No kitchen would be complete without aluminum foil and, more often than not, parchment paper.
But what if youve run out of parchment and have a cake to bake or vegetables to roast?
Can aluminum foil be used as a one-to-one substitute for parchment?
Credit: nndanko / Getty Images
Are there any instances in which you absolutely need parchment paper?
What is the difference between aluminum foil and parchment paper?
Aluminum foil isof coursemade from aluminum.
Aluminum foil is perfect for fridge and freezer storage, lining pans,wrapping baked potatoes, and more.
The composition of parchment paper, however, is a bit less obvious.
Its typically derived from either cotton fiber or wood pulp.
Are aluminum foil and parchment paper interchangeable?
Both aluminum foil and parchment paper are totally safe to usethough parchment is more environmentally friendly.
Whats the environmental impact?
You may have heard rumblings about the environmental safety of both aluminum foil and parchment paperlets discuss.
The amount of aluminum varies depending on the plant’s growing environment.
Youll also come across aluminum in processed foods, thanks to additives.
On the environmental front, aluminum foil does have a footprint that shouldnt necessarily be overlooked.
This lands a significant amount of this kitchen convenience in the landfill, and it isnt biodegradable.
With parchment paper, its easy to seek out unbleached varieties, which are often compostable and biodegradablescore!
“What Foods Contain Aluminum, and Should You Be Worried About It?“Livestrong.
“Virginia Department of Energy.
Villazon L. Whats the most environmentally friendly way to take sandwiches to work?
BBC Science Focus Magazine.
Accessed August 2, 2024. https://www.sciencefocus.com/science/whats-the-most-environmentally-friendly-way-to-take-sandwiches-to-work.
