Advantages of Cast Iron

Cast iron is a cooking and baking staple, used in everything from a versatile skillet or Dutch oven to specialized pieces like the loaf pan, bacon press or oyster grill pan. Cooking with cast iron is healthier because some of the iron will leach into your food, providing more iron in your diet.

• It’s affordable: Cast Iron is very affordable because each piece will last for years and, in some cases, it is passed on from generation to generation.
• It’s easy: Cast iron is very easy to clean. Simply wipe out food scraps while the pan is still hot, rinse in hot water and use a chain-mail scrubber from Lehman’s for hard-to-remove food. Most cast iron comes seasoned already, so you need to rub in a dab of oil after each use.
• It’s versatile: Cook, bake, fry or grill with one cast iron pan. You can cook over an open fire, on your grill, stovetop or oven. Make sizzling bacon and eggs for breakfast, a stew for lunch and seasoned steak for dinner — all three meals use the same cast iron pan!

Unlike chemical-coated non-stick pans, cast iron achieves its non-stick properties naturally through a seasoning process that involves applying a thin layer of oil and heating it to create a durable non-stick surface.

• Cast iron cooks better: The pan heats evenly over high heat, so your food won’t burn on the bottom and be undercooked in the center.
• It’s naturally non-stick: Most non-stick pans rely on chemical coatings. Cast iron is naturally non-stick through seasoning. The seasoning involves adding a thin layer of oil to the skillet and heating it, which creates a non-stick surface.

If you need to season your cast iron:

Wash the skillet with soapy water and a stiff brush.

Dry it thoroughly with paper towels.

Rub the skillet with a thin layer of neutral oil, such as canola or avocado oil, covering the inside and outside of the pan. This should include the handle!

Bake the skillet upside down in a preheated oven at 450 degrees for one hour.

Let the skillet cool in the oven. Repeat the process if you notice food sticking to the pan.

You can also get enameled cast iron in pretty colors and styles (although it is not recommended for use on grills, microwaves or over an open fire).