Pewter is an alloy of tin , lead and other types of metals. It is characterized by its whitish color and its malleability.
The main component of pewter is tin , which makes up at least 85% of the material. It is common for tin to appear combined with lead , antimony and copper .
The origins of pewter date back to the Bronze Age . Since bronze is formed mainly from copper and a small amount of tin , it is believed that, whether on purpose or by chance, at some point the proportions were reversed and thus pewter was obtained for the first time.
However, it is considered that it was in 18th century Germany that the pewter that we know today as such and which is also called porcelain enamel was shaped. Specifically, it was there that it was achieved that this pewter did not have a copper taste and that it was applied in a really simple way.
Similar in appearance to silver , pewter is often used to make tableware . That is why we can find trays, plates, jugs and other products developed with this alloy.
There is a controversy surrounding the use of pewter in the kitchen . There are those who indicate that the high temperatures reached when cooking and the acidity of the food can cause the lead in the pewter to leach into the food, creating a risk of poisoning . However, other versions point out that this danger is null and highlight various properties of pewter, mentioning that it does not modify the flavor of food, helps maintain the heat of preparations and is easy to clean.
It should be noted, however, that lead- free pewter is currently produced. Sometimes what is called pewter is a combination of a steel base or an alloy of tin, antimony and copper with an enamel .
Those who staunchly defend the use of pewter to shape all types of kitchen utensils do so by highlighting a series of its advantages such as the following:
-They establish that, although there are certain doubts about it, it is a material that is absolutely free of toxins.
-In the same way, they emphasize highlighting the one that manages to maintain the heat of all foods very well.
-They also highlight the fact that it is cleaned very easily and without having to make great efforts.
-Another benefit of using pewter in food utensils is that it is considered to be very resistant and also very durable.
-In addition to all the advantages highlighted, they do not hesitate to highlight the fact that it is a material that has a very economical price. Hence it is within reach of anyone.
-Likewise, those who opt for having pewter utensils at home state that it also has in its favor the fact that it never alters the flavor of food.
All these advantages have led to it being a material widely used by all citizens in countries like Mexico. What's more, there are even large companies focused on manufacturing utensils with it.