Why use Cast Iron Skillets?

Cast Iron or nonstick Skillet? Which is better and why? Before we fully dig into the debate of which is better lets brush up on a little history. Cast iron skillets have been used for cooking dating as far back as 5th century BCE in China. The use of Cast iron cookware later spread to Europe and was commonly used by the 14th century. By the 17th century Cast iron became a staple to colonial America. Soon with the introduction of stoves, the more flat pan cast iron skillets that we recognize today came into being.

Then when did people start using nonstick? Nonstick skillets were invented by French Engineer, Marc Gregoire, in the 1950's, selling his first nonstick skillets in France in the year of 1956. His Skillets weren't introduced to US markets until 1961. He had named the company Tefal Corporation after the material used to coat the skillets. Gregoire had utilized a technology that was developed from the accidental discovery of PTFE (Teflon) in the 1930s.Teflon is a synthetic fluoropolymer known for its heat-resistant and nonstick properties. Applying a coating Teflon to skillets allowed food to easily slide off of. By mid 20th Century the popularity of cast iron skillets dwindled and non stick skillets began to take their place.

So why after centuries of the use of cast iron did we make the switch? Aggressive marketing campaigns began highlighting the new modern nonstick technology. Nonstick skillets provided a new level of convenience. Nonstick skillets are significantly lighter, making them easier to handle and store than cast iron skillets. Another convenient feature is the ease of cleaning it. Food slides off with ease and there is no need of seasoning the skillet after. Oil and butter are no longer needs with nonstick. Another benefit of not needing oil is that it helps reduce caloric intake and fat consumption.

So then Nonstick is better... Right? Arguably not! Despite the long list of nifty features the nonstick skillets provide there are some things should be aware of before choosing team nonstick. While Teflon was recognized for it's heat resistant capabilities it still is not suitable for high heat cooking the way one would with cast iron. In fact Teflon can produce harmful fumes when brought to these high temperatures. Symptoms from inhaling the fumes for Teflon are reported to be flu like, thus nicknamed "Teflon Flu". Nonstick skillets with PTFE, are a part of a larger group of chemicals called PFAS. PFAS accumulate over time and has been linked to abnormal thyroid, reduced immune system response, abnormal hormone function, and even cancer. But it doesn't end there. PFAS don't only affect human health but they also adversely affect the environment. Disposal of nonstick skillets across the globe have made concern environmental health. Nonstick skillets are not durable. Their coatings wear down over time, sometimes even chipping into food. The use of high heat or metal utensils with nonstick accelerate the ware of the coating. In the end you spend more money replacing the skillets. This is why nonstick skillets require specific care and proper use to reduce risk of health effects and in hopes of extending the longevity of the cookware.

So what are the perks of Cast iron? Cast iron is about as durable as it gets! Your cast iron skillet will outlive you. A cast iron skillet can be passed from generation to generation. A one time purchase that will serve you and future generations well. Cast iron also has nonstick properties. Yup you heard that right cast iron is nonstick, with proper seasoning of the skillet of course. It is important to season your cast iron. Layers of polymerized oil create a non reactive barrier. You can achieve this by properly cleaning the skillet, coating it in oil, and baking it in the oven. If done well your skillet should hold on to it's seasoning for quite some time, especially if used frequently. A well seasoned skillet will require little use of oil much like a modern nonstick skillet. Proper seasoning of the skillet will prevent rust from forming. Cast iron is extremely versatile, from being placed in the oven of your kitchen or over a campfire in the wilderness, cast iron can be used for a range of cooking methods. One of its most renowned features is it's superior heat retention and even heating. This helps when forming crust when searing meat. This contributes the better browning which will enhance the flavor of your food. Last but not least cast iron provides health benefits. As you cook your food small traces of iron mix in which can be a benefit to those with Iron deficiencies.

So are you still on team nonstick? Or are you ready to join team Cast iron? Or perhaps your still not convinced of either. One can argue that you won't know unless you try it out yourself. Luckily North East Kingdom is here to help!! We offer a selection of cast iron skillets and more!! Click the link bellow to check it out for yourself.

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