FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Copper drinkware
1. What are the main health benefits of drinking water from a copper vessel?
According to Ayurveda, storing water in a copper vessel creates a natural purification process. It's believed that the resulting water, known as "Tamra Jal," helps balance all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) in the body, aids digestion, supports the immune system, and has antioxidant properties.
2. How long should I store water in a copper vessel before drinking?
For best results, store drinking water in your copper bottle or jug for at least 6-8 hours, or simply leave it overnight. This allows enough time for the copper ions to leach into the water in beneficial quantities. It's recommended to drink this water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
3. Is it safe to drink from copper vessels daily?
Yes, it is generally considered safe for daily use. The amount of copper that leaches into the water overnight is well within the safe limits defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, Ayurveda suggests taking a short break (e.g., one week off every month) to allow the body to reset.
4. How do I clean my copper drinkware?
Copper naturally oxidizes or tarnishes over time. To clean it, avoid using harsh chemical soaps. Instead, use natural methods:
Method 1: Make a paste of lemon juice and salt. Rub it on the inside and outside of the vessel, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse with plain water.
Method 2: Use tamarind (imli) paste. Rub it onto the surface and rinse thoroughly.
Do not use a coarse scrub as it can scratch the copper.
5. Why has my copper vessel developed dark spots or turned greenish? Is it impure?
This is a completely normal and natural process called oxidation. It is a sign that your vessel is made of pure copper. These spots are not rust and are not harmful. They can be easily cleaned using the lemon-salt or tamarind method mentioned above to restore the vessel's original shine.
6. Should the inside of the copper bottle be coated or lacquered?
For health benefits, the inside of the copper vessel must be uncoated and unlacquered. The water needs to be in direct contact with the pure copper. The outside may sometimes have a food-safe lacquer to prevent tarnishing and maintain its shine, but the interior should always be raw copper.
7. Why should I choose a traditional copper bottle over a modern plastic or steel one?
Choosing a copper bottle isn't just about carrying water; it's an active investment in your health and a connection to timeless Indian tradition. Here’s how it stands apart:
Unlike plastic bottles which can leach harmful chemicals (like BPA) and create environmental waste, copper is a natural, durable, and sustainable material that is beneficial for both you and the planet.
While stainless steel is a safe and neutral option, it is passive. It simply holds your water without adding any value.
A pure copper bottle actively enhances your water. According to Ayurvedic wisdom, it naturally purifies the water and infuses it with beneficial properties that boost immunity and improve digestion. You're not just hydrating; you are creating "Tamra Jal," a wellness drink, with every refill.
8. With many options available, why should I buy my copper drinkware from Indian Metalware?
While the health benefits of copper are universal, the purity, craftsmanship, and authenticity of the vessel you choose are what truly matter. At Indian Metalware, we don't just sell products; we offer a promise of quality rooted in our heritage.
When you buy from Indian Metalware, you are choosing an authentic, high-quality vessel that honors the tradition it comes from. It is a choice for genuine well-being.
Frequently asked questions
Brass cookware
1. What are the specific health benefits of cooking in a kalai-coated brass (Pital) vessel?
Cooking in a traditional kalai-coated brass vessel offers a unique combination of benefits that stem from the properties of brass itself and the protective layer of tin. The primary health advantages are:
According to Ayurvedic principles, brass helps to pacify Vata (air/space) and Pitta (fire) doshas. Regular use is believed to aid in reducing aggression and stress, while naturally boosting the body's immunity and strength.
In essence, using a kalai-coated brass vessel is a holistic choice, ensuring your meals are not only delicious but also nutritionally rich and energetically balanced.
2. What is 'kalai' and why is it necessary for my brass cookware?
'Kalai' is the traditional process of coating the inner surface of brass (Pital) and copper cookware with a layer of pure tin (कलई). Brass can react with acidic foods like tomatoes, tamarind, or citrus. The non-reactive kalai coating acts as a protective barrier, preventing this reaction and ensuring the food remains safe and free from a metallic taste.
3. Is it safe to cook all types of Indian food in a kalai-coated brass vessel?
Yes, absolutely. Once a brass vessel has a proper kalai coating, it is safe for cooking all types of food. The tin barrier allows you to get the excellent heat distribution benefits of brass without the risk of the metal reacting with sour or acidic ingredients common in Indian cuisine.
4. How often do I need to get the kalai (tin-coating) redone?
The lifespan of a kalai coating depends on usage and care. For a vessel used daily, the kalai might need to be redone every 12 to 18 months. For less frequently used vessels, it can last for many years. The key is to watch for signs of wear rather than following a strict timeline.
5. What are the signs that my brass vessel needs re-tinning (re-kalai)?
It's time to get your vessel re-kalaied when you see the inner tin coating wearing off and the yellowish brass metal becoming visible underneath in several spots. A few minor scratches are normal, but if you see patches of brass showing through, it's time to stop cooking in it and buy Indian Metalware's '' Kalai Kit" to re-coat it at home.
6. How should I clean my brass cookware with kalai?
Cleaning requires a two-part approach:
For the Inside (Kalai): Use a soft sponge and a gentle liquid soap. Never use steel wool or harsh abrasive scrubbers on the inside, as this will scratch and quickly wear off the delicate tin coating.
For the Outside (Brass): To maintain the shine of the outer brass surface, you can use traditional cleaners like tamarind paste or a mixture of lemon juice and salt. Rub it on the outside, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wash it off.
7. Is the kalai (tin-coating) you use safe and lead-free?
This is a crucial question in modern times. At Indian Metalware, we guarantee that our kalai process uses only pure, food-grade tin without any lead adulteration. We are committed to upholding the safety and health principles of this tradition, ensuring our cookware is completely non-toxic.
8. What happens if I accidentally cook in a vessel where the kalai has worn off?
Cooking once or twice in a vessel with worn-out kalai is unlikely to cause immediate harm. However, you might notice a metallic taste in the food. It is strongly advised not to make this a regular practice. To enjoy the health benefits and ensure the purity of your food, you should get the vessel re-tinned as soon as you notice significant wear.
9. Why should I buy my brass (Pital) cookware from Indian Metalware?
While any traditional brass cookware is a good choice, the process, purity, and promise behind the product are what truly protect your family's health. At Indian Metalware, we don't just sell cookware; we are guardians of a legacy.
Here's why our brass cookware is the right choice:
- Our Kalai Promise: The 'kalai' (tin coating) is our most critical commitment to you. We exclusively use a time-honored, hand-applied process with 100% pure, lab-verified, lead-free tin. This guarantees absolute food safety, which may not be the case with mass-produced or unverified alternatives.
- Superior Craftsmanship & Durability: Our vessels are handcrafted by traditional artisans in Maharashtra and other states of India from premium, heavy-gauge brass. This ensures superior heat distribution for better cooking results and makes our products exceptionally durable, designed to be passed down through generations.
- Authentic to the Core: We are committed to authenticity. Our cookware is designed to deliver the true Ayurvedic benefits that our ancestors understood. When you choose Indian Metalware, you're investing in a legacy of health, purity, and craftsmanship.
Frequently asked questions
Kansa dinnerware
1. What are the main health benefits of eating in a Kansa Thali set, according to Ayurveda?
Eating from a Kansa Thali set is considered a cornerstone of Ayurvedic wellness. Kansa, an alloy of copper and tin, is believed to have profound positive effects on the body. The primary benefits include:
Balances Pitta Dosha: Kansa is renowned for its ability to calm and balance the Pitta dosha (the fire element), which governs digestion and metabolism. This helps in reducing acidity, inflammation, and stress.
Enhances Digestion: The alkaline properties of Kansa are said to help neutralize food's acidity, promoting easier digestion and improving gut health.
Boosts Immunity & Memory: The metal is believed to have purifying effects that destroy harmful microorganisms, helping to boost immunity. Ancient wisdom also links it to sharpening the intellect and memory.
Reduces Stress: Due to its Pitta-pacifying nature, eating from Kansa is thought to have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce anxiety and stress.
2. What exactly is Kansa and how is it different from brass (Pital)?
Kansa is a specific type of bronze, a metal alloy composed primarily of copper (around 78-80%) and tin (around 20-22%). This composition is what gives Kansa its unique properties. It is often confused with brass, but they are different:
Brass (Pital) is an alloy of copper and zinc.
Kansa (Bronze) is an alloy of copper and tin.
Kansa has a richer, golden-brown matte finish compared to the brighter, yellower shine of brass, and it famously produces a resonant, bell-like sound when struck, earning it the name "bell metal."
3. Can I eat all types of food from a Kansa plate, like pickles or curds (dahi)?
Yes, this is one of the biggest advantages of Kansa over other traditional metals. Unlike pure copper or uncoated brass, Kansa is highly resistant to corrosion and does not react with acidic foods. You can safely enjoy sour foods like curds, pickles, tamarind-based curries, and citrus fruits in a Kansa Thali set without any worry of a metallic reaction.
4.Can Kansa Be Used for Cooking?
No, Kansawala Kansa should not be used for cooking. The metal alloy, composed of 78% copper and 22% tin, can break down if exposed to high heat. According to Ayurveda, altering the ratio of these metals through heating is not recommended, as it can affect the metal's properties and safety.
5. How do I clean and care for my Kansa Thali set?
Kansa is easy to care for but requires gentle handling to maintain its finish.
Washing: Use a soft cloth or sponge with a mild, natural soap.
Cleaning Paste: For a deeper clean or to remove light stains, make a paste of baking soda and lemon juice or use traditional pitambari powder. Gently rub, then rinse.
What to Avoid: Never use a dishwasher, as the harsh detergents can permanently damage the surface. Avoid using abrasive steel wool or metallic scrubbers.
Drying: Always wipe it completely dry with a soft cloth after washing to prevent water spots.
6.Why is Kansa often called the 'healing metal' (Shuddhi Dhatu)?
Kansa is revered as a Shuddhi Dhatu or "healing metal" because of its holistic therapeutic effects. Ayurveda teaches that it is one of the purest metals, having the unique ability to balance all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). Its connection to calming the fiery Pitta dosha is particularly strong, which is why it's associated with reducing inflammation, cooling the body, and promoting a sense of peace, thus "healing" the body and mind.
7.Why should I invest in a Kansa Thali Set from Indian Metalware specifically?
In a market with many look-alikes, choosing the source of your Kansa is the most important decision for your health and investment. An authentic Kansa set is a lifelong companion, and at Indian Metalware, we guarantee that authenticity.
Here is why our Kansa stands apart:
We adhere strictly to the ancient formula for Kansa—the precise 78:22 ratio of pure copper to tin. This is crucial as it ensures you receive the true health and Pitta-balancing benefits. Our sets produce the signature "bell-metal" resonance, a hallmark of purity often missing in cheaper, impure variants.
Each piece in our Thali Set is not pressed by a machine; it is painstakingly hand-beaten into its final shape by skilled, traditional kansari artisans. This age-old technique not only creates a beautiful, unique finish but is also believed to enhance the purifying, energetic properties of the metal.
By choosing Indian Metalware, you are not just buying a product; you are helping to preserve a precious Indian craft. You are supporting the artisan communities from Maharashtra who are the true guardians of this tradition.
When you bring home an Indian Metalware Kansa set, you are making a promise of purity, wellness, and authentic craftsmanship to your family.