Iron Skill(et) Cooking

While cast iron cookware has been in use for hundreds of years, it has experienced a resurgence of popularity in recent years. Are you an iron skillet devotee or do you find yourself intimidated by the process of seasoning and upkeep?

Whatever your level of familiarity and skill with this cooking implement, we hope you find the following tips, tricks and resources helpful.

Benefits of Cast Iron

Cast iron skillets are nearly indestructible and can last a lifetime or more with a bit of care. Healthline lists several more benefits to cooking with cast iron:

• Natural nonstick surface. With proper care and seasoning (more on that below), cast iron develops its own nonstick coating without the use of chemicals or engineering.
• Holds heat well. Once cast iron has warmed up, it stays warm, which helps keep food hot.
• Works well with many heat sources. Cast iron can be used on any type of stovetop, including gas, electric, or induction, and can also be used over an open flame or placed directly into the oven.
• It's affordable. Cast iron cookware is often sold at reasonable prices and can be easy to find at thrift stores and second-hand shops.
• Comes in many shapes and sizes. Skillets are probably the most popular form of this cookware, but cast iron is also used to make pots, griddles, cake pans, pizza sheets and more.

One caveat: You may have heard that cooking with cast iron is a natural way to add more iron to your diet. While there may be some truth to this statement, research on the topic is limited, and the amount of iron added to your diet by cooking with cast iron is likely insignificant.

Caring for Cast Iron

Lodge Cast Iron is an American manufacturer of cast iron cookware that has been in business for over 125 years. They offer the following three-step cleaning method.

• Wash the pan. Contrary to popular belief, using a small amount of soap when washing cast iron is acceptable. A pan scraper or bristle brush can help to remove food residue. For stubborn, stuck-on food, simmer a little water for a few minutes, then use the scraper after the pan has cooled.
• Dry the pan. Be sure to dry promptly and thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.
• Oil the pan. Rub a very light layer of cooking oil onto the surface of your cookware. Use a paper towel or cloth to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains.

Following these steps will help protect the seasoning of your cookware. Seasoning is simply oil baked onto cast iron. It forms a natural, easy-release cooking surface and helps prevent your pan from rusting.

If the surface of your pan looks dry and patchy in spots or food is sticking to it, you should take the time to season it thoroughly. It’s also a good practice to season your pans every few months to keep the seasoning from breaking down. The Food Network shares this handy guide to seasoning your cast iron cookware.

E-books Available from CPL

If you search the library’s catalog using the keywords “cast iron,” you will find dozens of e-books with recipes and advice for cooking with cast iron. These e-books are free and always available with your library card through the hoopla platform. Here is a sampling of the books available:

The Complete Cast Iron Cookbook is a comprehensive volume containing tips for the care and storage of cast iron cookware as well as over 240 recipes, including gluten-free and vegetarian offerings.

Dutch Oven and Cast Iron Cooking is an excellent guide to using cast iron skillets, Dutch ovens, and griddles for camping enthusiasts. It includes instructions for both indoor and outdoor cooking.

Modern Cast Iron introduces readers to the best brands and types of cast iron cookware and offers detailed tips and tricks for rescuing old, rusted pans and keeping them properly seasoned. 

Cast Iron Cooking for Vegetarians features vegetarian dishes such as deep-dish vegetarian pizza, skillet cornbread, zucchini pancakes, raspberry-blackberry crisp, and much more.

The Modern Cast Iron Cookbook isn't your grandmother's cast iron cookbook. This book serves up fresh and healthy recipes that reinvent the possibilities of cast iron cooking.