Cast iron cookware is the most popular kitchen utensil that has gained popularity because of its versatile nature. You can cook almost everything in your cast iron skillet, from grilling meat to baking pancakes without food being chipped onto the edges of your skillet.
Cast iron skillets are made by melting larger iron pieces into smaller ones to produce a non-stick and seamless finish look that provides the best medium for cooking different dishes in no time. Cast iron cookware can be your biggest valuable investment because it will give you a lifetime service if maintained and cared for properly.
Cast iron cookware has countless advantages that make it the best among other locally available cook-wares in the market. Some of which are discussed below:
1. Provides Even Heat: Cast iron is the best because it has maximum heat capacity that helps cook your food in real-time. So no long-standing hours in the kitchen anymore. It provides heat up to 400 to 500° C, and the non-stick surface provides even heat to the pan surface.
2. Economic: Another major reason cast iron’s popularity is its pocket-friendliness. Yes, cast iron cookware is economical. It is just a one-time investment because cast iron is made up of iron which is solid pure metal, and it is almost impossible to destroy it easily.
3. Easy To Clean: Cast iron is robust and easy to handle but doesn’t confuse its tough impression with uncleanliness. You must clean it right after using it to prevent rust and black residual buildup. An additional step for cast iron is seasoning with any edible oil to prevent it from scratches and chipping.
What Cast Iron Skillets Can Be Used For?
Cast iron skillet are the handiest and most versatile cookware that supports all kinds of cooking varieties. You can cook almost anything you wish to. From perfectly grilling your meat burger patties to baking pancakes, you can even smoke barbeques and bake pizza with them.
Factors To Be Considered While Choosing The Right Skillet Pan For You
Cast iron has a tremendously large range of cookware in different sizes, shapes, and designs. You have to do your research before purchasing the right one for you. Some major considerations that need to be made are discussed here;
1. Right Size: Make sure you choose the right size for your family. A general guide is always available to give you an idea about the sizes from which you can choose. Generally, a 25 cm or 10 inches skillet is enough for making 2 personal food. However, a 12 inches or 30 cm skillet is ideal for 4, and any size larger than that is meant for larger families.
2. Weight: Weight should always be considered before you purchase your cast iron cookware. The size of cast iron is directly dependent on its weight. The larger the size, the greater it will be weighed. So always choose the right size considering its weight in mind. However, you can use additional long-handle accessories to carry your pans more efficiently without feeling all the weight on your wrists.
3. Pouring Jets: This is an ideal feature for any cast iron skillet. They are important to pour away all the excess fat and grease. When cooking sauces or gravies, use it to eliminate all the excess oil mess-free.
4. Pre-Seasoning: Most cast iron cookware comes pre-seasoned, which means it’s ready to cook anything you like as soon as you unpack it. Considering this attribute will also make your purchase easier.
5. The LID Or Cover: Any cookware with an air-tight lid is ideal for cooking. Cast iron cookware comes with a new lid feature with spikes on the inner surface that creates a blasting system to produce enough steam for foods to cook in real-time, giving your food more tenderness and flavor.
How To Clean A Cast-Iron Skillet?
The cleaning of cast iron is a simple procedure like any other kitchen utensil, but you just can’t simmer it in your sink for hours and forget about it because it is made up of iron, and when iron reacts with water and oxygen, it forms rust.
You need to hand wash it immediately right after use with a little soap. However, for stubborn residues, you can dip it in water only for 5 to 10 minutes, not more than that. A stainless steel scrubber can also gently remove all the stuck food and other remains. After washing, drying is essential to avoid any formation of rust that may lead to any health condition.
How To Season A Cast Iron?
This has been the most important question about cast iron. Seasoning is simply a procedure to nourish the surface of your skillets and pans from the inside that will help restore their original shape and prevent them from scratching, chipping, and being crud off.
For seasoning your skillets, you need to pour some edible oil of high melting point, most preferably flaxseed oil, but you can use any other of the same category as well, such as Sunflower or Grapeseed. However, some people also use Olive oil, but the results will not be as fruitful. After taking the oil, gently rub it all over your pan surface with a paper towel and leave it in the oven for 10 minutes.
Take it out and put it in a pre-heat oven at 400° C for about 1 hour. Let it cool, and your skillet is ready to use. Lodge cast iron skillet and pans are designed to fulfill all your kitchen needs. Available in all the sizes and designs of your choice. It comes pre-seasoned with 100% organic vegetable oils and can be used for sauteing, boiling, frying, baking, and grilling.
