The must-have cast iron cookware in 2023

We are well into the New Year 2023 but how about your goals of eating and cooking healthy? Are you still on track or have you got dissuaded from your aim?l;.Well, if you have gone astray, we are here to help you get back to the healthy path. So, here’s the one cookware that you need and ought to have in your kitchen for all the healthy and heavenly cooking- a premium, pre-seasoned cast iron skillet!

If you're serious about cooking or baking at home, you should have at least one reliable cast-iron pan and what’s better than a high-quality cast iron skillet! Even if you're just beginning out in the kitchen, it won't take long for you to realise that this tool is unparalleled in terms of its adaptability, longevity, and usefulness. Here are our top reasons to unlock the boundless potential of this must-have culinary equipment, whose use extends far beyond the production of simple cornbread.

1. Cast iron skillet is multipurpose

There is more variety in cookware available today than ever before. It's important to have the right tools for the job, yet many of the must-haves in the kitchen are only useful for preparing a narrow range of foods.

Cast iron skillets are durable, long-lasting, and useful in the kitchen. A cast-iron skillet is versatile enough to use on the stove, in the oven, or even over an outdoor fire. Cast iron cookware can be used with everything except a microwave. 

In addition, induction stovetops are compatible with any high-quality cast-iron cookware that has a flat base. Use a silicone or other insulating cover for the handle. 

In addition, cast iron skillets can be used for many other cooking methods. It's possible to broil, poach, sear and fry. Plus, if you have baking skills, this pan could be your do-it-all pan for every reason.

    2. Cast iron skillet is extremely tough to break

If properly maintained, a cast-iron skillet can last a lifetime in the kitchen. You may even scrape away extra food from its non-stick surface using metal cookware (a customary no-no) (a usual no-no). The cast iron's seasoning is chemically bonded to the metal, making it very hardy. Nevertheless, there is one item you should never cook in a cast-iron pan: acidic foods. This is because any unseasoned patches on your skillet could potentially leech metallic flavours into your dish.

3. Cast iron skillet is truly and really versatile

A cast-iron skillet is versatile enough to be used for a wide variety of cooking methods, including but not limited to sautéing, pan-frying, searing, baking, braising, broiling, and roasting. One helpful hint is that everything from cornbread to chicken will taste better if you cook with a cast iron skillet that has been used before.

4. Cast iron cookware holds temperature very well 

Cast iron cookware has unrivalled heating qualities and capacity, meaning it heats up quickly and maintains a high temperature for a long time. It's crucial for a wide variety of cooking methods, but it really shines when you're trying to get that perfect char on your meat, when you're creating hash, or when you're roasting chicken and veggies in a skillet.

5. It's simple to clean

Never use soap on a cast iron skillet unless you are preparing to re-season it. Scrub with a firm brush and rinse under very hot water to clean. Food that has become stubbornly attached to the pan can be removed by boiling water and letting the skillet sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Thereafter, repeat the rinsing process. You should also always dry cast-iron with a towel right away after washing it to avoid rusting. If you don't have a dishwasher, you can dry your cast-iron by placing it over low heat on the stove after you've patted it down with a clean cloth.

6. Seasoning makes them better 

When food starts sticking or the once-shiny black pan starts looking dull, it's time to re-season your cast-iron skillet (which means the food may start sticking soon). The procedure is as follows: 

To prepare the oven, set the temperature to between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Use foil to line the bottom. Use hot soapy water and a scrub brush to clean your pan, and then wipe it dry. Coat the entire pan with oil, inside and out. Invert the baking dish and bake it for an additional hour on the highest oven rack. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool there (you can just leave it overnight). Just remove it in the morning of the following day.

7. Maintaining it is simple

Cast-iron cookware hardly ever needs any upkeep. If you stick to your regimen and never miss a step, cleaning will be a breeze. You won't have any problems with your cast-iron cookware at all if you take the time to season it properly. 

Now that you know all the reasons why a cast iron skillet could be your prized possession, here are some of the best cast iron skillet to help you select from: