According to Wikipedia, cast iron pans have been used by chefs for the past 2000 years. Cast iron ovens and cauldrons have been in use for so long, perhaps we have lost sight of their amazing properties.
Have you ever used a cast iron pan? No? Well ‘cast’ away your preconceived notions, because by the time you finish reading this article, you’re going to want to purchase a cast-iron pan of your own. There really is no substitute for a meal prepared on one of the oldest kitchen cookwares around. The robust nature of the iron pan will usually last you an entire lifetime.
Do you have a cast iron pan hiding away in your closet somewhere? How about in your grandmother’s cupboard. Is there a cast iron pan that has been in your family for generations? These beautiful things are a real cornerstone for any kitchen. Many prestigious chefs might argue that it’s one of the only pans you’ll ever need. The following 8 facts about cast iron pans will give you a renewed appreciation for them.
1) Versatility: Cast iron pans can be used in virtually any cooking situation. They can be used to prepare meals inside your stove, on the stove top, on your barbeque, and even over a roaring fire. According to montanahomesteadreader.com if you want to cook over a fire pit, simply put the pan over some coals. Add more coals for higher heat, or fewer coals for lower heat.
2) Health Benefits: Believe it or not, you can add more iron into your immune system by eating food prepared with a cast iron skillet. According to the American Dietetic Association, cast iron pans can release healthy amounts of iron nutrients into your food. Anyone with an iron deficiency might want to consider cooking with some cast iron.
3) It’s Non-Toxic: Unlike pans with cheap Teflon skillets that are made of lower grade metals, cast iron pans are made of solid iron that will not affect negatively any of your foods. Although non-stick pans are far more advanced and perfectly safe to use, they might not have the same durability of a cast iron.
4) It’s Easy To Clean: Believe it or not, you don’t even need soap to clean your cast iron. Unless of course you haven’t properly seasoned it or maintained it for a while. According to thekitchn.com all you need is an abrasive sponge and hot water to clean off the debris from your cast iron. Sounds like a plan to me!
5) Durability: As mentioned before, cast iron pans are extraordinarily durable. One pan could last several generations in a single family. Unless it’s given way due to improper care over the years causing oxidation and rust, a cast iron pan should last you several lifetimes. Even then, if your cast iron pan has some rusting, it’s usually easily removable with a good piece of steel wool and some elbow grease.
6) It Maintains Its Heat: Unlike other pans, once a cast iron pan is hot, according to Wikipedia, it is a very slow conductor of heat. Unless you try heating it up too quickly, a cast iron might have some spotty areas that get too hot, however, if you slowly raise the temperature of your cast iron, it will cook your food perfectly.
7) The Are Relatively Inexpensive: Unlike other professional cookware that might set you back hundreds of dollars, a good ol’ fashioned cast iron pan won’t cost you more than a couple hours pay in most parts of the world. They are also readily available, including hand-me-downs from your own family, in which case, the cost is usually free.
8) Your Meals Taste Better: According to Kosher.com author Toby Vogel, a good cast iron pan “adds a depth of flavor that no other cookware can.” In other words, it’s pretty safe to say that a steak cooked on a well seasoned, well maintained cast iron skillet will taste far better than something cooked on your run-of-the-mill skillet purchased from your local department store.
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