How To Use Cast Iron Cookware for the First Time?
A notable trend over the past few years has been traditional cookware in the world of cookware. While chefs have long appreciated the virtues of cast iron, its reintroduction in household kitchens is becoming increasingly prominent. This revival is driven by a growing awareness of health concerns associated with alternative non-stick cooking materials.
Interestingly, this renewed fascination with the best premium cast iron cookware may be a contemporary phenomenon for many, but in the heart of Indian kitchens, it's a return to time-honored practices. Traditional utensils crafted from iron, alongside natural materials like wood, stone, and clay, have been an integral part of Indian culinary traditions.
As we delve into the renewed interest in traditional cookware, it's not just a return to the past; it's embracing timeless cooking practices. This article shall clear the air around the hows, whys, and whats of using cast iron cookware.
Why Cast Iron Cookware?
Before we delve into the 'how,' let's understand the 'why' you should choose Avias premium cast iron cookware. Firstly, it is designed for both new home cooks and seasoned chefs, so you don’t have to worry about your level of expertise to cook with them. Let us understand the top few reasons why cast iron cookware is best for everyday cooking:
Exceptional Heat Retention: Cast iron cookware's unparalleled ability to retain heat evenly ensures precise and consistent cooking results, making it perfect for achieving the ideal sear, crust, or simmer.
Durability Beyond Compare: Avias premium cast iron cookware is designed to withstand high temperatures and heavy use, promising longevity that spans generations. The cookware not only endures but improves with time, developing a natural non-stick patina through seasoning.
Versatility in Cooking Methods: From stovetop to oven and even open flame, Avias's cast iron cookware seamlessly adapts to diverse cooking methods, offering endless possibilities for culinary experimentation.
Unique Flavor Enhancement: As cast iron evolves with time, it imparts a unique flavor profile to dishes, enhancing the culinary experience with each use.
Pre-Seasoned Convenience: Avias' commitment to quality is evident in the pre-seasoned feature of its cast iron cookware. This thoughtful design simplifies the initial steps for users, allowing them to dive into the world of cast iron cooking with ease and create delectable delights from day one.
Timeless Tradition: Choosing Avias premium cast iron cookware is not merely a culinary decision; it's an investment in an ageless tradition of exceptional cooking experiences that transcend trends and time.
How To Use Cast Iron Cookware For The First Time?
1. Initial Seasoning
The magic of cast iron begins with seasoning. While Avias's cast iron cookware comes pre-seasoned, a little extra love during the initial seasoning process goes a long way. Start by washing the cookware with mild soap and warm water to remove any protective coating. Dry it thoroughly using a kitchen towel.
Now, it's time to pamper your cast iron. Apply a thin, even layer of vegetable oil on all surfaces, inside and out. Place the cookware upside down in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) and let it bake for about an hour, or place it upside down over a gas stove. This process enhances the cookware's performance and flavor infusion.
2. Gentle Cleaning
Cast iron is highly resilient, but it surely appreciates gentle care. After each use, clean your cookware with warm water and a soft brush or sponge. Avoid using soap, as it can strip away the seasoning. If stubborn bits stick around, sprinkle some coarse salt on the surface and scrub gently.
Dry the cookware immediately to prevent rust. Avias's cast iron is designed for quick drying, ensuring that your kitchen companion lasts an eternity.
3. Building Flavor with Each Use
Cast iron cookware evolves with time, absorbing and imparting flavors to your dishes. As you use it more frequently, you'll notice a gradual enhancement in the depth of flavors. The oil breaks down and gets infused with the metal to form a layer that protects your food from sticking to the surface.
4. Mastering Temperature Control
One of the charms of cast iron cookware ability to retain heat evenly. Mastering temperature control is key to unleashing its full potential. Start with low to medium heat and gradually increase if needed. Avias's premium toxin-free cast iron ensures a steady and even distribution of heat, and its compatibility with gas stoves, ovens, grills, or even open fire allows you to achieve perfection with every dish.
5. Maintenance Schedule
Even though your Avias premium cast iron cookware comes pre-seasoned, it is always better to apply a thin layer of vegetable oil or any oil with a high smoke point to add that additional layer of seasoning that will help these kitchen essentials last for decades. Also, a basic tip for every user of these utensils is to let them cool down and heat up gradually, as sudden changes in temperatures can cause warping.
As you unbox the latest addition to your kitchen arsenal, you are already put at ease if it is from Avias, as it is pre-seasoned and ready to grace the stove right out of the box, requiring only a customary rinse. Using cast iron cookware might seem intimidating from the outside. But once you cook a dish or two with them, you will find that cast iron utensils are probably the best additions to your kitchen as they are not just sturdy and easy to cook with but also extremely aesthetic.
With the diverse nature of an Indian kitchen, where every day brings a different requirement, it is important to invest in cookware that can withstand the extreme rigors and contribute positively to the already intense cuisines that fill tummies and hearts across the country. Avias’ premium pre-seasoned cast iron cookware is the perfect match for the Indian kitchen, especially because they are a perfect mixture of tradition and modernity.
Ready to redefine your cooking experience? Explore the world of Avias's premium kitchenware today and transform your kitchen into a space where tradition meets modernity.
Happy Cooking!