|
Cast-iron cookware has been an American tradition since the country's inception. No one really knows the oldest cast-iron utensil still in use because that kind of history doesn't make the news. But, it isn't surprising to still find skillets or pots that have been passed down through families for generations.
Cast iron has not lost its appeal over the years, either. Numerous advancements have been made in cookware over the past two centuries or so, but there remain foundries that craft cast-iron cookware the same way it was done more than a century ago.
So what keeps people coming back to cast iron after all these years? Basically, it comes down to price, variety, durability and cooking ability.
Price
The most modest of cookware set choices notwithstanding, cast iron represents an impressive investment value. You can buy a complete cast-iron cookware set for less than $200 that will almost without doubt become part of the family inheritance.
Two hundred dollars may sound like a lot of money, and it's true that cookware sets can be found for less, but you couldn't ask for more out of a cast-iron skillet for what it costs. It will live a lifetime in your kitchen, and by the time it is finally too worn out to use (by your great-grandkids, probably), you will have paid a fraction of a penny per day for owning it.
Variety
You might think that cast iron is much like a Model T – you can have it any way you like it as long as it's black. Actually, many manufacturers will enamel cast iron, coating it with a layer of heated glass either on the outside, inside or both.
This is done for a couple of reasons. Cast iron can leach actual iron and seasoning into the food that can subtly impact flavor and also put iron in your body. These are not necessarily negative qualities, and can even be quite good if you happen to have an iron deficiency. But, for those who prefer to avoid this effect, enameling will prevent food reactivity.
It is also done for decorative reasons. Enamel can be applied in a wide variety of colors, which can add a lot of character to your cast-iron cookware.
Durability
This is where cast iron makes a name for itself. It's as tough as it sounds, especially when the whole utensil, from handle to base, is cast from one solid hunk of metal.
Of course, they must be seasoned to prevent corrosion, but this is not difficult and also greatly improves the non-stick quality of the utensil, and so should be done anyway.
Cooking Ability
As previously mentioned, cast iron can release iron and some of its seasoning into foods and many find this to add to the quality of the cooking. Iron is also a very good conductor of heat and will cook food evenly.
Taken as a whole it's easy to see why cast iron can be a great investment. If you've got room to store it and a love for things with true American character, then you can't go wrong with cast iron.
About the Author : Only Cookware
Article provided by Only Cookware – an online resource providing informative reviews on cookware, helping you to make the right decision when buying cookware for your kitchen. You will also find hints and tips on how to look after your cookware so that it will give you the best performance for many years.
|
