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The Growing Cast Iron Cookware Set

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The Growing Cast Iron Cookware Set

Written by Mark Jala

Cooks who like the healthy and naturally non stick surface of cast iron will be pleased to know about a cookware industry trend. The trend concerns the growing cast iron cookware set. What was once just a frying pan and Dutch oven, is now growing to include casserole dishes, sauce pans, saute pans, and other essential pieces of cookware. Enameled cast iron cookware is leading the trend with its luxurious colors and added food storage capabilities.

The Popularity of Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron cookware has been popular for a very long time because of its heat distribution and retention capabilities. Still a camp favorite for that overnight camping trip, new variations of cast iron cookware introduce colors and flexibility with enameled surfaces. Manufacturers are creating essential cookware pieces made of enameled cast iron with colors that fit any kitchen decor. Able to go from stove top or oven right to the kitchen table in fashionable style makes cast iron as popular as ever. Some enameled surfaces, being non reactive with food, even allow for marinating food and food storage after it is cooked.

The Growing Cast Iron Cookware Set
A standard cast iron cookware set will include:

A skillet / frying pan / omelet pan
A Dutch oven / French oven / large casserole dish w/ lid

The growing cookware set can include:

A sauce / saucier pan w/ lid
A saute pan w/ lid
A buffet casserole dish w/ lid
A panini pan w/ press
New cookware and styles being introduced all the time!

Seasoning and Cleaning Cast Iron Cookware
Traditional cast iron needs to be seasoned. Seasoning cast iron cookware is a process of adding a quality oil to the inside of the cookware and baking it for an hour at 350 degrees. The seasoning process fills in the porous surface providing a naturally non stick surface. Enameled cast iron cookware does not need to be seasoned.

Always be sure to read the care and use instructions of your cast iron cookware. Most will recommend hand washing, even the enameled items that can be placed in an automatic dishwasher. Traditional pieces definitely need to be hand washed and dried immediately.

Cast iron cookware, always a kitchen favorite, is growing even more popular with luxuriously colored enamel surfaces and essential cookware pieces. Popular brands like Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge, and Calphalon have attractive and functional cast iron cookware pieces. As new pieces become available, they are being added to cookware sets, growing what was once a stingy 3 piece cookware set into full fledge 7 to 9 piece sets.

Happy Cooking!

Your Cookware Helper

PS. As great as cast iron is at heat distribution, be sure to take a look at the cookware material that is far better at heat distribution, and the material chefs drool over, Copper Cookware!
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