5 reasons to use cast iron cookware and it’s benefits
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When it comes to shopping for cast iron cookware you should keep in the back of your mind the 5 Reasons To Use Cast Iron Cookware.
Chances are you’re not thinking about the potential health benfits that pots and pans can provide. Instead, you’re considering durability, cost, conductivity and design. However, under these considerations, comes a health price. Read on to find the 5 Reasons To Use Cast Iron Cookware!
PTFEs in cookware
Non-stick cookware like Teflon, has an interior coating made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE ), which is a thermoplastic polymer.
During cooking, food won’t stick to the pans because of this special polymer covering. Also, cleaning this type of cookware is simple. Cookware coated with PTFE generates a variety of gases and compounds that range in toxicity from moderate to severe when heated, even at lower temperatures. Read more about PTFE toxicity concerns.
Teflon Cookware: Teflon is used to create a nonstick coating on most cookware. But, over time, it can break down, scratch, and chip. Consequently, these chips can contaminate your food and cause a variety of illnesses.
Copper Cookware: Copper is reactive to acidic foods, which gives food a metallic taste after being cooked. Therfore, it is not feasible for cooking foods with high acidity.
Aluminum Cookware: Aluminum is popular for being lightweight and heat distribution. Most aluminum cookware is anodized to protect the aluminum from a non-reactive state to a neutral state. The problem with aluminum is when cooking with acidic foods, as it strips the coating and exposes the raw metal into the food.
Over a period of time, using these types of cookware can cause heavy metal toxicity, and autoimmune diseases.
5 Reasons to use cast iron cookware
Research suggests that cast iron cookware materials trump others in terms of health benefits.
- Cast-iron pans release some iron particles into your food, helping you get more of this important nutrient. Although it’s only trace amounts.
- Cost-effective alternative to stainless-steel pots.
- Using cast iron cookware is safer than Teflon, copper and aluminum cookware.
- Cast iron is durable and can last for a long time when seasoned properly. Also, they are stove-top, BBQ, oven friendly, and great for camping, making them a multi-use cookware.
- When you season cast iron properly, it makes the pan non stick, and gets better with each use. Unlike other cookware.
Cons of using cast iron cookware.
- The cons of using cast iron, is you must dry them thoroughly and season (apply oil) after each use. Which is just a few more minutes of your time.
- Cast iron is not a light weight cookware.
- Cast Iron is not recommended for glass top stoves, as the can easily scratch the glass.
- Cast iron cookware can rust, but with proper care it is preventable.
How to season cast iron pots?
Your new cast iron pots and pans must be seasoned before using to insure a non-stick finish.
- Apply a very thin coat of cooking oil on all sides of pan. Also, make sure to apply to the exterior as well.
- Place pans upside down in a pre-heated 500 degree oven for 1 hour. Afterwards, let cool for 30 minutes.
- Repeat the process 3 times.
- Voila! You now have non-stick cookware!
How to clean cast iron pots?
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Clean your cast iron cookware by hand using a cast iron pan scrubber.
For stuck-on food, simmer a little water for 3 minutes, then use the cast iron scrubber after the pan has cooled.
Dry the pan promptly and with a lint-free cloth until thoroughly dry. There may be black residue left on the towel. Don’t fret, it’s from the seasoning and harmless.
Rub a very light layer of cooking oil onto the cast iron cookware.
Cookware Recommendations
When shopping for cookware, you should purchase pans made purely with iron. Alternatively Ceramic cookware is an excellent choice in toxic-free cookware if you are not a cast iron cookware fan.
The best non-toxic cookware to buy is:
- Victoria -Amazon
- Lodge -Amazon
- Ceramic Cookware
- Stainless Steel Cookware
Using the best toxic-free cookware contributes to a healthy lifestyle.
In conclusion, keep in mind the 5 Reasons To Use Cast Iron Cookwaree the next time you are shopping for kitchen essentials.
