Castiron cookware has been traditionally in use as kitchen cookware for cooking home meals for long.

Dutch ovens, frying pans, deep fryers, woks, girdles, grills are made with cast iron.

Even though nonstick cookware is becoming popular because it is more convenient to maintain, the popularity of cast iron cookware sustains too.

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Advantages of castiron cookware:

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It retains heat well. So it is a common choice for deep frying.

It can withstand and maintain very high cooking temperature.

There are also health benefits of cooking food in cast iron vessels. It can supply you iron to some extent. It is good for those with iron deficiency or to those who are anemic, especially when acidic foods are cooked it, such as tomato based dishes.

It is easier to clean.

It is durable and can last for many years compared to aluminum cookware.

Cast iron cookware can be used for a variety of purposes, such as browning, frying, stewing and even for baking.

It is inexpensive comparedto stainless steel cookware and aluminum cookware.

It helps to cook the food evenly.

The pot and pans can be used on the stove top, in the ovens and grills too.

Cast iron cookware does not peel or crack like non stick pans.

Other facts about cast iron cookware.

Cast iron cookware needs to be seasoned so that it wouldn't rust and to make it a nonstick surface for easy cooking. Cooking oils and fats are used for seasoning cookware.

Enameled cast iron utensils are also available. This enamel coating prevents rusting and there is no need to season the vessel. It is also easy to clean. They are also available in different colors.

There are some disadvantages of using the enamel coated cast iron. It is more expensive. It is not as beneficial as bare cast iron (does not give your iron). It also can not withstand the searing heat.

Some people prefer not to wash the castiron cookware with water as that may remove the seasoning. They prefer to wipe it with a cloth. Some prefer to wash it with hot water and a brush.

Not washing can turn the oil layer (used while seasoning) rancid after a long time. So I think it is better to wash it with mild soap and water and then re-season it with oil.

Cast iron is not good for those who have excess iron issues Cast iron cookware is heavier too.

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