Today in any specialized store you can buy a variety of non-stick, aluminum and enameled pots, kettles and pans. However, despite this diversity, many housewives still use cast-iron utensils. This strong, but heavy utensil was recently considered a relic of the Soviet era, but today it has regained its former popularity. After reading this article, you will find out what care cast iron cookware requires and how to choose such products.
The advantages of this material
Products made of this heavy metal are characterized by increased heat resistance. They are able to withstand high temperatures and retain heat for a long time. Cast iron cookware is ideal for baking meat. It can be completely safely placed in a preheated oven, without worrying that it will burst.
This material is chemically inert. It is resistant to aggressive acid and alkaline environments. Therefore, it will not react with food cooked in cast-iron dishes.
Such utensils are considered universal. It is used with equal success both on an open fire and in the oven. The dishes prepared in it are distinguished by special tastes. Strong and durable cast iron cookware can be passed on from generation to generation.
Does he have flaws?
Like any other material, cast iron has several disadvantages. The most significant of them is considered a relatively large weight of products. In addition, dishes made from it are subject to corrosion. Therefore, it requires special care. Due to improper use, rust may appear on the surface of pots and pans. In addition, even the best cast iron cookware is able to absorb certain food aromas and transfer them to other products prepared in it.
What to look for when buying?
On the shelves of modern stores presented a huge assortment 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 cookware made of cast iron you like. Manufacturers began to produce lightweight versions of such products, but it is still desirable to give preference to weighty pans. The more massive they are, the longer they will last.
You must also consider the purpose for which the product is purchased. So, for cooking pancakes, a small frying pan with low sides is ideal. If you plan to cook food for a large family in it, then it is better to opt for the option with high sides.
It is desirable that the dishes made of cast iron were equipped with a lid, under which it is convenient to cook all kinds of dishes. Otherwise, fatty juice will be sprayed throughout the kitchen, and you will often have to wash the stove. No less attention is required by the handle of the product. Well, if it will be removable. But it’s even better to get dishes with cast-iron cast-iron handles-ears that do not deform under the influence of high temperatures.
How to prepare the product for use?
Cast iron cookware must be pretreated before first use. This is necessary to clean it of traces of engine oil. First of all, wash in hot water using a detergent. After that, you need to pour ordinary salt into the pan and bake it for 40-60 minutes. This can be done both on the stove and in the oven, preheated to 175-200 degrees. These simple manipulations will eliminate unpleasant odors.
Then the surface of the pan must be greased with vegetable oil and calcined 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 utensils?
Kitchen utensils made from this material are subject to corrosion. To extend its life, you must follow a few simple rules. We must not forget that such dishes are not suitable for long-term storage of food. Dishes prepared in it should be transferred to other containers or containers.
It is forbidden to wash cast iron dishes using abrasive products that destroy the resulting non-stick coating. Do not store wet pans. After each washing, they need to be thoroughly dried. To do this, it is recommended to put the dishes on fire until the moisture evaporates.
Store cast-iron cauldrons and pans preferably in a dry, well-ventilated place. If for some reason the dishes began to rust, it can be restored. This is a fairly simple procedure that does not require special skills and tools. An abrasive can be used to remove 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 this, the product must be thoroughly washed under running hot water and calcined for half an hour.
Cast iron cookware: reviews
Housewives who use such products note that the food cooked in them acquires special taste. In addition, cast-iron pans and cauldrons are highly durable and can last for more than a dozen years. In some families, they are transmitted from grandmothers to granddaughters.