The touch of modernity has already influenced most of the things we need. From electronic devices, gadgets, automobiles, and even things in the house, most of them mirror the continuing advancement in technology. Probably the best examples of that can be found in the kitchen wares and other household utensils, today most of the materials used in cooking adequately reflect how modern a kitchen can get.
Today, the touch of innovation has continuously invaded every section at home. In a modern kitchen, it is common to find a variety of kitchen wares that were created out of the advanced processing and materials used—nonstick coatings made of everything from chemicals to diamonds are found on frying pans, claiming to give them a better, easier surface to work on. But no matter how modern the way of cooking can get, using technologically advanced materials there are still people who prefer to use a traditional one—such as the classic cast iron skillet.
Benefits of Cast Iron
Many professional cooks and other people who are into cooking still capitalized on the importance of using a cast iron skillet. There are several reasons why many chefs and even plain cooks prefer to use a cast iron skillet. Cast iron is a cookware that is eco–friendly, incredibly versatile, inexpensive, and most importantly, it can provide healthy and great foods.
You don’t have to worry about what may leech into your food as you do when nonstick coatings become scratched or chipped. What it does leech into your food is the essential mineral iron—which is great news for anemic in particular. Iron is essential to our body especially in maintaining the integrity of our blood. This is one distinct characteristic of a cast iron skillet that no other cookware offers.
A cast iron skillet is a heavy-duty pan that can stand up to extreme temperatures, both on the stovetop and in the oven (as long as the handle isn’t wooden). It retains a lot of heat and conducts heat beautifully for great searing and browning, and it heats evenly.
Believe it or not, one characteristic of a cast iron skillet is a naturally nonstick surface. When properly seasoned and handled, cast iron gets a surface that is smooth like glass, and even eggs and cheese will slide around on it and lift off it beautifully, without leaving residue behind.
Another good thing about cast iron skillet is its ability to stand the test of time, it is durable. It is a cookware that does not wear out. When it is properly taken care of, you can even hand it over to your children and to your grandchildren—using it for generations and it will be as sturdy as the day you bought it.
Another important reason why many people use a cast iron skillet is that it comes at a very reasonable price—this is a purchase that gives you a lot of value, especially considering it’s so versatile because it can be used for many different cooking methods.
Caring for Cast Iron
Although it is true that an iron cast skillet can get rusted, but if it is properly handled, this is not going to happen. You just need to keep it dry and when not in use. If rust appears, little scrubbing with steel wool will work. You can even use sandpaper on it if necessary, then re–season it.
Seasoning is very easy—it is done with some kind of fat, such as lard, oil, or bacon grease. After each use, the pan should be scrubbed with coarse salt and water (no soap) until clean, then thoroughly dried in a low, warm oven. Add the fat, rubbing it in with a paper towel or pastry brush all over, then let the pan sit in the warm oven for 30 minutes. Repeated seasoning builds up a beautiful cooking surface.
Next time you’re shopping for cookware, consider adding some cast iron to your kitchen cabinets.