My article discusses the history of cast iron cookware, as well as the many uses of, and care of the cookware. I also talk about the newest types of cast iron cookware, such as enameled cast iron, the kinds of pieces you can find, as well as the vast array of colors they come in. There is so much more available in cast iron cookware than my grandmother had available back in her day!
I say that cast iron cookware has had resurgence in use and popularity, not because people ever actually stopped using it, but because we are using it more than ever before. Cast iron cookware is available in a vast variety of item types: camping cookware, tea kettles/tea pots, Dutch ovens, trivets, fry pans, crocks, round French ovens, grills, griddles, skillets with cast iron flat iron flat presses, fondue sets, deep dish lasagna bakers, pizza pans, round griddles, covered casseroles, gingerbread house molds, corn bread pans, Moroccan tangines, and the list goes on.
One item that has intrigued me recently is the cast iron tea kettle. There are different types and brands of tea kettles from different from countries; besides American made tea kettles, Japanese kettles and Old Dutch kettles seem to be the most readily available. I noticed that the Japanese cast iron tea kettles are made in different weights of cast iron; I have seen them in 10 oz., 24 oz., 32 oz. and 45 oz. weights. The Old Dutch tea kettles I have seen are similar in weights to the Japanese kettles. These tea kettle weights in ounces of cast iron are 28 oz., 34 oz., 38 oz. and 48 oz. Because these tea kettles are the heaviest (and thickest) of the tea kettles made (in comparison to glass tea kettles, stainless tea kettles & copper tea kettles) its good to know they can be found in various sizes and weights. It should be easy to find something you prefer in both style and weight.
Types of American made cast iron tea kettles include hobnail - small & large hobnails - tea kettles, hand-painted enamel cast iron (many depicting scenes of the old farming countryside), pre-seasoned cast iron kettles, which should not rust because of the pre-seasoning (though it may need to be re-seasoned sometime down the road) and cast iron kettle humidifiers.
Rust can be a problem for these tea kettles, but if the rust can be kept from these kettles, they will probably be the most durable of tea kettles (also compared to the other types I listed above). When boiling water using cast iron tea kettles, a sort of protective layer of minerals will build up on its base overtime. With this layer, these kettles will not easily develop rust.
If, by chance, your tea kettle does develop rust (to prevent rusting, keep your cast iron kettle dry as much as possible, and take out remaining water directly after boiling), you can try the following process to try and cure it: boil in it some water mixed with baking soda and lemon juice.
As far as colors and designs go, the Old Dutch tea kettles seem to have the most variety of styles. They have a list of names for their styles of teapots: Prosperity, Nobility, Symmetry, Mythology, Purity and Tranquility. Each style has its own shape, colors and intricate designs on the sides of the teapots - the colors being rather beautiful: pale blue, mustard, black, chestnut brown and red. Actually, the Japanese cast iron tea pots are quite colorful and beautiful too, but I think I fell for the names of the Old Dutch styles! As with anything else, personal preference is as they say, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
History
Bare cast iron cookware may have been first used in China around 513 B.C. and later in 12th century England. Originally, the pots stood on three legs because cooking was done over an open fire. When stoves with flat tops began to be produced for common usage in the 1700's, the popularity of cast iron cookware increased.
By 1776 Adam Smith, in his book, The Wealth of Nations, could note that the actual wealth of the nation was not its gold but in its manufacture of pots and pans. Cast iron cookware was highly valued in the 18th century. George Washington's mother thought so much of her cookware she made special note to bequeath her cast iron in her will. In their expedition to the Louisiana territory in 1804, Lewis and Clark indicated that their cast iron Dutch oven was one of their most important pieces of equipment.
One important reason for old fashioned, cast iron cookwares popularity and comeback is that no matter how uneven the type of surface on which it is placed, on a stove top, an open grill or over a campfire, is it will cook food evenly. About the only place to avoid putting cast iron cookware is in the microwave or a glass electric stove top (the cast iron can scratch the surface).
Is Cooking in Cast Iron Good for Your Health?
I have been surprised to read over and again that cooking in cast iron is known to greatly increase our dietary source of iron by leaching small amounts of iron into the food we eat. People who are anemic, or have other iron deficiencies, may benefit from this effect, though those with excess iron issues (i.e., people with hemochromatosis) may suffer negative effects.
This finding seems to be especially true when cooking foods high in acid, such as tomato based sauces, and the frequent stirring of food may also increase the amount of iron in foods cooked in cast iron. As you might expect, foods that spend more time in the pot, skillet or Dutch oven will lend more iron to the body (as opposed to foods that are quickly fried in a pan/skillet). Foods cooked this way can often provide all of the iron that a body needs.
Extreme iron deficiency can cause anemia. Women are more prone to iron deficiency because of the loss of blood through menstruation. Because iron can also be lost through perspiration, athletes can also be subject to low iron. It is also known that the excessive consumption of tea or coffee can inhibit the absorption of iron by the body. I wonder what's considered excessive these days, what with a coffee shop on almost every corner - yikes! That might be a small exaggeration, but I imagine we probably consume more coffee and tea than ever before.
It should be noted that it is also possible to consume too much iron; toxicity levels begin at about 45 milligrams per day. In an average diet it is very unlikely that cooking with cast iron will bring a person to this level. Low iron is more likely to be a problem, and cooking with cast iron can be less expensive and more fun (at least more hunger satisfying!) than taking iron supplements. If you do use cast iron you should consult your doctor before taking other iron supplements.
Cast iron is much beloved by serious chefs, and lasts nearly forever if you take care of it. Seasoning cast iron cookware is necessary to ensure a non-stick surface and to prevent the pot or pan from rusting. If seasoned correctly your cookware can last a lifetime and more.
Steps
Second Method
Please note: During the previous step it will be best to turn off any smoke alarms in the immediate area as it may smoke quite a lot. Ceiling fans also aid in ventilation.
Tips
Warnings
Enameled Cast Iron Cookware
Enameled cast iron cookware has been manufactured in the United States since the end of World War II. Enameled cast iron is considered pre-seasoned (meaning you don't have to go through the steps of seasoning that I outlined above). The vitreous enamel (the transparent glossiness of the enamel) is completely hygienic and impervious to flavors and odors, and it's perfect to hold foods that are marinating or for storing foods (raw or cooked) in the refrigerator or freezer.
Todays enameled cookware comes from many different manufacturers, and is available in so many colors, that you're sure to find something available that will be equally at home in your kitchen as it will be on your dining room table. It is an added bonus that you can go from fridge or freezer to oven to table, especially with the beautiful look of this modern day cookware.
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