Why did my seasoned hamburger patties make holes in the aluminum foil that was covering it over night in the refrigerator ?

Donna
  • Posted by: Donna
  • April 19, 2015
  • 6951 views
  • 8 Comments

8 Comments

Marsha April 20, 2015
It's the acid in your seasoning. Acid in tomatoes will eat holes in aluminum foil pretty quickly. I would suggest using wax paper, if you are making them ahead, it will keep the patties from sticking to one another. Aluminum in the body, has been linked in studies to Alzheimers, I try not to use it, except in barbecuing. And even then, if I have an alternative, I will forgo the foil.
 
ChefJune April 19, 2015
I never wrap food in aluminum foil without something between them -- preferably not plastic wrap. (i.e., waxed paper, parchment)
 
boulangere April 19, 2015
Waxed paper and parchment are very permeable. Plastic is not, so long as it is not heated.
 
PieceOfLayerCake April 19, 2015
Avoid reactive solutions when dealing with aluminum foil...but....I often find if I don't rest the food in a metal container with foil on top (essentially forming a battery), and the foil isn't sitting on the food, its safe. Try a glass dish next time since plastic picks up funky flavors easily.
 
HalfPint April 19, 2015
The salt probably did that. If salt can pit stainless steel, I'm pretty sure it can put a thin sheet of aluminum. Not sure about safety, though.
 
Panfusine April 19, 2015
I've seen salt doing that to Aluminum foil too esp when its is a wet mixture, the weak acid then probably reacts with the Aluminum to form Aluminum chloride (whose effects on the body I'm not sure of)
 
boulangere April 19, 2015
What did you season them with? @Annie stader is correct that acid erodes aluminum foil (as well as aluminum in any other form, such as a pan). I'd suggest tossing them and starting over, covering them with plastic instead. Potentially toxic compounds are created when aluminum breaks down in this manner.
 
Annie S. April 19, 2015
Holes in foil are usually from some form of acid; tomato, lemon, vinegar ,.etc
 
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