What is Cast Iron Cookware?
Cast iron cookware is a very old form of kitchen equipment, created when molten iron is poured directly into molds shaped like skillets, cornbread pans and other bakeware. Cast iron cookware is still highly regarded for its even heating, versatility and durability. Many professional chefs choose cast iron cookware over modern pans because of its natural nonstick qualities and ability to withstand high temperatures without warping. For pioneers and settlers, cast iron cookware was likely to be their only form of kitchen equipment available. Large cast iron pots provided a sturdy platform for soups and stews, while skillets allowed for pan frying wild game or creating buckwheat pancakes. Baked dishes could be created in cast iron cookware such as dutch ovens or cake pans. Cast iron skillets could even be placed directly on a camp fire without damage. As aluminum and other lighter metals began to replace cast iron cookware, many household cooks still held on to selected pieces for either
Created by pouring melted iron into sand molds, cast iron pans helped early-American settlers prepare meals and today are making a comeback as a popular and inexpensive alternative to nonstick pans. Cast iron products can be found in secondhand stores or at yard sales, and Lodge is a popular manufacturer of new cast iron products. New products may need a preseasoning before use; the manufacturing tag should inform you if this is required.
