I need to heat something in a non-reactive pan for a recipe. What the heck is that and why????

My guess it would be a pot (stainless steel or crock) that isn't reactive to acids. Probably want the acids in some ingrediants to act on the other ingrediants instead of the metal on the pot.

Where's Isabel when we need her?

Sam's answer sounds right to me....I know my g'ma used certian pans for certian foods cause the metal the pan was made from...I don't know why however.

QUESTION: What are non-reactive pots?
ANSWER: Non-reactive pots are used on ranges that do not have the usual coils that heat up. It is a flat surface and will not get hot unless a non-reactive pot is used on it. A non-reactive pot is defined as one made of stainless steel, enameled aluminum (not regular aluminum because it is affected by acid) or anodized aluminum, such as Circulon or Kafflon. The anodized aluminum has gone through a hardening process that makes it nearly as hard as stainless steel.
Source: Meat and Poultry Hotline, 800-535-4555. May 25, 2000.

Or, from other sites...
- Boil water in a non-reactive pot (glass, stainless steel, cast iron or enamel-do NOT use copper or aluminum because harmful metals from these materials can contaminate water) and remove from burner.
- Non-Reactive Pan : *A nonpourous pan which does not produce a chemical reaction when it comes into contact with acidic foods. An aluminum pan is reactive, while stainless steel, glass, and enamel are not.

It seems like non-reactive has more than one meaning.. either the type that works on certain types of burners... or for a specific cooking purpose they 'do not react' with ingredients.

I'll never forget the day I called my mom to ask what 'simmer' meant. It is not in the betty crocker glossary.

Since I'll be heating vinegar and then soaking mustard seeds in it, I'm going for the acid response.

Thanks for the 411

Tenn

Making pickles? I wouldn't use cast iron, even though the definitions call it non-reactive. It turns things dark in color when exposed to acids. Anything even remotely acidic, I use glass or (usually) stainless steel. No problems then!

I read the title and assumed you were talking about the plant. hehe

Well I am a four thirty kinda girl ya know

yep, I know. You're just 15% shy of cool.

Yeah, but that leaves 85% coolness

as opposed to a four twenty kinda girl?

uh huh

Just a little off...