Cast Iron Pots

Cast iron pots have long been used to cook various kinds of food. The benefit of cast iron pots is their ability to reach and retain high temperatures which is vitally important for meals that need to stay warm from the pot to the dinner table.

Most brand new cast iron pots have a protective coating which must be removed. American manufacturers coat the pots with a wax while importers coat the pots with water-soluble shellac. A scouring pad, soap and very hot tap water should be used to remove these coatings. New cast iron pots have porous surfaces with microscopic peaks. A new cast iron pot will have a silver color, but after use, the pot will start turning darker and darker and eventually will turn black.

Great Deals on Cast Iron Pots

The next step to maintenance of cast iron pots is to season the pot. After cleaning the pot, a thin coat of oil should be applied. Vegetable oils such as canola or sunflower as well as shortening can be used. Then place the pot, upside down, in the oven along with a sheet of aluminum foil to catch drips. The pot should be heated for 30 to 60 minutes in a 300 to 500 degree over. The pot should be allowed to cool and the process should be repeated several times to create the bond.

Proper care of cast iron pots will protect your investment and give you many years of use.