Cast iron cookware is an indispensable part of my culinary routine. Pots, pans, skillets, grillers, loaf pans, woks, and many more add value to my kitchen. Their functionality and versatility make the cooking experience more enjoyable. Cast iron cookware has many qualities that make it the favorite of many home cooks and chefs.
Continue reading to learn more about the special features and understand why so many people cherish them. Here are the top 10 benefits of cast iron cookware.
- Durability
Cast iron cookware is particularly famous for its durability. A well-preserved cast iron skillet can be your kitchen legacy to pass on to the next generations. Although prone to corrosion and rust, reviving a rusty cast iron pan and using it as well as new is possible. Seasoning is critical to preserve cast iron cookware's best shape and form.
- Iron enrichment
Iron is an essential mineral for human health. Cooking regularly in cast iron cookware can increase iron intake, so from a health perspective, cooking in cast iron cookware may provide benefits, especially for people who are iron deficient.
- Heat retention
Cast iron performs excellent when it comes to heat retention. It's true that it takes longer for cast iron cookware to be heated, but once it does, it is a champion in retaining the heat. This characteristic of cast iron cookware contributes to energy efficiency by shortening the cooking time.
- Versatility in cooking
Cast iron cookware can be used to braise, fry, sear, bake, and sauté, so it is very versatile in terms of cooking techniques. You cook stews, sear beef, bake bread, make veggie fries, and many others.
- Versatility in options
Cast iron cookware comes in so many forms suitable for all cooking needs. From tiny skillets to large Dutch ovens, cast iron cookware single-handedly meets all cooking needs. As a fan of cast iron kitchenware, I have small skillets to fry eggs, pots to make stews, a pizza plate, a wok, a griddle, and many more. In short, they cover all the bases in cooking.
- Adaption to several heat sources
Cast iron kitchenware is quite adaptable. It can be used on gas and induction cooktops, in the oven, over barbeque grills, and even directly on fire. It is compatible with almost any type of cooking method.
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- To be suitable for both cooking and serving
One of the most practical features of cast iron cookware is serving the cast iron skillet or pot where you have cooked the meal. Aside from being practical, serving in cast ironware is also a feast for the eyes. Picture taking a hot skillet from the oven and placing it directly at the center of the table at a dinner party. It definitely elevates the presentation.
- Affordability
Several factors affect the price of cookware. However, you don't need to spend a ton of money to purchase quality cast iron. There are countless cast iron cookware choices on the market at very affordable prices. A thorough market search provides you with plenty of cost-effective options when choosing cast iron kitchenware.
- Suitable for long cooking times
Cast irons' outstanding performance in retaining heat makes them a good choice for meals requiring more extended cooking periods. You may need to cook meat such as brisket, chuck roast, and short rib for several hours or legumes such as beans and chickpeas, and cast iron pots are perfect for such tasks. Using very low heat, you can cook meat in a cast iron pot for long hours, and the result is juicy, tender, and pull-apart meat. Even after you turn off the stove or oven, cast iron cookware continues cooking thanks to its excellent heat-retaining qualities.
- Cleaning
Cast iron cookware is super easy to clean with a great bonus. You need only one natural ingredient to clean: Water, and this is the most recommended way to clean cast iron. Suppose you need some extra support for cleaning oily residue, for example. In that case, you can get help from natural cleaning ingredients such as baking soda. That's all you need to clean cast iron cookware. Besides being healthy material-wise, cast iron cookware doesn't require any chemicals to clean. Remember to completely dry cast iron cookware after washing to prevent rust formation.
Now we understand more about the popularity of cast iron cookware. Cast iron cookware is healthy, affordable, durable, and versatile. It elevates the cooking experience for kitchen novices and professionals alike.
