CAST IRON COOKWARE-THE URBAN TREND

In recent times, people are more concerned about their health and therefore it is very important to check how healthier is the cooking practices we follow. One of the issue with modern cooking utensils are while the cooking takes place the utensils may generate harmful chemicals and toxins and there is a good chance that these chemicals may pass through our digestive system. When you want to prepare your food in the most natural way without contacting any chemical or toxic agents, one of the alternate materials available is the cast iron

Is healthy to cook in cast iron?

Cast iron cooking helps your body with an iron intake as it by own nature absorbs iron into your food, which will be beneficial in reducing iron deficiency issues. Our body regularly gets iron from the food we eat. If we consume too little iron, over time our body can become iron deficient. While preparing meat, eggs, leafy green vegetables and other iron-fortified foods, it is recommended to use cast iron utensils. For proper growth and development, we need iron from our diets.

Cast iron cookware requires very less oil - it is a known fact that using less oil in food is a healthy mantra. The first question you need to ask yourself is how much oil is I am allowed to take daily and how I can limit intake of oil to this level? Cast iron utensils develop a natural thin layer of nonstick coating with regular use and care. This process makes the utensils consume less oil and allows you to maintain the healthy smoke point while cooking. Also another recommend way of cooking to reduce the oil intake is preparing your food through grilling. Grilling meat, fish & vegetables using cast iron grilling pan will make the food more delicious and healthy. It’s taller and thicker grill edges enhances better char marks and smoky taste!

Pre-seasoned cast iron kadai and cookware are a good way to cook being toxic free, chemical free and enamel free. The thick bottom of the cookware ensures even heat distribution with superior temperature resistance and no hot spots. It retains heat for long time and thus makes the cast iron cookware a healthy choice for new and old generations alike.

Cast iron pans and Dutch ovens are very economical since they will last for generations when properly cared for. The thickness and quality of cast iron pan gives it longer life and therefore lasts for generations. Cast iron is one of the oldest human inventions which are still in use for making your kitchen healthy. Cast iron was invented in the 5th century BC and it has been used since for making pots and utensils. Its sturdy and strong nature makes it long lasting and a traditional asset being transferred to generations.

Is cast iron healthier than non-stick?

As oppose to aluminum or other synthetic non-stick utensils, the traditional cast iron cookware is healthy. Aluminum or Non stick Teflon utensils release toxic fluorides in high temperatures which is very harmful to human health.

What are the disadvantages of cast iron cookware?

Cast iron cookware is heavy when compared to non healthy aluminum or steel utensils. Therefore you need to decide which size fits for your needs and get the right one. Its heavy and sturdy nature makes them very durable.

When you use cast iron pots and kadai, proper caring and seasoning is required. If you are not using the piece for long time, there is a chance of getting it rusty. Therefore spread a thin layer of oil and keep the items in dry place.

During the initial use, acidity can work against the seasoning and also potentially impart a metallic taste to your food. Therefore initially, avoid using the pots for preparing acidic items such as tomatoes, lemon juice etc. Once you achieve a good level of seasoning built up with regular use, you don’t need to worry so much about acidic foods in the pan. In the meantime, it’s best to avoid it.

Tips of first use of cast iron and seasoning:

1. Scrub skillet well in hot soapy water.

2. Dry thoroughly.

3. Spread a thin layer of melted shortening or vegetable oil over the items.

4. Place it upside down on a middle oven rack at 375°. (Place foil on a lower rack to catch drips.)

5. Bake 1 hour; let cool in the oven.

In summary,cast Iron utensils and cookware are the best choice for your kitchen .Cooking in cast iron pot is a slow process and involves the use of a minimum amount of oil thereby helping in retaining food’s natural oil and moisture. It is;

• 100% Natural and no harmful chemicals

• Boosts Nutritional Value and build Immunity

• Retains flavor of food

• Heats evenly across the surface & retains temperature of Food

• Versatile & Durable