Cast iron cookware has been around for centuries. Long before the electric stove was invented in the early 1900s, most meals were prepared using cast iron skillets, pots and griddles, and an open flame. A lot has changed since then, but the appeal of cast iron remains the same. Said to be the best cookware ever invented, the key to its longevity lies in its care. Follow these simple rules and your cast iron cookware will last for generations to come.
The skinny on cast iron cookware
Cast iron is much different from stainless steel cookware. First off, it’s a whole lot heavier: I mean we’re talking about solid iron here people! But weight aside, cast iron cookware comes with a host of benefits:
- Non-stick
When seasoned correctly (we’ll get to that in a second) cast iron cookware will maintain a non-stick barrier so your food doesn’t end up glued to the bottom of the pot or pan.
- Versatile
There is no end to cast iron cookware’s versatility. You can use a cast iron skillet to cook up a couple of steaks on your stovetop, and then use the same skillet to bake a pie in the oven. Or, take your skillet camping to whip up a delicious breakfast over an open fire. The possibilities are endless.
- Healthy
Cooking with cast iron eliminates the concerns behind using materials like Teflon or aluminum, which are said to release toxins into your food when heated. Also, using cast iron cookware has been shown to increase the iron content in food, which is a much-needed mineral for those with Anemia or iron deficiencies.
- Durable
When properly cared for, cast iron cookware can last for generations.
Cast iron care: seasoning
The very first thing you need to do when you purchase cast iron cookware is to season it. This does not mean you need to salt and pepper the cookware to taste. Seasoning is the extremely important process of cooking oil into the surface of the pot or pan to give it natural non-stick properties. To season your cast iron cookware, you first wash it with hot water and dry it thoroughly. Then, using a cloth soaked in vegetable or olive oil, rub the entire surface of the pan, including the exterior. Next, place the pan on a cookie sheet upside down in an oven heated to 350-degrees, and leave it in for an hour. When the buzzer goes, turn the oven off, but leave the pan in there to cool down on its own. Now you have a seasoned pan ready to be used.
Cast iron care
There are a handful of tried and true dos and don’ts when it comes to caring for your cast iron cookware.
The DOs:
DO wash your cast iron in hot water immediately after use.- DO dry your cast iron immediately and thoroughly after washing, otherwise it will rust. To dry it, first use a towel, and then place it in the stove on low heat for a few minutes to pull out any remaining moisture.
- DO use coarse salt to scrub away any stubborn pieces of food.
- DO re-season occasionally. To keep your cookware in tip top shape, you can lightly coat the inside of the pan with oil after washing and heat for a few minutes in the oven to restore any seasoning that may have been lost.
- DO store your cast iron cookware with the lid off to protect it from rusting.
The DON’Ts:
- DON’T wash your cast iron cookware with dish soap, as this will wear away any patina and erode your seasoning.
- DON’T submerge your cast iron cookware in water or leave to soak. This can also damage its seasoning.
- DON’T use any abrasive materials, like coarse sponges or steel wool, to clean your cookware. Use a soft sponge, cloth or paper towel. Otherwise—you guessed it—your seasoning will be damaged.
- DON’T use metal tools when cooking with cast iron. Instead use plastic, silicone, or wooden utensils to keep the seasoning in tact and prevent scratching.
- DON’T store any food in your cast iron cookware as this can also break down the seasoning.
- DON’T put cold water in hot cast iron, as this can result in the cookware to crack or warp.
- DON’T put cast iron cookware in the dishwasher, ever!
Troubleshooting cast iron cookware
If you’ve stayed true to the do’s and don’ts but your skillet is rusty, or perhaps your memory slipped and you did the unthinkable—like put your new cast iron skillet in the dishwasher—you needn’t worry: cast iron is very forgiving.
Cookware is rusty
If your cast iron pot or pan is rusty, it can be a result of several factors. It could mean the pan isn’t properly seasoned, has been scrubbed too hard, or not completely dried after washing. Regardless, if you are seeing rust spots, you should scrub or sand off the rust, and then re-season your pot or pan as if it was new.
Food is sticking
If food is sticking to your cast iron cookware, it is a sign that your seasoning has been degraded. So grab some olive or vegetable oil and re-season your pot or pan to regain that non-stick quality.
Food is REALLY sticking
If your meal decided to stay put in your cast iron pot or pan, don’t grab a metal spatula and start hacking at the gunk. Instead, put about ½” or an 1” of water in the bottom of the pan and boil it until the gunk loosens up. Then, when the water cools a bit, you can use a sponge or cloth to wipe it away. Once clean, put it back in the oven to dry completely. While it’s still hot, wipe a touch of oil on the inside, let it cool, and you’re back in business.
Dishwasher looked appealing
If you accidentally, or purposefully put your cast iron cookware in the dishwasher, it will very likely come out with a film of brown dust on it. Try to first wipe the dust off with a paper towel and some water. If it does not come off, use an abrasive sponge or steel wool to scrub the film off, and then, guess what? You re-season the pot or pan and it will be good as new.
Cast iron cookware is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. That said, if you are the type of person who likes to let their pots and pans soak after use, then cast iron is not for you. But, if you are willing to put in a little extra effort to care for your cast iron, it will stay with you for a lifetime; and perhaps a few lifetimes after that.
You’ll find a great selection of cast iron cookware online at BestBuy.ca.
*Images courtest of Boston2Berkely.com, WikiHow.com, and thetinyhummingbird.blogspot.com
