Amidst all the fancy, modern-day kitchenware and cooking range in your kitchen, there is always one masterpiece that bridges the gap between traditional cooking and modern on-the-go cooking tools.
Yes, that undoubtedly is one good, seasoned cast iron cookware. Find out why cast iron cookware is better than a lot of modern kitchenware!
Those who thought that it was grandma's cooking arsenal with minimum usage in modern kitchens may be wrong because cast iron cookware is the most evergreen kitchen essential that is trending like never before.
Highly versatile, durable, and long-lasting, a cast iron skillet can help you cook the most delectable breakfast pancakes, main course dishes, desserts, and appetizers effortlessly and with minimal culinary skills.
So, why is cast iron cookware regaining popularity, and what makes them stand out from its contemporaries? Well, all that and more as we unlock the many benefits of this century-old cooking tool in this post.
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How is Cast Iron Cookware Made?
With its origin in China many centuries ago, cast iron cookware has carved a niche for itself over the years and is reputed as one of the strongest and most functional kitchen tools.
Most cast iron cookware is still made using traditional methods where blocks of iron are melted along with a proportion of steel in casting factories. Thereafter, the carbon level of this mixture is raised by adding certain chemicals.
The molten metal is then poured into a special mould made of sand, water, and clay. When the cast iron cookware is cool and set, the outer sand mould is broken and the moulded cookware is obtained.
The piece is then made smooth and commercially packaged before being sold in the market.
The Growing Resurgence of Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron cookware has stood the test of time and the tough competition from its modern-day contemporaries. Its versatility and multiple functionalities make it an absolute kitchen necessity.
Let us unravel the reasons for its growing resurgence in modern-day kitchens and why you should be a part of this comeback.
Non-Toxic Character
Non-stick pans-the preferred choice in modern kitchens may be stylish, chic, and convenient to use but they pose a great health threat if they are scratched or warped thereby leaching harmful chemicals into your food.
Similarly, if you preheat a non-stick pan it can release toxic fumes that can be harmful. Cast iron cookware is healthy and comes free of these hazards. They are non-toxic and do not release harmful chemicals into your food.
Can Withstand High Temperature
Cook your favourite meals or toss beans and nuts at high temperatures in this tough cookware as it can withstand high temperatures and any heat source-gas, stove, wood fire, or oven.
Its tough mould can withstand the highest temperatures without altering its composition or affecting your food quality.
Adds Iron to Food
Cast iron cookware is inherently pure iron and a bit of this essential element is rubbed into your food when you cook it, boosting your iron intake.
The iron thus absorbed by food cooked in it increases energy levels and boosts your immune system.
Offers Non-Stick Cooking
Yes, a well-seasoned cast iron cookware serves no less than an ideal non-stick pan. Its seasoned surface allows a flat smooth cooking surface that does not allow food to stick onto it.
No wonder rolling out soft, smooth pancakes on a cast iron skillet is so easy!
Strong and Durable
They are strong, heavy-duty cookware that almost last a lifetime.
Cast-iron cookware that is properly seasoned and well maintained lasts long without you having to replace them frequently like non-stick pans.
Offers Versatile Cooking
You can try different recipes using your humble cast iron cookware. From pan-frying, sautéing, broiling, searing, baking, roasting to braising, it offers you a chance to experience multiple cooking techniques all through a single medium.
All you need to do is keep it seasoned and clean to get the most out of it.
Less Expensive
Compared to its modern-day counterparts like non-stick pans and steel pots that cost dearly, a pre-seasoned cast iron cookware does not burn a hole in your pocket.
By spending less than $15 you can own a kitchen essential that shall last a lifetime.
Distributes Heat Evenly
Get perfectly cooked food with no raw or uncooked pieces as cast iron cookware heats up slowly and evenly giving you perfectly cooked food.
Its heavy metal body distributes heat evenly offering you the perfect browning experience rather than annoying hot spots as experienced in non-stick pans.
Serves as an Indoor Grill
With its high heating capacity, cast iron cookware serves as an easy grill alternative helping you sear steaks, chicken lollipops, and anything that you would love to grill in the barbeque, outside in your backyard.
So, whether it is pouring outside or the chilling winters, you shall never miss your grilled recipes with a cast iron cookware in your kitchen cabinet.
Easy Maintenance Tips for your Cast Iron Cookware
Though cast iron cookware is durable and enduring, you need to take a few steps to keep it clean and rust-free so that it lasts long and functions perfectly.
Season and Re-season it
The secret to efficiently performing cast iron cookware is how you season it. By seasoning, you create a non-stick layer on the cookware by applying a thin layer of oil and subjecting it to high heat, usually in an oven.
Seasoning often creates a perfect non-stick layer on the cookware giving you optimum results in your cooking.
Free from moisture
Since cast iron cookware is made essentially of iron, you need to keep it dry to avoid rusting and damage. Immediately after rinsing it with water and towel dry the cookware. This will allow it to completely dry over a stove.
Coating with oil after every wash
After every use, restore the seasoning of the cast iron pot or pan with a light coating of oil. This will prevent rusting and keep your pan seasoned for a long.
Though cast iron cookware is not new to our kitchens yet its revival proclaims the need to assess our cooking techniques.
In addition, we should adopt better performing and tested kitchen appliances that are not only versatile but also aid our health needs most naturally and organically.
So, when are you smearing pancake batter in your cast iron pan next?
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