04/06/2026
Why a tin lining? For those that don’t know, the purpose of lining a copper pot/pan with tin is so that acidic foods (tomato based sauces etc) don’t react with bare copper and produce copper oxides, which can make food taste strange and if left for long periods of time can lead to mild poisoning. This copper oxide is also called verdigris, and is that green stuff that you see on the Statue of Liberty, or other copper exposed to the elements. Many new copper pots/pans have a stainless steel lining, which is more durable, but more prone to sticking and less conductive than tin. If the tin lining is in tact then they are great to cook in.
Remember - copper pans are the utensils of many many great chefs around the world