In the 1800′s cast iron cookware enjoyed tremendous popularity.
And in the late 1800′s enameled cast iron cookware became popular
and is still popular today. Then in the 1900′s cookware made from
other materials such as stainless steel, aluminum and pans with
Teflon coatings became popular. Today, cast iron cookware is as popular
as ever because of its many qualities and because of the questions
about health effects of other metals.

Cast iron cookware was highly valued in the 18th century. Did you know
that George Washington’s mother thought so much of her cookware she
made a special note to bequeath her cast iron cookware in her will.
In 1804 when Lewis and Clark made their expedition to the Louisiana
territory they indicated that their cast iron dutch oven was one of
their most important pieces of equipment. Cast iron lasts so long,
it wouldn’t surprise me if someone is using Washington’s cookware today.

A lot of people who think they can’t cook because they burn food or their food just doesn’t come out looking right.  What many of these people don’t realize is that the cookware they use could potentially be the cause of their kitchen conundrum.  Most pots and pans sold today in department stores and discount department stores don’t heat evenly, or anywhere near it.  As a result food cooked in these pots and pans comes out inconsistent.

With cast iron pots and pans that worry is erased.  Because of the way cast iron is made, and what it’s made of, cast iron is far and away one of the best heat condusctors you’ll ever find in cookware.  When it comes to even heating and consistent quality it’s tough to be cast iron.  Non-stick surfaces can be somewhat convenient but they yield unpredictable results.  Try cast iron cookware for yourself and see the difference!

Cast iron cookware has been used for hundreds of years in the preparation of food.  Since mealtime in many cultures is a time of family communion and sharing, most of the tools involved become an integral part of the experience, providing ever more ways to associate our daily lives with our shared family experience.  Cast iron pans have been perhaps the most recognizable of these tools for centuries.  Despite modern innovations in creative cooking surfaces or the development of newer, “improved” alloys the popularity of cast iron persists unabated.

In my own experience a cast iron pan always brings to mind the feelings and emotions associated with quality time with my family, almost like the experiences associated with photographs or home movies.  Whenever I see a cast iron pan I know family is there.  There is a family that enjoys its own unique culture and frequently celebrates its members and their experiences through the sharing of meals.

Its uses in cooking are too many to count, its advantages equally beyond number.  Its significance as an icon of American culture only grows as almost every child in almost every family comes to associate the cast iron pan with the cherished memories and occasions of families breaking bread in unity, companionship and conviviality.