Why are most dishes round?

How to avoid trouble?

If the dishes in the house began to beat too often, you should be wary: perhaps someone has cast an evil eye on you. Not only ill-wishers can do this - the evil eye can occur by accident, for example, if you are praised a lot.

If you suspect something is wrong, you need to immediately get rid of all broken and chipped dishes.Under no circumstances should you throw it in the trash! All fragments and devices with jagged edges and cracks must be wrapped in a rag and taken out to a place where there are no people. When performing a ritual, you should think about the good, saying to yourself that along with the bundle, everything bad leaves your life.

No matter how mystical warnings and signs may seem, for skeptics there are no less weighty arguments - safety and hygiene. In addition to the fact that chips can cut you, bacteria accumulate in the cracks, which remain there even after thorough washing. Whatever frightens you more - heavenly punishment or microbes - it is better to immediately send broken dishes to the urn.

Plates are not only round

People are tired of the usual shapes and sizes. Services today differ not only in unusual design, but also in non-standard forms. This allows you to make the table attractive, mysterious and inviting.

And we have unusual images and objects in fashion.

Other cymbal shapes

Many houses and restaurants use beautiful, modern and unusually shaped tableware that decorates tables and delights guests. Such plates always look somewhat mysterious and attractive.

Today you can find the most unusual models. Square and rectangular plates are far from the only dish options. You can find complex, multifaceted, created as if from several objects, models.

Along with round, the most commonly used:

• square;
• rectangular;
• oval items.

A lot of porcelain and glass plates are inspired by some holidays or are products stylized as objects. For example, for the New Year's holiday, plates are created in the shape of a Christmas tree or a Christmas tree toy.Such bright products allow you to add a holiday atmosphere to the room and give it a special courage.

Square plates take the lead

Rectangular and square plates have taken the leading positions these days. But this cannot be called a discovery. As already mentioned, many Chinese and Japanese ancient teachings revered square utensils.

Many teachings and statements are still popular today. In particular, the well-known teachings of Feng Shui. According to him, people prefer to choose rectangular items for their homes.

Many public establishments also abandon the usual forms and offer their customers square plates.

A modern person has the right to choose for himself which form of dishes is most suitable for him. You can believe in ancient teachings or the beliefs of ancestors. And you can create your own traditions that will help ensure comfort, harmony and warmth in the house.

Plastic

Such plates are made from polypropylene, polystyrene, melamine and other synthetic or natural high molecular weight polymers. The most widespread are disposable tableware - fragile, uncomfortable, but gained popularity because of the cheapness and lack of the need to wash used products.

But there are also reusable plastic plates, which you should be careful when buying - not all plastic utensils are intended for food. In the same case, when "food" plastic is purchased, it will not be superfluous to study the labeling, since most of these products begin to release toxic substances upon contact with hot food.

But even if the above warnings do not apply to the chosen plate, there is nothing special to rejoice at - plastic is short-lived, easily scratched and stained, which quickly renders it unusable. And used products that ended up in a regular landfill also harm the environment. However, this can be avoided, because plastic is recyclable.

@xesisex, Pixabay

glass plates

The next most popular material for the manufacture of durable plates - glass - is also conditionally divided into several types, taking into account the characteristics of the material. The most widely used dishes are made of borosilicate glass or glass-ceramic, better known as glass-ceramic. These materials are distinguished by high strength and heat resistance.

The second version of glass plates is crystal (lead-silicate glass) high-quality high-density products. These cymbals are easily recognizable by their characteristic ringing and engraving, which emphasizes the multi-colored play of light.

@IrisHamelmann, Pixabay

Styles

There is dishes for a certain celebration. Most often you can find sets in the New Year or Christmas style. Children's dishes are also always themed - the images on it are dedicated to the hero of cartoons and fairy tales, and thematic children's birthday sets can also be found on sale.

Dishes in the classical or Romanesque style are usually massive ceramics, simple geometric shapes, pure solid colors (white, beige, ivory).

Gothic sets are unusual, but at the same time quite simple dishes, a combination of wood and metal. A sign of high-tech will be glass, plastic.

For products in the Japanese style, ceramics, porcelain, clay are used.The objects look original, demonstrate the historical features of the country, and are stylized as old national dishes.

But Chinese dishes, unlike Japanese ones, are characterized by a large number of ornaments and patterns. The forms here are more elegant, and the dishes themselves are more elegant.

Country style is wood, ceramics, clay. An obligatory element is picturesque ornaments with a floral and floral motif. Spanish-style tableware is translucent, bright, and often combines several contrasting colors within one set. Scandinavian cuisine is dominated by wooden and ceramic dishes in white and purple hues. Stylish simplicity and conciseness of forms are the features of this style.

The French style is transparent and translucent objects, vases and glasses made of frosted porcelain, color restraint.

Why are most plates round?

Almost every table set is based on a circle. The tradition of creating round household items continues today.

Reasons for using the circle shape

Sometimes people, thinking about ancient traditions, assume that the circle corresponds to other round objects, for example, a wheel, a pipe. In fact, our ancestors believed that any round kitchen utensils were charged with solar energy. This helps to protect the house from evil spirits and negative acts of people.

And it was easier for a potter to make such dishes on a potter's lathe.

Previously, large plates were used, from which all relatives who lived in a large family ate at once. Individual household items were practically not in demand.By the way, the manufacture of square utensils has not been a big deal for a long time. Therefore, archaeologists are still looking for objects of this form.

Why the tradition continues to this day

Today, people use traditional shaped utensils rather out of habit. Although everyday life includes various non-standard images and objects.

But in most houses, the plates are of the usual shape. It is rather a tribute to tradition, a habit. Because from early childhood we are accustomed to round instruments. And we practically cannot imagine a table without such a product.

In addition, for some holidays, for example, Maslenitsa, products in the form of a circle are more suitable. It's pretty easy to explain. The main treat for this holiday is pancakes. As a rule, they are baked exclusively round. Therefore, a similar plate is required, on which they will look beautiful and harmonious as part of the festive table.

The most familiar

Let's start with the ones we use on a daily basis. Manufacturers make deep containers for first courses, flat ones for second courses. They have standard sizes, different colors and shapes. Usually we use round ones, but if you want, you can choose square or oval ones. So, let's figure out which plates we use.

Daily and holiday

Daily dishes are practical, modest decor. Festive services are produced from expensive materials. They are elegant and graceful, they have a wide variety of sizes and shapes, painted with flowers, fruits, vegetables, and ornaments.

For the first course

You can use several types of dishes. Most often we use table (or soup) plates. They are also called deep.

With a common purpose, there are dishes of various sizes.You can pick up items of the same decor for a full portion, and for half of it.

Cream soup is served in soup bowls, and clear soups and broths are poured into bowls. They can also serve oatmeal, muesli, cereal with milk.

For second courses

When serving the second, we also need a dinner plate. But this time, small, flat. The traditional size is from 24 cm to 30 cm.

For a snack

Of course, even with everyday meals, you want to diversify the table, pamper your family. Salads, appetizers, pickles - who doesn't love them? A festive feast is not complete without them. These dishes require special utensils. It's called the diner.

Snack plates are large and small. They are used for meat dishes, side dishes, cold appetizers. Sizes vary from 24 to 30 cm. Large ones are needed for serving, and smaller ones are for everyone sitting at the table.

For dessert

We arrange tea drinking with dessert plates. They are smaller than canteens and snack bars (20 cm in diameter), but they are also flat and deep.

A specific type is chosen depending on the dish and its design. For example, fruits, sweets, small cakes, lemon slices are served in flat dishes. And cakes, pastries, pies, buns, muffins - in deep ones.

All these dishes are used both in everyday and festive feasts. But a solemn occasion is not complete only with these views. We will need a variety of plates that have a special purpose.

When did the first saucers appear

In Europe, they appeared around the 18th century; at that time they were an outlandish object, it is not known what they were needed for. But, having mastered the saucer following the example of Asian residents, in the 19th century the locals decided that this was wrong, not aesthetically pleasing.They liked the idea of ​​dishes, and they continued to use it, but for other purposes - as a coaster for cups.

Europeans used saucers as cup holders.

History of occurrence

Historically, Asians initially used products similar to the modern tea saucer. It was an intermediate link between the usual version of the 21st century and the bowl, only low. The purpose was to use an object for drinking a liquid that cools faster: hitting a large surface area.

It was believed that this is the best way to mix drink with alcohol. The Asian approach seemed unacceptable to Europeans - they changed the purpose, made a recess in the middle of the product, centering it.

The purpose of the saucer was to use an object for drinking a liquid that cools faster: hitting a large surface area.

Traditions associated with saucers

During the period of the reassignment of saucers, Russians developed a tradition of drinking from a plate, on special occasions. Relatives, trusted persons were invited, heart-to-heart communication and tea drinking took place. It was an unusual event, in society such things were considered vulgar, only trusted people were present, plus they approached each other.

Such "parties" were held by Russians for reconciliation. And the merchants, who did not reconcile themselves to European standards, continued the historical tradition. There was a category of people who did not accept the innovations popular among their contemporaries.
During the period of the reassignment of saucers, Russians developed a tradition of drinking from a plate, on special occasions.

What is aluminum

Aluminum has a silvery-white tint, it easily bends and melts. The main advantage of this material is its weight, it is one of the lightest metals.It is also valued for its good thermal conductivity. At one time, aluminum was called "flying", this metal was used in the construction of aircraft. To give strength to the composition, an admixture of magnesium is added. Such an alloy is called duralumin, it is often used in the manufacture of dishes. To reduce the cost of products, silicon is added to aluminum, obtaining silumin.

Is aluminum harmful to the body?

The World Health Organization (WHO) in 1998 made a statement that aluminum does not harm a person if the amount of metal that has entered the body does not exceed 30-50 mg per day. It was also stated that this material is not a carcinogen, that is, it cannot cause cancer. As for Alzheimer's disease, no links have been found between it and the ingestion of aluminum.

Is aluminum cookware harmful?

It has been established that a person daily receives a portion of natural aluminum along with food and water, but this does not affect health in any way. But what about the dishes made of this metal? Scientists conducted research and proved that the minimum dose of aluminum that enters food during storage and cooking does not exceed 3 mg, which is 10 times less than a safe amount.

Advantages

Aluminum cookware has a lot of advantages, so no one refuses to produce it. Among the advantages are the following factors:

• price;
• durability;
• ease;
• variety of forms;
• corrosion resistance (does not rust).

These qualities are explained by the prevalence of aluminum and its low weight.This metal is ductile, it can be easily machined (stamped, bended) in production. The melting point of aluminum is low, which allows casting. The manufacture of products from this material does not require a large amount of energy and cash investments.

If you decide to get a new bowl, then ask the seller how the aluminum utensils were made. Buckets, baking trays, bowls will last less if they are made by stamping, and cast aluminum cookware is strong and durable, but it costs more.

Pay attention to the wall thickness: if it is a frying pan, then the bottom thickness should not be less than 1.5-2 mm. Thin-walled stamped aluminum cookware easily bends, deforms, quickly breaks down, but with proper care and operation, it will last forever.

What is dangerous

When cooking acidic foods, such as marinade in a saucepan, the walls of the dishes turn white. This is due to the fact that under the action of an aggressive environment, the oxide film is destroyed, which appears as a result of the oxidation reaction of aluminum in air. This film is a corrosion layer that occurs during the diffusion of oxygen molecules with the metal. Initially, it is formed after anodic oxidation (chemical anodizing) during manufacture.

If the dishes are anodized, the resulting artificial oxide film will be more resistant and durable. It prevents the penetration of pure metal into food. If it is destroyed, then food can acquire a metallic taste, but this will not affect health in any way. The film can be restored, but it will no longer be as strong. To do this, fill the container with water, wait 15 minutes.After that, the dishes should be wiped with a dry, clean cloth. These actions will lead to a partial renewal of the film.

Material and finish allowed for the oven

There are a large number of types of trays, pans and forms used for baking. They are made from different materials, on which the taste of the dish and the speed of its preparation depend.

Cast iron

Cast iron utensils have long been used for baking in the oven. Its advantage is strength and durability. The metal does not require special care and normally tolerates contact with any chemicals.

Cast iron can be cleaned with abrasive bulk chemicals, due to this it does not deteriorate, and in the future the surface does not burn. The metal has a low heat dissipation, it heats up quickly in a hot oven and cools slowly. Thanks to these qualities, food cooks quickly, languishes in a container after turning it off, does not stick, and has no foreign taste.

Heat resistant glass for oven

This material has gained popularity in recent years, such forms are used all over the world. Heat-resistant glass is suitable for cooking in microwaves, ovens or on the stovetop. It heats up quickly and maintains the temperature. Used for frying, stewing and baking.

Glass is thick and durable. It is easy to wash, it is resistant to mechanical damage.

During operation, you need to handle the form carefully, because with strong impacts and temperature changes, it can crack. For safety reasons, when cooking in a glass dish, you need to put it in the oven before turning it on.

Ceramics for the oven

Ceramic baking dishes are also suitable for oven and microwave ovens.The advantage of the material is that it quickly heats up from all sides. This allows the dish to cook evenly. Such containers are often used for stewing meat or vegetables.

Ceramics have an attractive appearance, due to which cooked food can be served directly on the table. Among the shortcomings is fragility, therefore, as with glass dishes, you must follow the rules for use.

aluminum cookware

Previously, aluminum containers were often used for baking in the oven. Now that there are so many other options out there, it's best not to use aluminum. The metal is moody, oxidizes and does not combine with many products. For example, don't cook sweet and sour chicken or fish with lemon in an aluminum pan because of the acidity.

Aluminum pans and sheets suitable for baking pizzas, cakes, pies, casseroles

When choosing, pay attention to the quality of the cookware and purchase one that has an additional non-stick coating.

Enamelware for the oven

Enameled utensils are the most common all over the world. It is made of metal - cast iron or steel, and is covered with enamel on top. In ovens, you can use such containers, you just need to follow a number of rules so as not to spoil them:

• do not heat the oven above + 200 ° C, because the enamel will crack;
• do not put in the microwave - it's metal;
• if there are cracks or chips, the dishes should not be placed in the oven.

Silicone

Silicone is available in various shapes for baking. They are flexible and easy to use, withstand temperature changes and different loads. Forms are quick and easy to clean, nothing will ever burn in them.There are many advantages, among the disadvantages - a large number of fakes from low-quality Chinese silicone. They can melt or release toxins.

In order not to fall into the tricks of scammers, you need to purchase baking forms from trusted resources and certified stores.

Teflon

Teflon is a special non-stick coating on top of metal pots or pans. Its advantage lies in the preparation of healthy food, because the dishes do not require oil, the food does not burn, it is evenly stewed and fried.

Teflon coatings can be used for the oven, just observe the temperature regime no more than 250 ° C, Teflon becomes toxic at high temperatures. Such cookware should be cleaned with non-aggressive, non-abrasive chemicals to preserve the surface.

stainless steel

Stainless steel is often used to make saucepans, pots, baking sheets, serving trays and other kitchen utensils. Stainless steel has many advantages:

• it is resistant to rust;
• differs in durability and durability;
• has bactericidal properties, which allows products not to deteriorate for a long time;
• withstands high temperatures.

When using any type of cookware, read the instructions, because some materials, such as glass or ceramics, are placed in a cold oven. If you do not know this, you can spoil both the dishes and the uncooked dish.

Production technologies

View	Peculiarities	Characteristics of dishes
Stamping	The blanks are made from solid sheet aluminum. The structure of the metal changes slightly, the resistance to deformation decreases. Used for the manufacture of thin-walled products	Pans with a matte or polished surface.For product durability gas and electric stoves supplement with a special disk from deformation (at the bottom). Budget segment products
Forging	Type of stamping. Products are made on special machines. The structure of the metal is dense, fibrous. Finished products are strong, resistant to deformation	The pans are light, with a thick bottom. More expensive than stamped products.
Casting	The alloy is poured into molds. There is no change in the structure of the metal, so the products are strong, durable	Pans are heavy, with thick walls and bottoms. They keep food hot for a long time, they are distinguished by uniform heating. Products of the middle and premium price segment

Coated and uncoated

Plastic and lightweight aluminum oxidizes, reacts with salts (when heated), with acids and alkalis. This significantly limits the possibilities of using pans, so manufacturers have found a way out - they began to use various types of internal non-stick coatings.

Among them:

• ceramic;
• fluoropolymer (Teflon).

Products of different sizes appeared with reinforced protective layers, in which minerals were added. "Stone" coatings (granite, marble) give the dishes strength, but at the same time significantly increase the cost of production.

A pot with a ceramic coating or Teflon is considered universal, since you can cook any dishes in it, including hodgepodges, borscht, cabbage soup, cook marinades and brine for homemade preparations. The protective layer prevents direct contact of aluminum with food, so the surface does not oxidize.

Coatings are applied in different ways:

• coasting (only for stamped products);
• spraying. Used on forged and cast products.

Cookware with a non-stick coating is more expensive, requires special care, but with proper use will last a long time.

A simple aluminum pan does not have an outer coating, but for premium products it is usually used. It protects products from damage, gives an attractive appearance. Sets of such pans look elegant and respectable, while it is easy to choose a collection for the interior of the kitchen.

As external coatings, a special varnish, enamel or porcelain suspension is used. Also, some manufacturers use anodizing technology. Regular pots are not dishwasher safe, but some coated pots are machine-safe (see specific model for details).

Aluminum

Aluminum
- light metal with good thermal conductivity. It is easy to wash, it is not expensive at all. Particles
aluminum gets into food during cooking, but most likely you don’t
feel. Into the body of most people enters 7 to 9 mg aluminum
daily. In recent years, questions have arisen whether aluminum entering the
body together with food, affect the development of Alzheimer's disease? According to
According to the Alzheimer's Association, the development of the disease is not associated with aluminum
dishes and not scientifically proven. At the same time, it is best to choose dishes from
anodized aluminium.

Anodized aluminum

Anodized
aluminum is obtained by treating aluminum with an acid solution. It changes
metal properties. It is easier to wash such dishes, it has non-stick
properties. When using utensils made of anodized aluminum,
much less metal.So if you choose aluminum, it's safer
buy anodized.

Health hazard due to cracks and chips on enamelware

For cooking on the stove, it is better to use dishes without any chips, scratches, or damage. The same rules apply to the oven. If the coating is damaged, the enamel releases heavy metal compounds into the environment, and, accordingly, into the dish: zinc, lead, nickel, cobalt, boron, copper. This leads to poisoning, it is especially difficult for children to tolerate it. There is weakness, headache, reduced immunity.

Further destruction of the enamel is also dangerous - small pieces can enter the body, injure the esophagus and stomach. On a surface where enamel is missing, rust quickly forms, which leads to spoilage of cooked food.

When dishes are baked in the oven in such a damaged pan, then under the influence of high temperature, all processes are more intense, and there will be more harm to human health.

The amount of harmful compounds directly depends on the color of the enamel. White, beige, gray, blue and black enamel is less harmful. Brown, red and yellow are much more harmful, even if they are not damaged. Therefore, it is better not to buy such dishes, or at least make sure that this coating is only on top.

Needless to say, the dishes must be of high quality. If it is cheap and of poor quality, and the coating is fragile and thin, it is better not to buy such products.

If the manufacturer specifically indicates that it cannot be put in the oven, then it is better not to risk it. Be sure to adhere to the restrictions on the maximum temperature indicated on the dishes.If there is no word on the packaging about whether it is possible to bake food in an enamel dish in the oven, then it is better to think about an alternative option - to cook this dish in another container or pan.

feng shui utensil material

An ancient oriental teaching advises using as many things as possible from natural materials in life. Therefore, when choosing a new service, give preference to products made of porcelain, faience, ceramics, clay, crystal, glass or wood. Such feng shui dishes produce positive qi energy.

Porcelain, faience, ceramics and clay belong to the elements of the earth. And crystal and glass have the energy of water, which brings peace and a sense of unity.

Monika Schröder/Pixabay

It is useful to regularly eat from wooden bowls. Especially to men. The living energy of the tree helps to raise self-esteem and develop leadership qualities.

Items made of silver belong to the elements of metal and are a kind of money magnet. Put a silver service in the kitchen or dining room so that it is reflected in the mirror, and this will symbolically double wealth. In addition, as is widely known, silver has the ability to purify and enrich water with useful substances.

Jill Wellington/Pixabay

Now let's talk about unsafe materials of kitchen utensils. Unfavorable stainless steel pots or aluminium. And not only Eastern teaching does not recommend cooking in them. Scientific studies confirm that the regular use of food cooked in aluminum pans is bad for the nervous system. It is best to use copper pots, pans, kettles: copper has high thermal conductivity and good energy.

Ken Boyd/Pixabay

According to Feng Shui, plastic dishes are harmful.It is made of chemical and, in fact, dead material, which does not transfer life-giving energy to food. As a result, more energy has to be spent on digesting food consumed from plastic.

Of course, you can use plastic, but only occasionally: for example, at picnics or at a colleague's birthday celebration in the office. Do not eat regularly from such dishes or store food in them. By the way, few people know that food grade plastic has a short shelf life. So, plastic containers, in which many are accustomed to warming dinners in the microwave at work, after two to three months of use, begin to produce toxic substances.