A Cast Iron Kitchen
If you were called upon to name one material used in cookware that has stood the test of time, which would it be? Our answer would undoubtedly be cast iron. People have been cooking with cast iron since about 200 BCE, and it continues to be popular, largely because of its durability and practicality. Forge & Fig has some beautiful cast iron pieces, and we would like to talk to you about their benefits and how to properly care for cast iron. You may have heard that it is hard to use and maintain, but once you have learned the basics, you may find that you prefer cast iron cookware to other types of kitchenware.
What are the benefits of cast iron?
A key benefit of cast iron is that it is almost indestructible. Even if it is not properly maintained, cast iron cookware can typically be restored to good condition. Further, it has a natural non-stick quality, which can be restored many times over by “seasoning” the cast iron pan. To do this, first you need to start with a clean pan. Contrary to what you may have heard, you can wash it in warm, soapy water, using a stiff brush or scrubber. Never leave cast iron submerged in water or run it through the dishwasher because water can ruin cast iron. Once it is clean, cover the pan with a thin layer of neutral oil like grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil. Using an oil with a high smoke point will work much more effectively than a delicate oil like olive or flaxseed. Coat the entire pan, including the bottom, sides, and handle. Place the pan upside down in a 300 degree oven for an hour, then allow it to cool in the oven. When properly seasoned, the pan should have a dark, matte surface.
The more you use your cast iron cookware, the better the seasoning will be, and the more non-stick your cookware will be. The best thing about the non-stick attribute of cast iron is that it does not involve the chemicals used in traditional non-stick pans. Many of these chemicals can break down and leach into the food cooked in non-stick cookware, and some may even be carcinogenic. The non-stick quality is far from the only benefit of cooking in cast iron, though. Cast iron holds heat well, and works on any type of stovetop; it can even be used over a campfire or directly in the oven. What’s more, cast iron is affordable and versatile. Many different types of cookware can be made of cast iron, from skillets, pots, and pans, to griddles, waffle irons, cake pans, pizza sheets, and more. It can be used for serving as well as cooking, and it can even be a nice aesthetic addition to a table setting.
Cast iron can even be good for your health. Because it holds heat well, it can be used for healthy cooking methods like braising, poaching, quick broiling, and grilling. Cooking in cast iron also boosts the amount of iron in your food, though it is not clear whether the amount that is absorbed by your body is significant. Still, even though it will not fulfil all of your nutritional needs, it is more iron than you would absorb with other types of cookware.
The Forge & Fig Cast Iron Range
Forge & Fig offers several different cast iron pieces, all of which will be an amazing addition to any kitchen. Here is a list of the beautiful, highly functional pieces we offer.
Our two piece cast iron skillet set by Uno Casa is perfect for everyday use. With one 25 cm and one 30 cm pan in the set, you can cook a wide variety of dishes, whether you prefer to cook in the oven, on the stove, on the grill. or even while camping out. These cast iron pans are pre-seasoned and have a practical, ergonomic, two-handled design with a pour spout on the front of each pan to facilitate easier and safer draining of liquids. The set also comes with two plastic cleaning scrapers and two heat-proof silicone handle covers.
If you are looking for a cast iron kettle, we have a few from which to choose:
Our Ja-Unendlich cast iron teapot is produced using an elaborate, 40 step sand casting process according to Japanese tradition. The result is teapots that are each unique in color and size. Enamelled throughout, the teapot comes with a matching cast iron base to protect your table top, along with a stainless steel sieve. These teapots can be used for hot and cool drinks, and cast iron’s ability to maintain a steady temperature means your drinks will remain at the right temperature for longer.
The traditional look cast iron teapot is also enamelled throughout and accompanied by a cast iron base and stainless steel sieve. The colors vary on this beautiful piece because each teapot is handmade of recycled cast iron.
Our Kabo cast iron teapot works for coffee as well as tea. Porcelain coffee filters for hand brewing fit perfectly in this teapot.
The Colourful Cast Iron teapot has the same qualities as the other teapots we carry, with enamelling throughout and a stainless steel sieve. There are matching cups available to go with this teapot.
Colourful Cast Iron cups can be purchased as a set or to mix and match with other pieces in your collection. They are handmade, vary in colour and perfectly match our teapots.
Our cast iron loaf pan is perfect for baking. The superior heat conduction of cast iron provides consistent baking for your favourite recipes, and there is a heavy lid to trap any steam during cooking.
Give us a visit!
When you’re ready to invest in timeless quality and value that is nevertheless at the cutting edge of trend, trust Forge & Fig to deliver exceptional items to grace your home. Thoughtfully designed to be treasured by each generation, our carefully sourced luxury cookware and tableware collections are inspired by kitchen designers and innovators across the globe. Beautifully stylish, our products are also entirely practical and created with a focus on sustainability.
Come, explore our collections for yourself by visiting us at Scorton Road, Brompton on Swale, Richmond, DL10 7EQ, or shopping through our website. You can also call us at (01748) 811030 or contact us online for more information.
