Most Requested Cast Iron Tips
If y’all know me, then you know cast iron is my favorite cookware. It’s versatile, it offers great heat and flavor and it’s even healthy to cook and eat out of. Now some folks think cast iron is a little tricky and confusing to use and take care of. We get a lot of questions about it so we thought we’d put together 5 of our Top Tips we have for cast iron… enjoy!
#1 Don’t Boil Water in Seasoned Cast Iron
I never make beans, pastas, soups or anything water based in my seasoned cast iron. The reason is boiling water releases the seasoning that you’re working so hard to build. That’s why a lot of folks will notice their beans turning black as they cook. I will use a stock pot or enamel pot if I’m going to be doing any boiling.
#2 Myth: You Can’t Cook Acidic Foods Like Tomato or BBQ Based Foods in Cast Iron
The reason some folks think you can’t cook tomato or BBQ based foods or anything acidic in cast iron is because it will eat away at the seasoning. Well, that is sort of true because it will deteriorate your seasoning, but that’s why it is important to clean it well and re-season after every use. Re-seasoning after every use- no matter what you cook- will help build a great seasoning that will prevent it from deteriorating. There are very few things that I won’t cook in my cast iron and acidic foods aren’t one of them! Just clean and season and it’ll be just fine.
#3 Don’t Shock Cast Iron with Extreme Temperature Changes
Cast iron doesn’t like to be shocked from one extreme temperature to another. That’s why it is very important (especially if you’re cooking outdoors) to gradually warm and cool your cast iron before and after cooking to prevent cracking and warping.
#4 Make Sure Your Cast Is Hot Before Adding Food
Cast iron gets a bad rap for causing food to stick, but if it’s seasoned properly you shouldn’t have that problem. You should also make sure your cast is hot before adding food. This will prevent food from sticking.
#5 If You Wouldn’t Eat It, Don’t Put It in Your Cast Iron
A general rule of thumb I have for my cast iron is if I wouldn’t put it in your mouth, don’t put it on your cast iron – that goes for rust care, cleaning, seasoning, etc. There are a lot of products and methods out there, but remember cast iron has pores that open when heated and it will absorb anything you put in it.
Check out our video where I talk about all my tips….