Question from Liz
I talked with a rep at Thunder Group regarding bamboo steamers and he could not tell me the name of the chemical, but said that it is used on bamboo steamers & chopstick as a mold inhibitor. He told me to steam it 3x before my first use with food to remove the chemical. This concerns me that there is any chemical on it to begin with. I cannot have any toxins due to health issues. Do you know of a bamboo steamer that does no chemicals? Desperately seeking! Thanks, Liz
Debra’s Answer
This is the first time I’ve heard that there is a chemical on them.
what about silicone steamers, are they safe?
I consider silicone safe.
Hi Debra, Here I am in Australia looking for a non toxic steamer for a friend and I find YOU on line! Well hello! Just worried about the comments regarding glue and chemicals on the bamboo steamers. Do you know where I can find a glass or ceramic one that is non toxic or one that is bamboo made in USA or Australia? I am looking for this for a friend here in Australia. See you in USA soon! Can you email me? Best wishes, Jancis
Here is a the only glass steamer I could find: http://www.mycookmate.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=214 And this is the only website that seems to have it. Hello to you in Australia!
I reacted to a bamboo steamer also. For a while, I was placing an organic piece of cotton cloth in the steamer. Here in Canada I was lucky enough to find two glass size steamers. ( Loblaws grocery store) They don’t carry them any more but I did see some on Amazon not too long ago. ( 50 dollar range) Very thick, sturdy and solid. Next question is how pure is the glass, but my odds are better I believe.
Hello,
I am an avid weaver and fermenter. With the former, I gather my own weaving material not only for pleasure but also for health reasons: Weaving supply stores (high-quality craft stores) informed me that per law all organic weaving material (bamboo, rattan, cane) is sprayed (ie “treated”) with a fungicide before being imported. Hence, one reason why I collect my own weaving material.
I am also an avid fermenter, and make my own miso, which involves steaming rice or barley – often called for in one of those 2-tiered bamboo steamers you find at BB&B. Not only can I assume that the bamboo and other weaving material in this steamer has been treated, but I can also only imagine that the glues used to hold together this steamer are not regulated, or at least not controlled, and thus are almost assuredly non-food grade and toxic.
In short, I plan on making my own craft wooden steamer without unknown “made in china” glues and possible spray.
Myles
I think that’s a great idea. If you ever want to make and sell them, let me know and I will link to your website.
That said, I don’t have any evidence of anything toxic on any bamboo steamer I’ve ever purchased. But it’s always wise to take a precautionary approach if you have any reason to suspect there may be a toxic exposure.
Have been looking for a non toxic bamboo steamer—no coatings, glues. Any advice?
Hi Myles,
As a fellow weaver and a rather DIY type of person I am very curious about your statement, that you collect your own weaving materials, do you grow the plants and then “prepare” them to make ready materials, do you have some techniques you could share etc.?
Thank you very much in advance!
Best Regards,
Urse