A guide to cast iron

Benefits of Cast Iron:

• Cast iron is thick and heavy and thus retains and distributes heat brilliantly and evenly throughout the walls and base.
• Although it takes a little longer to heat up, cast iron requires only low to medium heat to maintain ideal cooking temperature.
• Food will continue to cook for some time after the heat has been turned off.
• Cast iron is ideal for food which needs slow, steady cooking
• Cast iron pans generally have an enamel exterior and an enamel or seasoned interior.
• Cast iron is suitable for all types of hob, including induction and is oven safe.

How to clean cast iron…

• Wash your cast iron in hot water immediately after use. Due to concerns over bacteria, wash with soapy water- do not scrub vigorously, and take care not to submerge the pan in water. This could cause damage to the seasoning on the pan.
• Dry your cookware completely. Cast iron will rust if it isn’t dried immediately after washing. Start by towel drying your cookware. Then, place it on the stove over low heat for a minute or two to pull out any remaining moisture. If desired, lightly coat the inside of the pan with oil and heat for a minute or two longer. This will help to restore any seasoning that might have been lost during washing.
• To further protect against rusting, store your cookware with the lid off. Many cast iron users also recommend placing a paper towel inside the cookware to absorb any additional moisture that may be present- either in the pan or in the surrounding environment.