Is it possible to cook in cling film: cooking methods and tips

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

A serious controversy has flared up around the use of food-grade plastic in general and film in particular. The admissibility of using non-standard material in cooking and possible he alth risks are discussed.

Can I cook in cling film

There are more and more interesting recipes for cooking with cling film. Previously untested cooking methods are attractive, but there are legitimate concerns: is it possible to cook in cling film, is it safe to use such non-trivial materials in cooking?

In progressive countries there is a gradual and systematic rejection of the use of plastic packaging. Despite the excellent barrier properties of PVC, low price and ease of use, more and more preference is given to types of environmentally friendly packaging: paper bundles, cardboard bags, glass containers, wooden boxes, jute and bamboo fiber. This is due not only to a decrease in the environmental burden on the planet, but also to the preservation ofcitizens' he alth.

What is the harm

Researchers have long sounded the alarm about the dangers of plastic. This is due to the potential content of toxic substances that are released when heated. Therefore, a number of prohibitions have appeared related to the use of plastic utensils and packaging: it is not recommended to heat it, as well as long-term storage in polyethylene not intended for food products.

Interesting research by a group of scientists from the University of Texas at Austin, USA. Tests carried out in 2014 showed the carcinogenic effect of bisphenol A, which is part of plastics. A negative effect on human embryonic development was noticed: there were cases of impaired organogenesis in the early stages of pregnancy. Thus, the harmful components of plastic cause oncology and infertility.

However, the abundance of recipes using cling film, including from the mouths of famous culinary specialists of these most progressive countries, makes one doubt the total harm of all types of plastic. And by the way, there are a lot of species.

The composition of the material itself will answer the question whether it is possible to cook in cling film.

Safe film composition for cooking

Can cling film be boiled in water? The main question that worries people.

The main constituent of stretch film is polyvinyl chloride, a polymer whose monomer is the extremely toxic substance vinyl chloride. Therefore, the composition contains a number of stabilizing substances. In addition to the stabilizer,the presence of plasticizers that ensure the softness and plasticity of the film. If PVC itself is considered relatively harmless, then the mass of stabilizers and plasticizers needed to give usable properties and maintain that harmlessness needs to be carefully analyzed.

The following recognized safe plasticizers are used in the production of stretch film:

1. Diesters of sebacic, adipic and azelaic acids. DOA, di-2-ethylhexyl adipate, is the most widely used in food film production.
2. Phthalates. Diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP, DIDP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP, DINP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP, DNOP) are used in the production of children's toys, dishes and child care products. Considered the safest.

The use of plasticizers is regulated by EU regulations, which impose strict requirements for the safety of public he alth and environmental protection.

Okilol mercaptides are used among the stabilizers allowed in the composition of the food film, which, in addition to transparency, give thermal stability. Due to this property, the question of whether food can be cooked in cling film seems to be given a positive answer. But it is worth remembering the temperature regime: most stabilizers can withstand heating up to 80 degrees Celsius, which means that prolonged cooking at the boiling point of water is a dubious experiment.

So, the safe composition of the film has certain permitted compounds, which, as a rule, are strictly regulated at the production stage.

Can I cookmeat in cling film

Among the variety of recipes for cooking in film, meat dishes are especially common. Meat is usually cooked in culinary sleeves and bags, but not in a film. Approximate composition: pork or chicken (cooks faster) and spices (black pepper, bay leaf, s alt, paprika).

Ingredients are placed in tightly tied bags, then placed in a pot of water. At the bottom there is a layer of fabric, which excludes the contact of the sleeve with the heated metal. Boil over low heat until the meat is cooked, usually no more than two hours. According to those who used this recipe, the meat is especially tender, soft and juicy.

Recipes for cooking sausages and frankfurters

Is it possible to cook sausage in cling film? There are several recipes that allow you to cook a homemade product. One of the most popular is boiled sausage in stretch film, for which you will need:

• minced pork - 450g;
• onion - two medium onions;
• chicken egg - 1 pc.;
• garlic - 4 cloves;
• s alt/pepper to taste.

Mix everything thoroughly, put it on a film, twist the sausage, tie it with a thread, making a classic mesh constriction. Cook in boiling s alted water over medium heat for 40-50 minutes.

Is it possible to cook sausages in cling film in a similar way? Yes, the cooking technology is the same, the differences are only in the composition. For milk sausages, you need to mix minced chicken (300 g), creamybutter (40 g), milk powder (100 g), one egg, paprika, coriander and pepper (a quarter of a dessert spoon), s alt. Put the resulting mass in a film, wrap, form small sausages. Cook for half an hour in an open saucepan over medium heat.

Still be aware of the possible he alth risks.

Cooking film alternatives

Modern industry offers alternatives to cling film. They are more difficult to find, since they are not sold in every supermarket, their cost is higher, but safety is guaranteed exclusively by natural origin. They are obtained from offal, carefully dressed and processed in a factory way:

• guts;
• heart;
• bubbles.

You should not buy such shells on the market, because the quality of the product is doubtful. Safer products of meat processing factories. Storage of natural casings for homemade sausages and frankfurters is carried out in the refrigerator.

In addition to offal, artificially created sausage casings of natural composition are also used as casings:

1. Cellulose films are used for steaming and smoking. Greetings from the USSR - in those days, the famous "Doctor's" sausage was sold in such a casing.
2. Textile - made from natural fabric, therefore safety is guaranteed if there are no dyes in the composition. Preference should be given to unpainted species.
3. Collagen films for cooking. Are madefrom beef tendon collagen, and therefore have not only a safe composition, but also excellent organoleptic properties.

Whether to risk he alth, even if the risk is minimal, with such a variety of alternatives - everyone decides for himself. But still, you should refrain from using non-traditional methods of cooking during pregnancy, feeding, you should not cook in this way for small children, since at this time the body is most sensitive to negative effects.