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History
Guardian Service, or Guardian Ware, was produced from the mid 1930s to the 1950s. This durable, hammered aluminum cookware has been a staple of kitchens for more than 50 years.
Misconceptions
Fears about the suggested link between aluminum cookware such as Guardian Service and Alzheimer's disease has led to perceived safety concerns about cooking with aluminum. The FDA has found insufficient evidence that there is any danger associated with using aluminum cookware.
Considerations
While aluminum cookware is not dangerous to use, you should take a few points into account when using Guardian Service and other aluminum cookware. Aluminum is a reactive metal; using aluminum cookware to cook or store highly acidic foods such as tomatoes or citrus fruits can result in damage and discoloration to the cookware, along with changes to the food's taste or smell.
Oxidation
The reactive nature of aluminum means that cookware like Guardian Service often oxidizes, turning gray or even black when reacting with foods such as eggs or potatoes. This oxidation may stain light-colored foods, but it is not dangerous.
Fun Fact
Prior to World War II, all Guardian Service cookware was manufactured with aluminum lids. Aluminum shortages during the war resulted in a change to glass lids.