended to use containers made with stainless steel as it is the least reactive and is generally considered safe for food storage. So, all those who are apprehensive about storing their food in stainless steel containers, may do so without worrying about it. The problem may lie with aluminium and tin containers.
Aluminium and copper containers should be avoided for storing fruits
According to Dr. Simran Saini, Nutritionist at Fortis Hospital in New Delhi, "It is safe to store your fruits and vegetables in stainless steel containers. There is no reaction with fruits and vegetables in these jars or containers. Aluminium containers, on the other hand, have been seen as a relatively unsafe option when pitted against steel containers. Aluminium is highly reactive in nature and may leach into your food." Macrobiotic nutritionist and Health Practitioner Shilpa Arora also agrees and tells us, "It is not a good idea to use aluminium foil or utensils as it reacts with fruits and vegetables which may not good for health."
Aluminium and copper containers should be avoided for storing fruits as the acids in some fruits may cause discoloration and leeching if they are left for too long in these metal containers. Also, if these containers are not airtight, they won't be able to keep the fruits fresh for long. Some containers may also contain bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic compound that has been linked to several health problems. There are containers that are BPA-free, always check with your store dealer before purchasing.
Advertisement