Healthy Cast iron cookware

Healthy Cast iron cookware has been traditionally in use as kitchen cookware for cooking home meals for long.

Dutch ovens, frying pans, deep fryers, woks, girdles, grills are made with cast iron.

Even though nonstick cookware is becoming popular because it is more convenient to maintain, the popularity of cast iron cookware sustains too. As people become aware of the disadvantages of nonstick cookware, many are turning to cast iron cookware.

In my home, I use cast iron utensils . The images given below are of the cast-iron cookware I use in my home.

Advantages of Healthy cast-iron cookware:

Cast iron is Eco friendly and natural.
It is chemical free, a very good alternative to non-stick cookware.
Cast iron cookware can be used on the stove, in the oven, over a wood fire, gas stove.
It is very sturdy, and strong. Can last for generations.
It retains heat well. So it is a common choice for deep frying.
It can withstand and maintain very high cooking temperature.
There are also health benefits of cooking food in cast iron vessels.
It can supply you iron to some extent. It is good for those with iron deficiency or to those who are anemic, especially when acidic foods are cooked it, such as tomato based dishes.
It is easier to clean.
It is durable and can last for many years compared to aluminum cookware.
Cast iron cookware can be used for a variety of purposes, such as browning, frying, stewing and even for baking.
It is inexpensive compared to stainless steel cookware and aluminum cookware.
It helps to cook the food evenly.
The pot and pans can be used on the stove top, in the ovens and grills too.
Cast iron cookware does not peel or crack like non stick pans.

Disadvantages / Cons of using cast-iron cookware

Cast iron is heavy. So if you have a problem with lifting, have a wrist problem, you may find using cast-iron difficult.
cast-iron utensils need seasoning before you start using them. the process of seasoning is simple but takes some time.
cast iron needs maintenance. you can not leave it wet as it rusts fast. So you need to season it every time you wash it.

Other facts about cast iron cookware

Cast iron cookware needs to be seasoned so that it wouldn’t rust and to make it a nonstick surface for easy cooking. Cooking oils and fats are used for seasoning cookware.
Some people prefer not to wash the cast-iron cookware with water as that may remove the seasoning. They prefer to wipe it with a cloth.
Cast iron is not good for those who have excess iron issues.
Cast iron cookware is heavier too. It may be a problem for senior citizens who have problem lifting things. Castiron pans/ tava/ can weight about 2 kg. If you can manage to lift that, then you will not have any problem using/lifting.
Some prefer to wash it with hot water and a brush. Not washing can turn the oil layer (used while seasoning) rancid after a long time.
So I think it is better to wash it with mild soap and water at least after a few uses, once in a while and then re-season it with oil.

About Enameled cast iron utensils

This enamel coating prevents rusting and there is no need to season the vessel.
These enameled cast-iron utensils are also easy to clean.
They are also available in different colors.

Some disadvantages of using the enamel coated cast iron.

It is more expensive.
It is not as beneficial as bare cast iron (does not give your iron).
It also can not withstand the searing heat.
The enamel coating may come off after some time.

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