Iron is one of the most known minerals in the universe. Everyone knows or has heard about iron at least once in their life.
Cast iron is the alloy or mixture of iron and carbon. It is known for its low melting point and its heat retention capacity. These cookwares are non-stick. Seasoning is used to protect iron from rust and make it smooth.
Cast iron is a good option for long cooking processes; like stew or braised dishes. Some chefs’ consider cast iron to be a good choice for egg dishes; other chefs’ think that it adds an off-flavor.
Cleaning the cast iron cookware is simple yet complex. Some chefs recommend not cleaning it all, just wiping or pouring hot water after use. Cast iron cookware is known to be suitable for camping. Most campsite chefs’ use it and recommend it for camping.
Camping Cookware
Anyone who has gone camping knows how much planning it takes and how convenience products make the camping experience great. Cooking in camps is a huge hassle. Having a cooking ware that makes it easier goes a long way.
Cast iron is known for its durable built and ability to retain heat. This specific cookware is valued by the campsite chef. Cast iron was practically made for fireside meals. As the campsite requires fire to cook food, cast iron is the best utensil to be used.
Cast iron cookware is relatively cheap and easy to maintain. For camping, people look for a durable option. Cast iron offers durability more than other cookware. Although it’s a bit heavy, it’s worth it packs for your next camping trip for all the benefits it offers.
Healthy Cooking
Cooking in cast iron is very healthy for people suffering from heart diseases or has high cholesterol. Cast iron requires less oil as it does not absorb any oil. Also, the sheen of seasoning makes it almost entirely non-stick.
As it requires a lesser amount of oil and fats, cooking in cast iron also saves supplies! When you are buying a cast iron cookware, be careful to check the sheen. If the sheen is not good, the pan will be sticky and hard to handle. A good sheen gives the cast iron its best feature.
Durable
Cast iron is the best choice for camping because it has more durability than other metals. Other pots and pans might often burn when put over the fire, but cast iron has a strong build.
This type of cookware can be placed directly over hot coal, and it will suffer no damage. Cast iron can also withstand direct flames and can be used for cooking over a fire.
Chemical Free
Cast iron cookware is all-natural. They have no chemical coating or harmful substances. Most non-stick pans contain perfluorocarbons, and this chemical is linked with cancer, developmental problems, and liver damage.
For camping, an environment-friendly utensil is a must because it has to support your surroundings. Humans have done enough damages to the earth; it’s time they get conscious about almost everything.
Easy To Clean
Cleaning and washing in camps can be overwhelmingly challenging at times. Even washing can be a bit frustrating. The lack of running water and using river or pond water makes it difficult to wash pots and pans thoroughly.
Cast iron cookware is a solution to this problem! This cookware is advised not to be washed roughly or thoroughly. Most chefs’ advice no washing at all. They tell you just to wipe it. As the oil does not stick to the pan, food lifts off the pan very easily.
Safer Option
Cooking with cast iron is safer than most other types of pans. For example, aluminum is discouraged from using for cooking, because it gets absorbed in large amounts into the food. Aluminum consumption has proven to cause Alzheimer’s. This has made people wary of using them.
Cast iron is an old utensil. Iron is one of the first metals humankind worked with. If we look at the past, they were the most popular utensil for centuries. Their long history of usage with no problems speaks volumes about their safety.
Keep Food From Burning
The thermal conductivity of cast iron is very poor. They tend to form hot spots as stainless steel utensils do. There is a trick that can keep your food from burning.
Cast iron takes time to heat up all over. So to heat it evenly on all spaces, preheat the pan. Don’t start cooking right after you have put the pan on the fire. Let it heat up on high temperature for one to two minutes, and then start cooking.
They Can Be Used For Various Types Of Cooking
You can use cast iron pans for cooking almost everything. Starting from roasting, sautéing, broiling, and deep fry or frying in a small amount of oil; everything can be done perfectly in cast iron.
They are also good for boiling and poaching. It does not hurt any medium if put over it. The Chinese use a basket made out of bamboo over their cast iron pans to steam food.
The versatility makes it amazingly handy for camp cookware. You can use anything and cook anything on cast iron. Also, it tastes smoky and better!
Conclusion
Camping and cast iron is a very old combination. It’s still in practice. The low maintenance and low price make it the right choice for outing and camping. Cast iron is also durable and flexible to use.
While camping this thing is the one that will make your experience smarter and more fun.
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