Castiron cookware - Popular kitchen cookware

Cast iron 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.

New cast iron tava

seasoned cast iron dosa/pancake tava

Advantages of castiron cookware:

Cast iron is eco friendly and natural.
It is chemical free, a very good alternative to non-stick cookware.
Cast iron cookware can be used on the stove, in the oven, over a wood fire, gas stove.
It is very sturdy, and strong. Can last for generations.
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 compared to 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.

cast iron kadai

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.
Some people prefer not to wash the cast-iron cookware with water as that may remove the seasoning. They prefer to wipe it with a cloth.
Cast iron is not good for those who have excess iron issues.
Cast iron cookware is heavier too.
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 at least after a few uses, once in a while and then re-season it with oil.