Cast Iron Dutch Oven Benefits

We have all seen those beautiful cast iron dutch ovens on television or even maybe someone in our family owned one. They’re durable, much healthier to cook with versus traditional nonstick cookware and are also very easy on the eyes. So in this Cast Iron Dutch Oven Benefits article, we will be discussing these topics and more.

Cast Iron Dutch ovens just like any other cast iron cookware are absolutely timeless. This cookware type has been used for centuries and even maybe longer because it lasts and wears very well throughout time.

You really can’t go wrong with a quality cast iron dutch oven. In this article, we are going to discuss some of the top Cast Iron Dutch Oven Benefits of using cast iron cookware, more specifically, cast iron dutch ovens. These have many benefits over the toxic chemicals used in some non-stick cookware and even in some aluminum types as well.

While this is not a massive comprehensive list, we are sure that after reading this article you will have a better understanding of Cast Iron Dutch Oven Benefits. If you need help with ideas on how to use a dutch oven visit our article on the Top 6 Dutch Oven Uses. So without further ado, let’s begin.

Cast Iron Dutch Oven Benefits – The Key Factors:

Oven Safe:

Most high quality cast iron dutch ovens like most cast iron cookware is oven safe up to 400 or even 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes using your cookware for baking and roasting a no-brainer. Roast vegetables and meats and even bake desserts. Create effortless soups and stews as well as homemade cinnamon rolls or even bake fresh bread. There really is no limit to what you can cook in the oven with a high quality cast iron dutch oven.

Health Benefits:

Unlike most non-stick coatings from the past and even some today, cast iron is not only safe but also very beneficial to your health. Using cast iron cookware daily to prepare your meals will add a small amount of dietary iron to your body. A far cry from the caustic, inflammatory toxic chemicals that can leach out of some non-stick coatings into food and even into the air as fumes. With cast iron, you can be sure that you have your families best interest at heart.

Easy To Clean:

Another Cast Iron Dutch Oven Benefits is that they are naturally non-stick. Clean up is always a breeze if the cookware is taken care of. Though you should not put conventional cast iron dutch ovens or any cast iron cookware inside the dishwasher, they can easily be cleaned by hot water.

If possible wash the cookware when the pan is still hot and never use dish soap. Also, do not use any abrasive towel or material like steel wool. Instead, use a soft sponge and never ever soak your cast iron because it will rust. However, because of the natural non-stick properties of cast iron clean up should be extremely easy.

Gets better with time:

There is nothing like cooking with a well seasoned and aged cast iron dutch oven. Cast iron has been used for ages and with good reason. I am still using my Great Grandmother’s cast iron dutch oven. It has been well taken care of and when it seems to be less effective or its nonstick properties begin to waver, we simply re-season the pan and off we go to create another stunning meal.

They all seem to perform at or even better than our new cast iron cookware. This is quite impressive if you ask me.

If you would like more information, then you can check out our review of the Lodge L8DD3 Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven.

Versatile:

Not only are cast iron dutch ovens durable, but they are also versatile. They can be used with almost any type of cooktop. These include; Gas, electric, ceramic and even outdoor campfires in emergencies or just for outdoor trips.

Though I would use separate cookware for camping, it is doable. I also would not use glass lids with open flame cooking but that is just me. Either way, there are very few alternatives to cast iron that is nearly as versatile and convenient. For an in-depth look at a versatile Dutch oven, take a look at our review of the Lodge L8DOL3 Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Dual Handles, Pre-Seasoned, 5-Quart.

Food Cooks Amazingly Well:

Have you ever cooked an omelet or fried potatoes or even baked cinnamon rolls in a cast iron dutch oven. If you have then you know how great and amazing they turn out. Cast iron itself is great at conducting heat and evenly distributing it all throughout the cookware. If your dutch oven comes with an oven safe lid then you are already way ahead of the game.

When placed in the oven the lid acts as a heat blanket of sorts. This seals in the flavors and juices and prevents your meals from drying out. Make sure to purchase a cast iron dutch oven with an oven-safe lid for optimal meal preparation.

Affordable:

Even though the quality is often very good, cast iron is usually a lot less expensive than traditional cookware. A quick search on Amazon.com reveals that a comparable aluminum dutch oven is well over $130. However, that same sized cast iron pan is under $50. If you would like to visit our review of the Lodge L10DOL3 Dutch Oven with Dual Handles, Pre-Seasoned, 7-Quart, which is under $50 as well, you may do so by clicking the link.

Quite a steal if you ask me. A quality cast iron dutch oven will probably last a whole lot longer if kept care of. Especially compared to an aluminum or stainless steel dutch oven as well. Cast iron may require a little more upkeep but it is totally worth it in my opinion.

Cast-Iron-Dutch-Oven-Benefits - picture of Cast iron Dutch oven over a fire

Our Top Pick For Cast Iron Dutch Oven:

One of the best cast iron Dutch ovens, in my opinion, is the Lodge L8DD3 Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven. This top selling product is our top pick for durability and versatility. First of all, it is cast in one solid piece of cast iron. Second, is the fact that the lid doubles as a skillet. This is handy because you can cook 2 different meals, one in the skillet lid and one in the Dutch oven itself.

Cast Iron Dutch Oven Benefits Conclusion:

While these are some great cast iron Dutch oven benefits, cast iron can be quite heavy. This, however, is a small price to pay for all of the benefits that cast iron dutch ovens possess. With that said, if you are interested in reviewing other Dutch ovens, check out our article on the Top 10 Dutch Ovens.

If you are interested in a little more functionality and color choice then you can view our article for the Best Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven for more information. Thank you so much for your time and please check out our other articles like Things To Consider When Selecting a Dutch Oven for more information, and as always, please take care.

Source:

Ten reasons to try cast iron cooking

http://www.naturalnews.com/031737_cast_iron_cookware.html#