Tips for choosing bamboo cookware

In the modern world, the issue of ecology is very acute. Environmentalists and adherents of a healthy lifestyle choose environmentally friendly products and interior items for themselves. An example of respect for nature and human health was bamboo dishes, which gradually began to replace products made of plastic, metal and cardboard.

Bamboo is an evergreen plant of the cereal family that grows in the tropical and subtropical forests of Asia. A feature of the plant is its growth rate: within an hour, its length increases by at least 2 cm. And its unpretentiousness makes it possible to get cheap raw materials for the production of eco-goods without much effort.

Many centuries ago in the East they learned about the properties of bamboo and began to use it in the construction of houses and boats, the manufacture of furniture and musical instruments, medicine and cosmetology.

In the 20th century, with the development of technology, they began to make bamboo fiber for the production of textiles and tableware.

Eco-fiber from bamboo is obtained using shoots and leaves of plants, grinding and chopping them well. Now suppliers from Taiwan and China offer ready-made fiber in the form of powder or granules of natural golden yellow or black colors.

This is followed by the process of making the dishes themselves. Each manufacturer has a different composition of ingredients. Only bamboo fiber can be present here, or it can be mixed with wood, palm leaves, sugar cane and food components.

Fiber (fiber) products can be obtained in two ways.

1. Gluing of blanks into a single piece and subsequent processing with wax or food grade varnish.Such specimens look very similar to natural wood products, but they are not suitable for washing in a dishwasher, have a thicker surface and are not durable enough.
2. A pre-prepared mixture of fiber and other components, adding food coloring of the required shade, is placed in a press for sintering. Further, the inner surfaces are coated in one or two layers with varnish to impart moisture resistance and increase antibacterial properties. The outer surface is painted with safe vegetable dyes. Products made in this way are thinner and more elegant (their thickness is about 3-5 mm), but at the same time they are quite strong and durable.

Properties of bamboo cookware.

1. Bamboo is considered an environmentally friendly raw material that decomposes in its natural environment within 180 days, and in water - in 2 days.
2. Fast recovery after felling without additional use of fertilizers.
3. No risk of vegetation destruction. Recently, other countries (for example, Ukraine) have begun to engage in the cultivation of bamboo plantations.
4. When growing bamboo, no chemicals are used, which affects the purity and environmental friendliness of raw materials.
5. Bamboo fibers have antibacterial properties that prevent contamination by microorganisms and fungi. This also applies to finished products. When in contact with food, bamboo helps to decontaminate it.
6. Washing in hot water and dishwasher does not reduce the useful properties of the dishes for a long time.
7. Durability of products with proper care and use. Even with constant and intensive use, the color and smoothness of the surfaces does not change.
8. Despite its lightness and graceful forms, bamboo products are durable and resistant to chips and scratches. Preferred when traveling, at picnics, for feeding children.
9. Lack of foreign odors and protection from absorbing food or paint aromas.
10. After being slightly wet, it tends to dry quickly.
11. It is a budget option for healthy food and environmentalists.
12. A variety of shapes and colors will help you choose a set of plates or kitchen utensils for any interior.

In addition to all of the above advantages, there are some restrictions on the use of such cookware.

1. It can be washed with gel detergents or soapy water with a soft sponge without abrasive particles. The use of dishwashers is possible if indicated by the manufacturer.
2. Possible temperature loads should not exceed 75 degrees. In bamboo dishes, do not heat food, boil water and put it on an open fire.
3. Storing liquids in such containers may biodegrade.
4. Unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer, the use of bamboo cookware in microwave ovens is prohibited.

Here you can find plates of various shapes and sizes, coasters, bowls and bowls, fruit vases, wicker baskets for bread and sweets, glasses, food storage containers and more. There are also cutlery: knives, forks, spoons and cooking tools.

In specialized stores, there are dish dryers, cans for storing bulk products, thermoses and even a double boiler. You can choose several bamboo items in the set as a gift for your loved ones and loved ones.

In connection with the extensive struggle of the whole world with environmental pollution, manufacturers of eco-dishes have launched the production of disposable bamboo products for picnics, fast food restaurants, and celebrations.The range of such products includes plates, glasses, spoons, forks, knives, containers, sushi sticks, straws for drinks and much more.

Unlike similar products made of plastic, which have become a leader in environmental pollution, products made of eco-fiber decompose very quickly in a natural way, without emitting carcinogens and harmful substances.

Choosing safe and environmentally friendly bamboo fiber cookware and kitchenware, in addition to the product price, you need to pay attention to the following factors.

1. Use temperature. A safe temperature is considered to be from -20 degrees to +70 degrees. The manufacturer's indication of the upper limit of 120 degrees indicates a high content of melamine resins in such products. It is better to refuse to purchase such dishes.
2. Colour. For dyeing products, dyes obtained from vegetables and fruits, as well as soy-based, are considered safe. Rich and vibrant reds and blues indicate the use of artificial colors that can cause allergies.
3. Price. The very low price of the product should alert you. The cost of dishes made from natural fibers is quite high due to the laboriousness of the production process.
4. Certificates and Licenses... All environmentally friendly and safe dishes must be approved and have quality certificates, and the activities of the manufacturer are carried out exclusively under a license.

Manufacturers, in pursuit of the number of sales, began to increasingly use synthetic fibers and various chemicals to increase strength and give products an attractive appearance.

If you want to buy really high-quality, healthy and environmentally friendly dishes, in the production of which eco-bamboo was used, you should choose a trusted manufacturer whose products are tested and certified. Then its use will bring joy and aesthetic pleasure both in the kitchen and as a decor element for creating home comfort.

For more information on bamboo cookware, see the next video.