Aluminum foil, a kitchen staple, has long sparked curiosity about its differing sides: one shiny, the other dull. While many believe one side is better suited for specific tasks, the truth is that both sides are equally effective.
The Manufacturing Process The difference in appearance stems from the manufacturing process. During the final rolling stage, two layers of aluminum are pressed together and then separated. The side that comes into contact with the rollers becomes shinier due to the polishing process.
No Functional Difference Contrary to popular belief, there is no significant functional difference between the shiny and dull sides in terms of cooking performance. Both sides are equally effective barriers to moisture, light, and air. The shiny side’s slightly higher heat reflectivity is negligible for most culinary applications.
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