Why is aluminum foil shiny on one side? (1 Viewer)

[Clinton McClure]

While trying to fall alseep last night, this ran through my head.

Why is aluminum foil shiny on one side and dull on the other?

 

[BrianW]

So you know which way to use it when you make a hat to keep out the alien mind-controlling rays.

 

[Linda Thompson]

http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a5_172.html

 

[Citizen87645]

That article brings up another issue - why wrap potatoes in foil? When I bake them I just put them on the oven rack and they're just fine.

 

[Zen Butler]

When I didn't have a crack-pipe, I would use the dull side. Drug myth says "shiny side causes Alzheimer's." I knew this had to be bs.

 

[Richard Travale]

That is hilarious. The fact that crack smokers are worried about Alzheimer's...

 

[Clinton McClure]

Makes you forget where you put your crack.

 

[Jeff Ulmer]

Depends whether you are trying to keep them in or out.

 

[Julian Reville]

So which way is correct? This is really important information. Does anyone have a double-blind study?

 

[BrianW]

Shiny side in to keep the aliens from reading your mind, shiny side out to keep them from controlling your brain.

Duh!

 

[Linda Thompson]

Here's the real scoop on deflector beanies...all you ever wanted to know:

http://zapatopi.net/afdb.html

 

[Kevin M]

The shiny side is the side that contains silicone.

 

[PhillJones]

Ah, now it all makes sence.

 

[Kevin M]

....or silica.:b


Hmmm.....silicone....I wonder what I was thinking about....

 

[MarkHastings]

I may not have Alzheimer's, but at least I don't have Alzheimer's.

 

[Kevin Hewell]

They might cook faster but they aren't as good. Basically, you're just steaming them when you cook them in foil. The best thing to do is wash and dry them, prick them with a fork, rub the skin with oil to get it crispy, cover in kosher salt and cook directly on the rack in the oven. The skin comes out crispy and the insides are nice and fluffy.

 

[Citizen87645]

Maybe, but the skin also winds up soft. I like my skin crispy.

 

[Kevin M]

I poke the skin with a fork & stick a metal rod, like a kabob skewer (they make "cooking nails" for this as well), through the spud and bake at 450, works fine. The only thing I would use the foil for would be under the potatoes in case they leak a bit of water during cooking, as they sometimes can.

 

[Kirk Gunn]

Definitely ! The best.... oh man, think I'll throw one in the oven right now

 

[MarkHastings]

I just threw in a sweet potato. Mmm!