The Complete Guide to Brass Utensils (Pital) - Cookware, Dining, Temple & Care

Brass (Pital) - The Backbone of the Traditional Indian Kitchen

Brass (Pital), an alloy of copper and zinc, has been the most widely used metal in Indian households for centuries. From the kadhai that fries your jalebis to the thali you eat from, from the diya in your temple to the kalash at your door - brass is woven into every aspect of Indian domestic and spiritual life.

At Copper Mart by Manish Metals, Jodhpur, we have been crafting and curating pure brass products since 1997. This guide covers everything you need to know about brass utensils.

Why Brass for Cooking? The Ayurvedic Perspective

Ayurveda considers brass an excellent metal for cooking because:

• Zinc supplementation - Brass releases trace amounts of zinc during cooking, which supports immunity, wound healing, and metabolism
• Even heat distribution - Brass retains heat longer than steel, ensuring food cooks evenly
• Natural antibacterial properties - The copper content in brass provides antimicrobial action
• Nutrient retention - Brass cookware preserves more nutrients compared to aluminium or non-stick alternatives

Understanding Kalai (Tin-Lining) - The Key to Safe Brass Cooking

Kalai is the traditional process of coating the inside of brass cookware with a thin layer of tin (Sn). This is essential because:

• Brass can react with acidic foods (tomatoes, tamarind, lemon) and release excess copper and zinc
• Tin creates a food-safe, non-reactive barrier while preserving the heat benefits of brass
• Kalai needs to be renewed every 6-12 months depending on usage - look for local Kalai-walas or contact us for guidance

At Copper Mart, all our brass cookware comes pre-Kalai-coated and ready for use.

Types of Brass Utensils

Brass Cookware

Kadhai, handi, tawa, frypan, bhagona, lagan, sipri - each designed for specific Indian cooking techniques. Brass cookware is especially prized for sweets (halwa, jalebi) and slow-cooked dishes (biryani, dal).

Brass Diningware

Thali sets, plates, bowls (katori), katordan, and glasses. Eating from brass adds trace minerals to your food and elevates the dining experience.

Brass Temple & Pooja Articles

Diyas, aarti thalis, kalash, bells, jaldharas, and god idols. Brass is the traditional metal of choice for worship - its golden colour symbolizes purity and prosperity.

Brass Storage

Masala dani (spice boxes), dibbi, ghee pots, and storage containers. Brass resists moisture and preserves contents better than plastic.

How to Care for Brass Utensils

• Regular cleaning - Use lemon and salt, or tamarind paste for natural polishing
• Kalai maintenance - Get cookware re-Kalai-ed when the tin coating wears thin
• Avoid soaking - Prolonged water contact can cause discolouration
• Store dry - Ensure utensils are completely dry before storing
• For temple items - Polish with brass-specific cleaners for a bright shine during festivals

Brass at Copper Mart

Our brass collection spans cookware, dining, temple, storage, and decor - all handcrafted under the Manish Metals name since 1997. Every cooking piece is Kalai-coated for food safety. Explore our complete brass collection or browse by category: cookware, dining, temple articles.