Today, in any specialized store you can buy a variety of non-stick, aluminum and enamel pots, kettles and pans. However, despite this diversity, many housewives still use cast iron cookware. This durable but heavy utensil was considered a relic of the Soviet era until recently, but today it has regained its former popularity. After reading this article, you will learn how to care for cast iron cookware and how to choose the right products.
The advantages of this material
Products made of this weighty metal are characterized by high heat resistance. They are able to withstand high temperatures and retain heat for a long time. Cast iron cookware is ideal for roasting meat. It can be safely placed in a preheated oven without worrying that it will burst.
This material is chemically inert. It is resistant to aggressive acidic and alkaline environments. Therefore, it will not react with food cooked in cast iron.
Such utensils are considered universal. She is with the sameSuccessfully used both on an open fire and in the oven. The dishes prepared in it are distinguished by special taste qualities. Strong and durable, cast iron cookware can be passed down from generation to generation.
Does it have flaws?
Like any other material, cast iron has several disadvantages. The most significant of them is the relatively large weight of the products. In addition, dishes made from it are susceptible to corrosion. Therefore, it requires special care. Rust may appear on the surface of pots and pans due to improper use. In addition, even the best cast iron cookware is able to absorb certain food flavors and transfer them to other foods cooked in it.
What to look for when buying?
On the shelves of modern stores presents a huge range of pots and pans. In order to choose really high-quality products among all the variety presented, you need to pay attention to several important criteria. First of all, you need to check how heavy the cast iron cookware you like is. Manufacturers have begun to produce lightweight versions of such products, but it is still advisable to give preference to weighty pans. The more massive they are, the longer they will last.
You also need to consider the purpose for which the product is purchased. So, for making pancakes, a small frying pan with low sides is ideal. If you plan to cook in itfood for a large family, it is better to opt for the option with high sides.
It is desirable that cast iron cookware be equipped with a lid, under which it is convenient to cook all kinds of dishes. Otherwise, the greasy juice will splatter all over the kitchen, and you will often have to clean the stove. The handle of the product requires no less attention. It would be nice if it was removable. But it's even better to get cookware with cast-iron eyelets that do not deform under the influence of high temperatures.
How to prepare the product for use?
Cast iron cookware must be pre-treated before first use. This is necessary to clean it from traces of engine oil. First of all, it should be washed in hot water using detergent. After that, you need to pour ordinary s alt into the pan and ignite it for 40-60 minutes. You can do this both on the stove and in the oven, heated to 175-200 degrees. These simple manipulations will eliminate unpleasant odors.
Then the surface of the pan should be greased with vegetable oil and ignited again, this time for half an hour. As a result of this simple action, a kind of protective layer is formed, which has a slight non-stick effect and prevents corrosion.
How to care for cast iron cookware?
Kitchen utensils made from this material are susceptible to corrosion. In order to extend the termoperation, you must follow a few simple rules. We must not forget that such dishes are not suitable for long-term storage of food. Dishes cooked in it should be transferred to other containers or containers.
It is forbidden to wash cast iron cookware with abrasive products that destroy the resulting non-stick coating. Do not store wet pans. Dry thoroughly after each wash. To do this, it is recommended to put the dishes on fire until the moisture has completely evaporated.
Store cast iron cauldrons and pans preferably in a dry, well-ventilated place. If, for some reason, the dishes began to rust, they can be restored. This is a fairly simple procedure that does not require special skills and tools. An abrasive can be used to remove the formed rust. In simple cases, an ordinary sponge intended for washing dishes is enough to restore cast iron; in more difficult situations, sandpaper is suitable. After that, the product must be thoroughly washed under running hot water and ignited for half an hour.
Cast iron cookware: reviews
Housewives who use such products note that the food cooked in them acquires special taste qualities. In addition, cast iron pans and cauldrons are highly durable and can last for decades. In some families, they are passed from grandmothers to granddaughters.
