For some intriguing reason, cast iron cookware is making a comeback, and sincerely, we are all for it. Some people might just be catching on to the cast iron train, but for some others, you’ve been here for a while. But wherever you are in your experience with this timeless material, you would still love this guide on how to clean cast iron cookware.
Cast iron cookware has been used since the 5th century B.C. and only declined when cheaper aluminum cookware became more prevalent. If this material has survived millennia to still be of use in our lives, there are bound to be some benefits of cast iron that just can’t be replaced. Join us to learn more about this material and how to clean it.
Many claim cast iron cookware care is very involving and stressful, yet these utensils are becoming more commonplace in kitchens. This is because the extra care needed for the material is worth it when compared to the benefits, which include:
Cast iron maintenance isn’t difficult. It only requires a different technique than cleaning other materials. Your stainless steel pan can be easily washed with soap and even steel wool, but you’d need other methods for this material.
As you use your cast iron pan, the food grease will build up and get polymerized, producing a dark patina that coats the surface of your cookware. This is called cast iron seasoning. Don’t worry, it’s a good thing.
This seasoning gives your cookware a non-stick coating so you can fry or sear steak without worries. It occurs naturally, but you can also speed the process along. Here’s how to do it:
There’s this saying that soap and cast iron cookware don’t mix, as soap can strip the seasoning. Now, that isn't true. Cast iron seasoning is made of polymerized oil that can’t be harmed by modern dish soap. However, avoid oven cleaners made with lye or sodium hydroxide, as they can damage the seasoning and even the iron.
Note that seasoning builds up over time. So, while soap isn't harmful to your old pots, that brand-new one would be fine without it.
No one wants to see rust on their cookware. This is why drying cast iron utensils before storing them properly is necessary. You can put your cookware on the stovetop or oven over low heat to dry it after cleaning. Afterward, keep it away from moisture.
The trick to cast iron maintenance is daily cleaning. Fortunately, it is an ongoing process that is not so difficult to perform. You only have to scrape and wipe cast iron cookware to get the best out of it. Here’s how it’s done:
You may encounter a few issues when using your cast iron cookware. We’ll try to tackle the common ones here.
Cast iron cookware is on the rise again thanks to its numerous benefits, including non-stick seasoning, durability, and versatility. And with the guide above, you can be assured that yours will last long enough for you to enjoy all these benefits.
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