Southern Cast Iron – September 2019

CAST IRON

USE & CARE

KEEP THEM CLEAN

Be sure to clean your pans as soon as

they’re cool enough to handle. Scrub gently

with a stiff -bristle brush or a non-scratch

scouring pad. Water leads to rust, so avoid

submerging your cast-iron cookware. As

to whether to use soap—that’s up to you.

We avoid it when possible to protect the

seasoned surface.

KEEP THEM DRY

After rinsing, it’s crucial to dry your

cookware completely. Wipe dry with a

clean kitchen towel and then apply a very

thin coat of vegetable oil, rubbing it into

the surface. Heat on the stovetop over

medium-low heat or in the oven at 300°

until dry, about 10 minutes. Let cool; wipe

surface with a clean kitchen towel, and

heat for 5 more minutes.

RESPECT YOUR CAST IRON

Taking care of your cookware means

understanding its likes and dislikes.

Cooking with fats, cleaning gently, and

storing in a clean, dry place are the keys

to preserving your pans’ seasoning. Harsh

abrasives, acidic foods, and exposure to

water can break down the fi nish or

cause rust.

BE GENTLE

The fi nish on enameled cast iron can

be fragile, so handle your pieces with

care to avoid chipping and never use

metal utensils since they can scratch

the surface.

GREASE THEM UP

Unlike regular cast iron, enameled cast

iron is not non-stick. To avoid sticking,

cook over medium heat using adequate

amounts of oil or fat. If sticking does

occur, use dish soap, water, and a non-

scratch scouring pad to scrub away the

mess. Or try boiling water in the piece

with a bit of dishwashing liquid for

extra-stubborn bits.

MAKE THEM SHINE

Over time, enameled cast iron can

become stained. To help remove

stains, soak the cooking surface in

peroxide mixed with baking soda and

then scrub with dish soap, water, and

a non-scratch scouring pad to keep

your enameled cast iron looking as

good as new.

SEASONED ENAMELED

If you take the time to properly care for your cast-iron cookware, it will reward you

and your family with generations of loyal service. Follow these tips to keep your

heirlooms—whether seasoned or enameled iron—in tip-top shape.

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2019 110

CUBAN-STYLE
ROASTED PORK
page 56