Cast Iron Cookware: Cast Iron Cooking Pots

The reasons behind the immense popularity of cast iron cookware, are many. Iron is a good conductor of heat and enables an even distribution of heat throughout the surface of the cookware. As a result, iron cookware cooks the food uniformly on any type of uneven surface. Cast iron cookware is highly reliable and capable of controlling the temperature of cooking. Cast iron cookware is not costly and also durable. You can use healthy cooking methods and use very less amount of oil or no oil at all. If the cookware is a seasoned one, the food will never get stuck to the surface of the pot and also does not require any extra oil.

Seasoning Cast Iron Cooking Pots

Seasoning of cast iron cookware is also known as curing. This is done to provide protection to the cast iron cookware from rusting and to get a nonstick effect. First, clean the cast iron cooking pot and place it over a heated burner to thoroughly dry it. While the cooking pot is still hot, apply a light coating of any vegetable oil on the inner surface of the pot. Leave the pan for a few more minutes over the hot burner. You can raise the temperature to the smoking point and you will get a rich dark seasoned coating at a much lesser time. Then, remove the pot from the burner and rub off the excessive oil from the pot using a paper towel.

If you have poured a large amount of oil into the pot, then on re-heating the pan the excess oil will turn sticky and get adhered to the pot. In such a situation, scrape off the greasy matter and scrub the pot clean. Then, start the seasoning process all over again.

Maintenance of Cast Iron Cooking Pots

Your cast iron cooking pots can last for a long period of time if you handle them with proper care. Cast iron cooking pots should not be used for the purpose of storing any kind of foods. Do not boil water in a cast iron cooking pot, as it may render the seasoning of the vessel ineffective and may lead to rusting of the iron. Avoid putting cast iron cookware on the microwave.

Cleaning of cooking pots should be done in the right manner. Use dish-washing soap and water for cleaning cast iron cooking pots or any similar cookware. Do not soak the cookware in water even for a brief period of time. You should not wash your cast iron cookware in a dishwasher. When cast iron pots are not in use, they should be kept with their lids off. This is because, moisture can develop inside the pot that can form rust on the inner surface. It will be even better if you place some paper towel in it so that the moisture formed can be absorbed properly.

Our body needs regular supply of iron as a large amount of iron is lost through sweating. Foods cooked in cast iron cookware supply us with a large amount of iron. That is why, people who perspire a lot like sports-persons, are often advised to eat food prepared in cast iron cookware.