When one first thinks about the benefits of using cast iron skillets, most tend to shy away. However, if one takes time to research their use, most find that the pros will significantly outweigh the cons as to the overall benefits they have.
The first is that once you invest in your cast irons pans or dutch oven, they will last for several years, as well as generations if cared for adequately. When properly seasoned, cast iron is fantastic for stovetop cooking, as well as using in the oven. There is no denying that cast iron can be somewhat heavy, but the trade-off of extra muscle power more than makes them worth it.
Nonstick
One of the most loved benefits of cast iron is that of the performance of the pan itself. Once you begin to use your cast iron, you will notice that it takes on a beautiful, shiny sheen created by the seasoning process, which occurs with each use. After a few times using your skillet, you will find that your cast iron has an excellent nonstick surface. As a result, less oil will need during each use, and this will also add to the health benefits that the pans provide.
Free Of Chemicals
By its very nature, cast iron is a chemical-free product making them a superb alternative to the current day nonstick skillets. Most of the skillets on the market today contain perfluorocarbons, a chemical linked to several severe health conditions such as cancer, liver damage, developmental problems, and more. You do not have this worry with cast iron, as they do not contain any harmful chemicals.
Life Span
Cast iron is almost indestructible, and as such, has been around for literally centuries. Some families have handed down their cast iron from generation to generation, with many pieces having been in families for hundreds of years. From time to time, they may develop somewhat of a build-up on the outer edges, but this can be easily burned off, the pan pre-seasoned, and good as new.
Iron Content
The most popular benefit on this list is that of the healthiness of cast iron. When used, it lends a certain amount of iron to the food cooked in it. For those who find themselves suffering from an iron deficiency, the cooking food in cast iron can be of great benefit. In fact, the cast iron can lend up to 20 times more iron to your diet, than in other types of pans.
Stove Or Oven—They Cover Both
Cast iron is considered dual-purpose cookware. They function just as well on top of the stove, as they do in the oven. With them being an iron metal, you aren’t limited to how high a temperature you can use them. Just make sure to have a potholder handy, as they can get extremely hot and cause serious burns.
Easy Clean-Up
Once your cast iron is seasoned correctly, it is a dream to clean up after each use. Simply use hot water to clean, as the food will lift off easily. If you find some stubborn spots, scrub them with a plastic scrubber. NEVER use metal to wash the cast iron, as it will damage the seasoning. After washing, place them in a low-temperature oven, and make sure to oil both inside and out before putting it away.
Facts About Cast Iron Pans
- When it comes to ruining cast iron, the task is a big one. Quite simply put, cast iron is tough—and then some. There is a valid reason why older specimens of cast iron are still found in antique shops and at local yard sales to this day.
- Cast iron skillets are one of the best pans around for the searing of meat. The reason is that once cast iron gets hot, it stays hot, and the heat distributes well evenly.
- When keeping food warm in cast iron, we suggest that you regularly check to ensure that the overall temperature does not fall below 135 degrees for longer than two hours.
- With each use of your cast iron, you season them and make them that much better for future use.
- For those who have an iron deficiency, cooking in cast iron will add a small amount of iron to be absorbed into your food.
Pop & Sizzle
When making use of your cast iron on top of the stove, you need to preheat your skillets thoroughly. To make sure they are sufficiently preheated, you can perform the pop and sizzle test.
You begin by placing your skillet on your burner and giving it five minutes or so to preheat. Make sure to rotate it now and then. I find it handy to set a timer so that I will not get to doing something else, walk off and forget about it.
After your timer goes off, you can test for its readiness by dropping a couple of drops of water in the skillet. If sufficiently preheated, you will find that the water will pop and sizzle. If, on the other hand, the water evaporates as soon as it hits the pan, then the skillet is way too hot.
You may also choose to preheat your skillets, or your dutch ovens, in the oven. Set your timer to 20-30 degrees, and wait for them to heat up. Again, perform the pop and sizzle test to verify temperature.
Auto-Seasoning
Each time you use and cook in your cast iron, you are seasoning them at the same time. The more often you use your cast iron, the smoother the surface will become.
There are many benefits to using cast iron from the ease of cooking to that of health benefits. There is a reason that cast iron pans are made to last, as they are masterful in bringing out the delightful flavor in any dish.