Both
aluminum foil and parchment paper are your choices for ease and convenience when cooking and cleaning up for kitchen use. In many cases, parchment paper and aluminum foil are interchangeable. Both aluminum foil and parchment paper can be used to line baking sheets to prevent food from sticking to the pan. But which is better, aluminum foil or parchment paper? Now let's see the comparison of aluminum foil and parchment.
Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil can be reused or recycled. But it can impact the taste of food, as it is metal. And, in addition to the chemical reaction that can happen when used with acidic foods, it can also add a "tinny" or metallic taste to foods. Aluminum foil is great for reheating meat, like pork or beef because the meat isn't in direct contact with the heat, which is distributed evenly because of the characteristics of aluminum.
If you enjoy grilled meat and veggies, then aluminum foil is your best companion. You can make foil packets for vegetables, fish or meat, so they remain tender while roasting. If you are grilling small or delicate items like shrimp, mushrooms, asparagus and so on, line the grill with foil so nothing falls through the grates.
Parchment Paper
Parchment paper is paper that has a thin layer of silicone on it. The layer of silicone gives it non-stick properties, as well as making it resistant to high temperatures of the oven. Parchment paper is the absolute best for baking, which will not stick to the bottom of the pan. Parchment paper allows more air and moisture to escape, so it is suitable for wrapping up leftover baked goods. It assures fresher cookies, muffins or bread.
As it doesn't contain metal and it's heat resistant, you can cover dishes in the microwave to eliminate splatter. Parchment paper is also great for rolling out pastry dough, freezing and storing.
A research informs us that when we use aluminum foil during cooking, some aluminum leaches into food. Leaching increases with higher heat (roasting and broiling) and acidity (tomatoes, vinegar, vitamin C-rich produce). But do not be afraid – the amount of aluminum that we would intake this way is way smaller than what we intake every day through our diet, so it's actually quite reasonable and safe to use.
On the other hand, if you use bleached parchment paper (which is white), there are higher risks as it might contain toxic chemicals. That is why you should always go for the natural, brown-colored parchment paper.
Aluminum Foil VS. Parchment Paper – Which one is better?
I know some people strictly use the one, and some the other, but the truth is, both the parchment paper and the foil have a purpose and a proper usage in our kitchens. Sometimes, they can even be used at the same time.
