DELICIOUSNESS, DURABILITY AND AFFORDABILITY: CAST IRON COOKWARE
Hello fellow foodies! Have you ever thought of high-quality cookware that holds heat like a champ and is naturally nonstick hence no unhealthy coatings? Well look no further than cast iron cookware, the industry standard for durability, quality, and affordability. Now, if you are curious about what cast iron cookware really is, continue reading for the ultimate guide to cast iron cookware.
Firstly, lets address the elephant in the room, cast iron. Cast iron is a type of metal that is made by melting iron and adding carbon and other strengthening materials. As a result, it is extremely durable, heavy duty and holds heat like no other. The best part, it is totally affordable! It has two main types, grey iron, and white iron, which are used far and wide. Grey iron is used for things such as skillets and girdles while white iron is used for things such as engine blocks and other heavy-duty industrial machinery.
There are multiple advantages to using cast iron cookware. The biggest ones are durability, where they can last generations upon generations when treated with proper care, and heat distribution, where the cookware becomes a top choice for searing and browning. Along with these, when properly seasoned, cast iron becomes naturally nonstick, allowing for healthier, low oil cooking, while also straying away from unhealthy nonstick Teflon coatings. It is also highly versatile and can be used anywhere from stovetops to open flames and adds iron to your food to make your blood healthier. Lastly, it is very easy to clean and hence saves your arms and dishwashers from intense wear and tear. Cast iron cookware is truly magical, having great value for the price and extreme longevity.
Well, nothing is completely flawless, and cast iron also has a few minor drawbacks. For one, it is heavy and can be difficult to handle, especially for ones with mobility issues. Rusting due to improper care and seasoning is also something to be wary of.
A commonly asked question is “What is the difference between cast iron and regular iron?” To put it simply, cast iron is a modified form of regular iron, where iron is melted down and mixed with carbon and some other elements to increase its anti-bacterial and anti-rust properties, while also allowing better heat conductivity and retention. “What about stainless steel?” Stainless steel is a completely different derivative of iron that is made by adding chromium to it. It works well in preventing rust and being sterile but fails at heat retention.
And there you have it chefs! A comprehensive guide to cast iron cookware, a staple in every kitchen, where celebrity chefs like Sanjeev Kapoor and Gordon Ramsay swear by its cooking properties and the flavour it adds to your food. So go ahead and invest in some cast iron cookware of your own. Your taste buds, health, and of course your wallet, will thank you!