What Is a Copper Product? Things You Need to Know About Copperware

Copper products are items obtained from copper, a malleable, durable, and aesthetic metal that has been used by humanity for thousands of years. At our Usta Bakırcı workshop in Gaziantep, pure copper sheets are shaped by the hands of our masters, becoming an indispensable part of our daily lives as flasks, coffee pots, teapots, pots, pitchers, cups, trays, and bracelets.

What is the History of Copperware and Its Place in Our Culture?

Copperware emerged with the processing of copper, one of the oldest metals in human history, and played an important role in the development of civilizations. The lands of Anatolia have been the cradle of coppersmithing, and this art has reached the present day through techniques passed from master to apprentice, especially in cities like Gaziantep.

As Usta Bakırcı, we are a workshop that keeps Gaziantep's deeply rooted coppersmithing tradition alive. Each of our products is a reflection of hundreds of years of experience and manual labor. Beyond being just a metal, copper has become a symbol of hospitality, wealth, and durability in our culture. It is possible to see the warmth and elegance of copper in many areas, from the meals cooked in our kitchens to the beverages offered. For example, a copper flask that cools you down on journeys or a teapot that adorns breakfast tables are traces of this tradition in modern life. Our handmade products, such as the Hand-Engraved Pure Copper Flask with Daisy Pattern 1.6 Liters, are living examples of this cultural heritage.

What Should Be Considered When Using Copper Products in the Kitchen?

When using copper products in the kitchen, it is necessary to pay attention to some important points to both extend the life of the product and ensure a safe experience. It is of vital importance that copperware used, especially in cooking, is tinned.

Although copper is a metal that conducts heat very well, it can oxidize when in direct contact with certain acidic foods and beverages. For this reason, the inner surfaces of copper kitchenware that come into direct contact with food, such as pots and pans, are traditionally coated with tin. Tin prevents copper from coming into contact with food, preserving the flavor of the meal and offering a safe use in terms of health. Untinned copper products are generally used only for decorative purposes or for neutral beverages such as water.

Tips for Safe Use of Copper Kitchenware:

1. Check the Tin: Ensure that the tin coating on the inner surface of the copper pot or pan you will cook with is intact. If there are blackened, scratched, or worn tin coatings, you need to have your product re-tinned.
2. Be Careful with Acidic Foods: Avoid keeping acidic foods such as lemon, vinegar, or tomato paste in copper containers for a long time, even if they are tinned. Transfer the food to another container after the cooking process is finished.
3. Proper Cleaning: Never wash your copper products in the dishwasher. The aggressive detergents and high heat of the dishwasher damage the copper and its tin coating. Also, avoid using bleach or abrasive chemicals.
4. Use Wooden or Silicone Spatulas: To avoid scratching the tin coating on the inner surface of copper pots and pans, prefer wooden or silicone kitchen utensils instead of metal spoons or spatulas.

How to Clean and Polish Copper Products?

Copper products can darken over time by oxidizing, which is an extremely natural process and characteristic of copper. However, with the right cleaning methods, you can keep the shine of your copper items as they were on the first day.

When cleaning copper products, using natural materials that you can easily find at home instead of chemical-based polishes is the best method. These methods do not harm the natural structure of copper and ensure long-lasting use.

Step-by-Step Copper Polishing Guide:

1. Vinegar and Salt Method: Add salt to some vinegar to obtain a paste-like mixture. Apply it to the copper surface with the help of a soft cloth or sponge and rub gently. Then rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly with a dry cloth. This method is quite effective, especially for blackened copper surfaces.
2. Lemon and Baking Soda Method: Dip half a lemon into some baking soda and rub the blackened copper surfaces with it. The acidity of the lemon and the abrasive property of the baking soda help to remove oxidation. After the process, rinse with plenty of water and dry.
3. Flour and Salt Method: Mix equal amounts of flour, salt, and vinegar to make a thick paste. Apply this paste onto your copper product and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. Then wash with warm water and dry. This method is particularly suitable for deep cleaning.
4. Regular Maintenance: Washing frequently used products such as your copper pitchers and copper cups with only warm water and soap after each use and drying them thoroughly will delay darkening. For example, you can apply this routine maintenance to products such as Hand-Engraved Pure Copper Pitcher with Lid, Red, 1.5 L or Handmade Black Copper Cup 400 ml Cold Beverage Glass.

Remember, the drying process is very important to prevent the copper from oxidizing again. Copper that remains damp will darken faster.