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Cast iron skillets have a loyal following, but many people hesitate to use them, unsure of how to care for or cook with them. If you’ve ever felt intimidated, don’t worry—learning to use and appreciate a cast iron skillet can truly change the way you cook. It’s a reliable tool that deserves a spot on your stovetop. Here are 10 reasons why a cast iron skillet is worth making part of your daily cooking routine.
1. Superior heat retention
Cast iron holds heat exceptionally well, ensuring even cooking and consistent temperatures. This makes your skillet perfect for searing meats and maintaining heat throughout the cooking process.
2. Long-lasting durability
When properly cared for, a cast iron skillet can last a lifetime, even being passed down from one generation to the next. If you are lucky enough to inherit a cast iron skillet, this is one family heirloom that is definitely worth hanging onto!
3. Versatility
Did you know that cast iron cookware can handle a variety of cooking methods? From stovetop to oven, and even to the grill or campfire, your skillet is perfect for everything from frying to baking.
4. Natural non-stick surface
Over time, cast iron develops a natural seasoning that creates a non-stick surface without the need for synthetic chemicals found in other cookware. As concerns rise about the long-term risks of modern non-stick surfaces, cast iron is a safe and durable alternative.
5. Adds iron to your diet
Cooking with cast iron has been shown to increase the iron content of your food, which is particularly beneficial for people needing to boost their iron intake.
6. Even cooking
The even distribution of heat in a cast iron skillet ensures that food cooks uniformly, reducing the risk of hot spots, burnt areas, and undercooked food.
7. Great for high-heat cooking
Cast iron can withstand incredibly high temperatures, making it ideal for techniques like searing steaks or stir-frying, where high heat is essential.
8. Improved flavor
The longer you use your cast iron, the better the seasoning becomes, adding depth and flavor to your dishes. Fans of cast iron cookware firmly believe that it enhances the natural tastes in the food you cook!
9. Environmentally friendly
Cast iron skillets are made of durable materials that don’t wear out quickly, which means they can last for many years without needing to be replaced. This longevity makes cast iron cookware a more environmentally friendly and sustainable choice.
10. Affordable investment
When you add up how many years or even decades a cast iron skillet will last, they are a more cost-effective option than less durable cookware. If you have the money to invest, cast iron is a safer bet than modern-day alternatives.
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A cast iron skillet is one of the toughest, most durable cookware. You can cook almost anything in it, from simple weekday dinners to fancy steak nights and hearty casseroles. These 22 recipes will show you just how special your cast iron skillet is.
22 Recipes to Make in Grandma’s Cast Iron Skillet
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Kate Chalmers
Kate is a passionate gardener who has a keen interest in all things related to homesteading and sustainability. She resides in Portugal with her husband and menagerie of animals and has over 15 years of experience in the UK veterinary industry. In 2020, Kate and her husband took on a dilapidated Portuguese house and abandoned olive grove, turning it into an abundant food forest and home for nature.
Life on the homestead is never the same from one day to the next, and Kate has mastered many skills that she is keen to pass on to anyone with an interest in becoming more self-sufficient. Kate believes that living a sustainable lifestyle is the key to happiness and fulfillment and that everyone can make simple changes that connect us back to nature and reduce our impact on the planet.
