Is Cast Iron Good For Cooking? Is It Worth Using?

Written by: Kaushik Jethva

Last Updated: January 31, 2023

a set of cast iron cookware
A set of cast iron cookware placed on a stove.

Most people need to learn the importance of suitable cookware utensils and materials while cooking. As a result, we often need to pay more attention to the material used for cooking different types of food. A more effective approach will be if you put less emphasis on what you eat and more on how and with which utensils it’s being prepared.

Most people who have never used cast iron cookware before are likely confused about cleaning, storing, and using a cast iron cookware set. But the good news is that as long as you learn the basics of cast iron cooking, you’ll find it just as simple to use and care for as any other cookware. In addition, cast iron cookware’s durability and long-lasting nature have made it popular for many years. This article covers different cast iron cookware, its benefits, and tips on how to use it. So keep on reading!

1 What Makes Cast Iron So Special?

Iron is the main component of any cast iron cookware. An iron ore and steel mixture is melted at extremely high temperatures to produce cast iron cookware. Due to the incredible density of pure iron cookware, cast iron can retain heat exceptionally well, so they are priced higher.

In this context, we are talking about cast iron in its bare form. Cast iron has direct food contact, as opposed to enameled cast iron, which is glazed with a food-safe coating. Even though it is not made of iron, the glaze makes cleanup easier and acts as additional nonstick layer to the cast iron.

2 How to choose the right cast iron cookware for your needs?

Cast iron kadai

cast iron kadai
Cast iron kadai

Using a cast iron kadai rather than a cheap non-stick kadai coated with toxic chemicals. This is because the iron content in cast iron kadai is excellent for building your body’s iron level, which is key to healthy living for you and your family. In addition, cast iron induction kadai is super solid and long-lasting, so you don’t need to worry about replacing them frequently.

Cast iron tawa

cast iron tawa
Cast iron tawa

When making chapatis, rotis, or naans, the cast iron tawa will enhance your cooking experience. Cast iron dosa tawa is a healthier alternative to non-stick tawa since it is entirely natural. Also, dosas cooked on a cast iron tawa will be tasty and have a crispy texture compared to a non-stick tawa.

Cast iron pans

cast iron pan
Cast iron pan

When seasoned and cared for correctly, a cast iron pan will develop a non-stick coating that will resist most foods from sticking. Seasoned cast iron pans are even great for cooking eggs. Additionally, The non-stick surface of a cast iron pan is chemical-free, making it an excellent alternative to non-stick cookware.

Cast iron skillets

cast iron skillet
Cast iron skillet

You can use the cast iron skillet to sauté, pan-fry, sear, bake, braise, broil, roast, and more. Whether you make cornbread or chicken, a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet will enhance its flavor. In addition, a cast iron skillet does not fluctuate in temperature like thin pans made of aluminum. Due to its high heat resistance, cooking with cast iron cookware is ideal for foods that cook at high temperatures.

Cast iron grill pan

cast iron grilled pan
Cast iron grilled pan

With its smooth finish and less oil requirement, an elegant cast iron grill pan is ideal for cooking dishes that require grilling. In addition, having a cast iron grill pan will enrich your food with more iron and make it taste better. For example, a cast iron grill pan makes paneer tikka, grilled cheese sandwiches, kebabs, and many more delicious recipes.

3 Here's how cast iron can benefit your health

The health benefits of cast iron pans as an iron source would be enhanced by further research; however, we can take some steps right now to boost their usability.

  • Cast iron absorbs iron more quickly, so the more time you spend cooking with it, the more iron you’ll get. A side benefit is that your pans last longer when you use them liberally.
  • Cooking foods with high pH in cast iron is often discouraged. Due to their gentle surface-stripping abilities, acidic ingredients that are low in pH can boost iron absorption.
  • Cook and roast foods with iron-rich ingredients in your skillet to get the most out of the iron they already contain. Red meat is one of the best animal sources of iron, but there are also many great vegetarian sources of iron. You can stir-fry chickpeas and lentils, which are rich in iron.

4 The best way to maintain cast iron cookware set

seasoned cast iron cookware
Seasoned cast iron cookware

How to season cast iron utensils

Seasoning cast iron creates a naturally non-stick surface that protects it from rust. Using a clean pan, lightly rub a thin layer of oil over the top and bottom, inside and outside, and any handles. Too much oil on the seasoned cast iron can create a sticky surface.

Re-seasoning your cast iron cookware

Pre-seasoned cast iron will need to be re-season periodically, regardless of how well it is maintained. You can also preserve the non-stick coating by adding a thin layer of oil when drying cast iron with heat, such as in a stovetop or oven.

Store your cast iron cookware safely

Before storing your cast iron, ensure it’s scorched and free of all food residue. Then, when you’ve cleaned your cast iron, you can dry it with a towel, heat it in the oven, or even heat it on the stovetop.

5 Wrapping Up

We hope you are now clear about the various uses and health benefits of using a cast iron cookware set. If you are looking for different health benefits of a non stick cookware, read our detailed blog. Cast iron offers a number of benefits when it comes to healthy cooking. If you know how to properly take care of cast iron cookware, it becomes easier to use them in your kitchen cleaning routine once you become familiar with it.

FAQ's about Cast Iron

What are the disadvantages of cast iron?

Cast irons are good at retaining the heat. But when it comes to distribute the heat evenly, a cast iron is not a good heat conductor. In most cases, cast iron pans are quite heavy, making them a bit difficult to handle. The handle of a cast iron pan generally gets quite hot. Also, you need to add a layer of seasoning for your pan to become nonstick.

Cooking acidic sauces in cast-iron pans is not recommended for two reasons: first, the acid loosens trace amounts of molecules that can leach into your food. Also, you should not cook fish such as salmon with cast iron because there are chances that fish may stick to the surface and making it difficult to flip it over while cooking. When a pan is really well-seasoned, it will be more likely to absorb flavor than a stainless steel or nonstick pan, particularly since we should not clean a nonstick skillet with soap because it may strip the seasoning.

Cookware made from cast iron is unparalleled in terms of its heating properties and capacity, means it gets extremely hot and stays extremely hot for a very long time. Taking care of cast iron pans and Dutch ovens does not require much maintenance and will last for generations. Cast iron pans are a great non-stick cooking pan and baking dish when properly seasoned. In addition to searing meats for a nice char, making great hash, and pan-roasting chicken and vegetables, it is important to avoid overriding your food.

A cast iron cookware with a coating of glass or seasoned cast iron is the healthiest to cook with. Unlike other cookware, cast iron cookware uses less oil because of its natural nonstick properties. A cast iron utensil not only provides a durable surface for cooking, but it is also 100% natural and provides an important source of iron and nutrients.

Because cast iron holds heat for a long time, it is good for keeping your cooked food hot for a longer time. In comparison to aluminum pans, cast iron pans hold heat much longer and can be used for frying and baking. As well as browning beautifully and cooking evenly, the metal in cast iron also provides a steady heat source.

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About This Article

Kaushik Jethva
Written by: Kaushik Jethva author

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Updated: January 31, 2023
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