Once upon a time, the beautiful brass masala boxes used to reign almost every Indian kitchen, helping our mothers and grandmothers breathe life into dishes with just a pinch. But over time, kitchens transformed and so did the utensils in them. And slowly, stainless steel and plastic containers replaced the beloved brass masala dabbas in these culinary spaces. However, today, that story is changing, and brass masala boxes are finding their way again into the modern kitchens.
There are several reasons why people are opting for brass, and they go beyond just pure aesthetics. While some choose masala dabbas for their rustic charm, others want a sturdy and sustainable kitchen accessory. Here are the reasons why masala daanis are making a comeback in the modern kitchens.
The Old-World Charm of Brass Masala Box
The brass masala dabbas are more than just boxes for storing spices – they have a traditional charm that adds a cultural touch to the kitchen. Their iconic golden color has a certain warmth to it that takes us back to our childhood days and encourages us to create meals that we adored so much back then.
Moreover, with time, the brass changes color and develops a patina on the surface, giving the object a vintage, royal appeal. It carries an old-world charm with it, a character that has attracted it back to the kitchens.
A Durable s Sturdy Kitchen Companions
Brass is known for its strength. Though it’s not as durable as stainless steel, it’s still a better alternative to plastic. While plastic containers can crack if accidentally dropped or melt when kept near any heat source, brass masala boxes, like actual superheroes, can survive these day-to-day bumps and keep your spices safe.
Therefore, a brass masala box can withstand the test of time, lasting even generation of use. They are a one-time-investment that can handle the ruggedness of everyday kitchen use.
Keeps You Organized s Your Spices Fresh
The primary reason why brass masala dabba was used as a traditional storage box was because of its ability to keep its content fresh. One of the main alloys of brass is zinc, which has great antioxidant properties. It helps the spices last longer so that you can cook your meals without worrying about the spices losing their flavor.
Secondly, a good masala dabba acts as a culinary assistant, helping you reach a multitude of ingredients with a single grab. It has five to seven compartments, and each one is like a key to the treasure chest of flavors. It makes the act of cooking even faster and helps you keep your countertops from overcrowding.
Brings a Bagful of Health Benefits
Besides the storage convenience and keeping your spices fresh, brass has antimicrobial properties which keeps your spices free from contamination. Brass masala boxes reduce the risk of the ingredients developing any disease-carrying microbes. Furthermore, unlike plastic or other harmful materials, brass masala boxes do not leech unhealthy chemicals or toxic material into the spices. It is 100% non-toxic and food-safe, which has attracted modern users to it.
An Environmental-Friendly Alternative
Brass is made by mixing two natural metals, zinc, and copper, both known for their eco- friendly properties. This makes brass masala boxes 100% recyclable, meaning that they can be recycled into an object of different purpose at the end of their lives without actually losing their chemical or physical properties. Not only that, but the process of making a brass masala box leaves minimal impact on the environment.
A Renaissance of Traditional Objects
Recently, there has been a shift in the interest of the consumer towards objects that are a token of a bygone era. An example can be taken of the resurgence of vinyl and vinyl players.
Similarly, people have started to buy kitchen accessories that are traditional in form or function. Brass masala boxes are among one of them. These dabbas have become not only a container for keeping their spices fresh and organized but a piece of heritage that was once an indispensable part of the Indian kitchen.
The Bottom Line
With a deluge of knowledge, people are beginning to realize that the function that a brass masala box served in the Indian kitchen was an essential one, not easily replaceable by plastic containers or even stainless-steel masala boxes. This is why people are choosing brass masala boxes again for their modern kitchens.
