Bare cast iron vessels have been used for cooking for hundreds of years. Cast iron’s ability to withstand and maintain very high cooking temperatures makes it a common choice for searing or frying. Its excellent heat diffusion and retention makes it a good option for long-cooking stews or braised dishes. Because cast iron skillets can develop an extremely non stick surface, they are also a good choice for egg dishes, particularly scrambled eggs. Other uses of a cast iron pan or cast iron casserole include making cornbread and pineapple upside-down cake.
Seasoning is a process used to protect bare cast iron and carbon steel cookware from rusting, provide a non stick surface for cooking and prevent food from interacting with the iron of the pan. This is a process similar to bluing steel, forming an oxidizing chemical reaction with iron on the surface selectively forming magnetite, the black oxide of iron. New cast iron that is not pre-seasoned is often sold with a protective coating of wax or shellac. This coating must be removed to expose the bare cast iron surface before the pan is seasoned. Fats and oils typically used for seasoning include lard, hydrogenated cooking oils such as Crisco and palm or coconut oil.
Enameled cast iron cookware is cast iron that has a vitreous enamel glaze. This type of cast iron was a popular material for cookware in the late 19th and early to mid 20th centuries, but it has since been replaced by modern metal alloys. It remains a popular material for Dutch ovens. Manufacturers of enamel cast iron cookware include Le Creuset, Le Chasseur, and Lodge. Several newer brands are associated with well known celebrities and chefs including Daniel Boulud, Martha Stewart and Rachel Ray. These chefs may also provide cast iron skillet cookbook along with their products.
If you are in the market for cast iron outdoor fireplace or other outdoor furniture, there are numerous websites that will provide you with pricing and furniture information. From a cast iron bench to a cast iron teapot, you will find a variety of items to suit your needs. Wrought iron furniture is often confused with cast iron furniture. Just as durable as wrought iron, cast iron furniture is cheaper. For example, cast iron fireplaces may run around 20 to 35% cheaper than a wrought iron fireplace. A cast iron bench can be cheaper than those made from wood. Check out your options and ask your retailer questions. Happy shopping!
