Tinfoil is one kitchen staple that is easily found in any household.

Have you noticed the difference between its two sides? One is shiny while the other one is dull.

You might be asking, why are they made that way?

Does it have a “wrong” side?

The answer is ‘yes’ and ‘no’.

Even though Aluminum is one of the most abundant metals on earth, it was quite difficult to obtain.

This metal can be found naturally mixed in with other elements, which is why it took so long for someone to learn how to isolate it in a purified form.

As time passed, there were other inventions that contributed to making it easier to produce aluminum.

This eventually led to the production of what is known today as “tinfoil”.

So, what’s up with the sides?

The reason behind it lies in the method of production, known as the Bayer process.

In this process, the molten aluminum mixture is poured into casting devices to form slabs called “ingots”.

These slabs are then rolled into heavy rollers and the method is repeated several more times until it achieves the desired thickness.

The foil is so thin that two sheets must be rolled together, leaving only one side of each sheet to touch the highly polished rollers.

One side of the sheet touches the rollers while the other side touches the other aluminum sheet.

This is how it’s “heavy-duty”.

This practice prevents the foil from being crumpled or torn apart.

Regarding the use of both sides, Reynolds product FAQ page says that both sides can be used to keep your food.

Reynolds, one of the leading aluminum foil companies today, shares that the application of the matte or glossy side of aluminum foil lies in your preference.

But there IS an application.

There are different variants of aluminum foils.

However, for non-stick foil, the matte finish contains coatings that will help to prevent your food from sticking to the sheet.

Another interesting fact?

Tin was used before aluminum to make such kinds of sheets. Hence, people oftentimes refer to aluminum foil as tinfoil.

Back then, aluminum was scarce so they resolved to using tin for the same purpose.

Foil is useful for more than just keeping food or preventing kitchen messes, though.

You can polish silver with it.

Remove those pesky tarnished areas of your utensils.

Do this by using the foil as a lining for a pan then add cold water and a little bit of salt. Prepare enough solution to cover all your silverware.

Voila! Your silverware will look brand new again.

It can sharpen your scissors.

This can be done by allowing your scissors to continuously cut several sheets until sharpened.

Indeed, this kitchen staple is an amazing human invention.

Learn more about its history and other fun facts and uses in the video below!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: YouTube – Today I Found Out, Reynolds