Cast Iron — Green Way to Get Cooking
November 12, 2009 by Peggy
There aren’t very many disadvantages of using cast iron. You can’t put it in the dishwasher, and it has to be seasoned before the first use. Plus, the handles get hot. Other than that, I don’t see where you can go wrong with this ultra-green cookware.
Cast iron is healthier and much more green than those chemical-laden nonstick pans. And cooking with cast iron makes the best cornbread!
Advantages of Using Eco-friendly Cast Iron to Cook
- Evenly distributes heat
- Withstands high heat without warping
- Can last many lifetimes
- Features a chemical-free nonstick surface
- Is 100% recyclable (if you ever managed the unlikely feat of destroying one)
- Soap-free cleaning (just scrub with hot water and a plastic brush, then dry)
- After seasoning, maintaining is easy (wipe with veggie oil after it dries from washing)
So, how do you season one of these eco-wonders?
If your cookware isn’t pre-seasoned or if you need to re-season, follow the advice of Lodge:
- Wash the cookware with hot, soapy water and a stiff brush. (It is okay to use soap this time because you are preparing to re-season the cookware).
- Rinse and dry completely.
- Apply a thin, even coating of MELTED solid vegetable shortening (or cooking oil of your choice) to the cookware (inside and out).
- Place aluminum foil on the bottom rack of the oven to catch any dripping.
- Set oven temperature to 350 – 400 degrees F.
- Place cookware upside down on the top rack of the oven.
- Bake the cookware for at least one hour. After the hour, turn the oven off and let the cookware cool in the oven.
- Store the cookware uncovered, in a dry place when cooled.
If you don’t use cast iron, why are you hesitating? Put it on your Christmas list : )
(Image via flick/House of Sims)
I too am a HUGE fan of cooking with iron. Another benefit is that iron is actually fused into the food you eat thereby increasing the iron in your diet. I never thought of it being recyclable though. I guess I never thought anyone could wear one out. How would you recycle it?
Hi Sheri. Some recycling centers will accept cast iron. And some cities have special days when they take items they normally don’t, like cookware. Type in “iron” at this website: http://earth911.com/recycling/
If the item isn’t broken it can usually be re-seasoned to keep going. Cast iron is a favorite find at estate sales, and it’s also popular to use in some crafts.