Copper Cutting Board | Quick Ship Metals News-Blog

A Copper Connection to Killing Germs in Your Kitchen!

Nov 302009

By Frank Ross

Invite any copper surface into your home, and you’ll be a lot safer for having done so.

The Chop 'N Thaw antimicrobial copper cutting surface and defroster plate is a kitchen innovation sold only at QuickShipMetals.com.

Copper is a natural germ killer that every homeowner should welcome inside, because it has the ability to terminate tens of thousands of microbes on contact. And, it’s not just copper but all of its alloys! According to the Copper Development Association (CDA), uncoated copper and copper alloys kill more than 99.9% of disease-causing bacteria. In recognition of this well-documented research, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered 275 copper alloys as antimicrobial materials, in February of 2008.

To help customers take advantage of this new research, all Copper Kitchen products sold by Quick Ship Metals, a division of Storm Copper, are made of uncoated copper. There is no substitute for good hygiene and sanitation, but copper and its alloys appear to hold the potential to become a major part of an overall program to protect our health. Recently, a major study was initiated to evaluate the effectiveness of copper in reducing infections in hospitals.

Closer to our daily lives, health experts say the kitchen contains more germs than any other room in our homes and cutting boards are a real bacterial bonanza. It’s the cracks and crevices in a cutting board that harbor bacteria, by providing them a secluded space to grow and avoid contact. Most people wash a cutting board, but they don’t disinfect it. When you cut up a chicken, wash the board off with soap and water, then cut up vegetables for a salad, you are playing Russian roulette with your family’s health.

To protect your family, you could disinfect your cutting board after every use, or use separate boards for meat and vegetables. But a simpler and environmentally smarter solution would be to use a copper cutting board that kills the germs without the use of harsh chemicals. With copper you get dead germs without exposing your skin or nose and lungs to chemicals. More importantly, you won’t wash those harsh chemicals down the sink drain where they could ultimately end up in our ground water.

A copper cutting board – like Quick Ship Metals’ Chop ‘N Thaw - not only kills 99.9% of germs, it thaws your frozen foods in half the time. The natural beauty of copper also adds a special touch to any kitchen. So, you can protect your family, cut down on time in the kitchen, and improve the décor. Looks like copper is the natural born germ killer you could learn to love!

Check out some of the great copper kitchen products at : Quick Ship Metals.com

For more detailed information on the antimicrobial properties of copper, visit Copper.org.

Considering a Copper Christmas

Fun Projects, QuickShipMetals Announcements

Nov 122009

By Frank Ross

Some people are impossible to shop for, and I know several that fit into that category. They have everything and if something new catches their eye, they just go out and buy it. I’ve spent a lot of time looking for that special gift they will actually like, one that is useful and not something they will put in a closet or “re-gift.”

Copper thaws frozen items twice as fast, and its antimicrobial properties can make your kitchen safer.

This year I’m excited because I have a jump on the holidays, and at least six things that are going to shorten my shopping time, and minimize the holiday hassles of shopping then shipping. Most important, I’ve found things that my relatives will love. If you’re in a similar bind, consider a Copper Christmas.

Storm Copper has a resident artist, Jim Koper, who has a remarkable talent for designing and making items from copper that are as beautiful as they are functional. Jim began his career in metal work, working with his dad at the age of 12 and has perfected his craft to a fine art.

Jim has designed a Chop-n-Thaw board that is impressive and multi-functional. Copper transfers heat and cold readily, and this board will thaw out a piece of frozen meat twice as fast as just setting it out at room temperature. The other exciting aspect of copper is its Anti-Microbial qualities. On February 29, 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered 275 copper alloys as antimicrobial materials. According to the Copper Development Association (CDA), uncoated copper and copper alloys kill more than 99.9% of disease-causing bacteria.

To this end, all Copper Kitchen products sold by Quick Ship Metals are made of uncoated copper. To learn more, visit the CDA website at http://www.copper.org/antimicrobial/homepage.html.

This beautiful bread platter would make any holiday table sparkle.

The Chop-n-Thaw board measures 11″ x 9″, so it’s big enough to handle any task, but not so big that it’s inconvenient to store. The unique channeled design serves to drain away all the excess water and liquids that accumulate when thawing frozen items. Simply place it beside your sink and watch the copper thaw vegetables and meat faster than you can say “what’s for dinner.” I’ve penciled in this board as a great gift for two gourmets in my family!

Another of Jim’s creations, the Cornucopia Bread Platter, is an excellent choice for someone that loves to set a stunning table. It’s made of solid copper and the craftsmanship is exceptional. Copper is such a durable metal, you can be assured this is one gift that will be enjoyed for many years to come and then passed down as an heirloom to children and grandchildren.

Kids love to make things, especially if mom and dad get involved.

Here’s a great gift idea for families with children. Kids love to make cookies, and naturally eat them, but the thrill of making their own cookie cutters will make memories that last a lifetime. A simple jig of wood and nails will serve to create a variety of shapes and forms that are limited only by the imagination. It’s easy and a great family project that will get everyone involved in the process. This 1-inch-wide roll of copper is very easy to bend, and just the ideal width for shaping cookie cutters. And the 10-foot length is sufficient to make several different shapes and sizes of cutters. Once you’re got your shape completed, all you have to do is glue the two ends together with a special adhesive called Just for Copper. The thrill of opening the oven door on a delicious batch of golden brown cookies you’ve created in every way is the stuff from which family photo treasures are made. Also, they’re great for kids to use with Play Dough.

For more information, click on the product images or go to Quick Ship Metal’s Copper Christmas page.