You may remember your grandmother cooking in a cast iron pan. Since her day, many different materials have become commonly used in cooking, including aluminum, nonstick coatings and stainless steel. You may consider switching to cast iron for reasons of frugality, health and convenience. Use old pans from the thrift shop, or purchase brand new ones, and plan on passing them on when you are done with them.
Health Benefits
According to MedlinePlus, using cast iron pans raises the amount of iron in the food that you cook. If you are prone to anemia or if you already have iron-deficiency anemia, talk to your doctor about whether using cast iron may raise your iron stores. Cooking with a well-seasoned cast iron pan can also allow you to reduce or even eliminate the cooking oil necessary to prevent food from sticking to the pan, which in turn reduces the amount of fat in your diet.
Problems with Nonstick Coatings
Nonstick pan coatings can chip off and end up in your food over time. Cast iron does not chip or flake off into food, even after years of use. In some cases, cooking with nonstick pans can harm pet birds, as the fumes from the coatings may be toxic. Using cast iron pans eliminates this concern.
Ease of Care
Caring for cast iron is very simple once the pan has been seasoned. You can purchase cast iron that is pre-seasoned, or you can season it yourself by coating it with vegetable oil and baking in the oven at 350 degrees for an hour. After each use, wipe out the pan or wash with hot water and a stiff brush. Do not use soap unless the pan is very greasy, and never put your pan in the dishwasher. Dry the pan thoroughly and apply a few drops of oil so it is ready for the next use.
Economical Benefits
A cast iron pan is very sturdy and will last for generations. You will never experience a loose handle or see deep scratches in your pan. You can use the pan on top of the stove, in the oven or over a campfire, making it a versatile cooking vessel. Purchasing a few cast iron pans in different sizes can equip you to cook for decades without ever buying new cooking pans.
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