The History & Resurgence of Cast Iron Cookware

Cast iron cookware may have been first used in China around 513 B.C. and later in 12th century England. Originally, the pots stood on three legs because cooking was done over an open fire. When stoves with flat tops began to be produced for common usage in the 1700's, the popularity of cast iron cookware increased.

By 1776 Adam Smith, in his book, The Wealth of Nations, could note that the actual wealth of the nation was not its gold but in its manufacture of pots and pans. Cast iron cookware was highly valued in the 18th century. George Washington's mother thought so much of her cookware she made special note to bequeath her cast iron in her will. In their expedition to the Louisiana territory in 1804, Lewis and Clark indicated that their cast iron Dutch oven was one of their most important pieces of equipment.

One important reason for old fashioned, cast iron cookware's popularity and comeback is that no matter how uneven the type of surface on which it is placed, on a stove top, an open grill or over a campfire, is it will cook food evenly. About the only place to avoid putting cast iron cookware is in the microwave.

Bare cast iron vessels have been used for cooking for hundreds of years. Cast iron's ability to withstand and maintain very high cooking temperatures makes it a common choice for searing or frying, and its excellent heat diffusion and retention makes it a good option for long-cooking stews or braised dishes. Because cast iron skillets can develop an extremely "non-stick" surface, it makes them very versatile. You can do almost anything, bake a cake, fry a hamburger, make an omelet, sear a steak, etc.

Today well-established brands of bare cast iron cookware in the United States include Griswold and Wagner (now both owned and manufactured by the American Culinary Corporation, in the USA), Lodge (made in the USA, though their enamel-coated line is made in China), and John Wright (some items made in China). Emeril Lagasse also has a line of pre-seasoned cast iron made by All-Clad, as does Rachel Ray.

Enameled cast iron is cast iron that has been coated with enamel to prevent rusting, and eliminates the need to season the metal, and allows for more thorough cleaning. While enamel coated cast iron doesn't have the seasoning and cleaning issues of bare cast iron, it can be several times more costly. Manufacturers of enameled cast iron cookware include Le Creuset, Le Chasseur, Lodge, Staub, Descoware, and John Wright.

Several newer brands of enameled cast iron are associated with well-known celebrities and chef's, including Daniel Boulud Kitchen, Martha Stewart (sold by K-Mart and other retailers), Rachael Ray Cookware (made by Anolon), and Mario Batali (made by Copco).