Top benefits of utilising cast iron skillet
For generations, cast iron has been a popular cookware material. In reality, the first known usage of cast iron cookware dates back to China’s Han Dynasty, around 220 A.D.!
Many elements contribute to cast iron cookware’s success, making it the ideal option for even today’s most sophisticated kitchens.
Cast iron’s durability, adaptability, and near indestructibility mean it can last generations, and even the most modern cast iron skillets and cookpots are just as high-quality and robust as those used thousands of years ago.
No.1 It’s adaptable
Cast iron skillets are incredibly adaptable, one of its main advantages. A cast-iron skillet can be used for frying, braising, grilling, roasting, and even poaching!
When you have a cast-iron skillet in your kitchen, the possibilities are endless regarding the number of beautiful foods you may make at home. You won’t need a separate cookpot for each task because your cast iron skillet can handle it all!
No.2 It can cook on almost any surface.
A cast-iron skillet can not only cook practically anything, but it can also cook on almost everything.
Cast iron is a high-quality material that can handle almost any duty you throw at it (or throw it on). Cast iron can even be used over an open fire without causing damage to the metal (be cautious not to burn your hands!). Put your cast iron skillet on the grill for delicious BBQ burgers, grilled vegetables, and more, bake it, use it as a saucepan…
Cast iron can cook on almost any heat source. Its heavyweight and thick composition allow it to maintain heat for longer, making it ideal for slow simmering or even searing steaks. Pre-heat your skillet before cooking to eliminate hot spots, and the pan will provide even long-lasting heat.
No.3 It has a non-stick texture by nature.
The non-stick coating on cast iron allows you to do everything from frying eggs to making delicious sauces without having to worry about food residue sticking to the pan for the rest of your life.
Seasoning, which involves coating the pan’s surface with fat or oil to create a protective layer that prevents food from sticking and protects the pan from corrosion, rust, and general wear, is the source of this non-stick coating.
No.4 It’s chemical-free, too.
Because cast iron skillets obtain their non-stick coating from fats and oils, they’re devoid of any potentially harmful chemicals or pollutants that could leach into your food when heated to high temperatures.
It provides cast iron a significant advantage over alternative non-stick cooking surfaces, such as Teflon, which can leak chemicals called perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) into the air. These chemicals are detrimental to the environment and can cause various health disorders, including hormonal, liver, and brain issues.
No.5 It boosts iron levels.
Cast iron is not only devoid of potentially dangerous chemicals, but it can also add extra iron to your meals, which is necessary for our growth and development. Iron is also a necessary component of the blood cells that transport oxygen throughout our bodies. It is utilized by the body to make certain hormones.
Several studies have been conducted to see if cast iron might help us get more of this essential element in our diets. In 1986, the Journal of the American Dietetic Association discovered that cooking in cast iron could provide a 2,000 percent increase in iron (applesauce).
The results varied based on the type of food being cooked, the age of the skillet, and the duration of cooking time in these trials. There was, however, plenty of evidence suggesting cast iron skillets can help you get more iron in your diet.
No.6 It’s simple to maintain.
Despite popular belief, cast iron is extremely quick and straightforward to clean. It is due to a cast-iron skillet’s natural non-stick coating, which seasoning gives.
Warm water and a sponge or stiff brush are all you need to clean cast iron. Even tenacious food marks may typically be removed with a bit of kosher salt, and rust is easily treated.
No.7 It is cost-effective.
Not only is cast iron a long-lasting and functional piece of cookware, but it’s also shockingly inexpensive for something that may endure generations! Bargain! A brand new, pre-seasoned cast iron skillet may often be found for less than $50.
No.8 It’s virtually indestructible.
A properly seasoned and maintained cast iron skillet is nearly indestructible. Not only is cast iron virtually impossible to harm, but even allowing it to corrode and rust does not indicate that cast iron cookware is doomed!
Not only is it nearly challenging to harm a cast iron skillet, but it improves with age and use; in other words, this is an item that will last a lifetime in your kitchen!