You can’t get spicy food to the table unless you cook it, and we’ve been exploring that option in different kinds of ways. We mostly use anodized non-stick cookware (from Calphalon) which we got years ago as a wedding present, and it works OK much of the time. However, many recipes call for the use of cast iron skillets or Dutch ovens. We received a recent email from some fine folks at Cookware.com, so we asked one of their authors to spell out the benefits of using cast iron cookware:

Three Advantages of Cooking With Cast Iron

When it comes to cookware, your options are seemingly endless! From Aluminum, Copper and Hard-Anodized Steel to Stainless Steel and Cast Iron – how do you choose the cookware that best suits your needs?

Before setting out to purchase your new cookware sets, it’s a good idea to do some initial research. In addition to price points, you want to pay attention to the quality. A high quality cookware set could last you for years, where as a more economical, cheaper set will only last you from 1 – 2 years at most.

Cast Iron cookware is one of the most durable types of cookware and can last you for a lifetime! An ideal heat conductor, cast iron heats evenly and consistently, helping you create the perfect meal time and time again. While other cookware types have their own sets of advantages, here are 3 reasons why you should consider cooking with cast iron.

Easy Cooking: A well seasoned cast iron pan is naturally stick resistant, requiring no additional oil. Foods glide out of the pan with ease and you can move your pan from the stove top, directly into the oven. Cleaning your cast iron pan is also incredibly simple – just boil hot water in the pan, let it soak in for a few minutes, and then wipe it dry with a paper towel. After it’s dry, place your pan on a heated burner until hot, applying a thin coat of vegetable oil, shortening or lard. Leave the pan on the hot burner for a few more minutes before removing it and wiping off the excess oil.

Health Benefits: Not only does cast iron cookware lend itself to cooking naturally fat-free, but you also increase the amount of iron in your food. According to researchers, cooking your foods in an iron skillet greatly increases the iron content of many kinds of foods. Typically, acidic foods with higher moisture content like spaghetti sauce and applesauce absorb more iron. Also, the longer you cook your food in a cast iron skillet, the more iron is absorbed. The benefits of an iron-rich diet are numerous. Iron boosts the body’s energy level, improves the body’s immunity and encourages restful sleep.

Environmental Benefits: Cast iron cookware is an eco-friendly alternative to Teflon-coated aluminum cookware, given that cast iron has a naturally non-stick surface. The manufacture and production of cast iron has improved considerably and many companies incorporate steps that greatly reduce waste and negative impact on the environment. Additionally, the durability of cast iron cookware ensures that a skillet can last for years and years and that it actually improves with age. While cast iron cookware can be recycled, you would be well served to consider it a lifetime investment and pass it down to your children.

As you can see, there are many benefits to choosing cast iron in your search for the right cookware. Not only does it make the cooking process easier, but it’s also healthy and environmentally friendly. It’s a win win!