Every other style of cookware has its differences in the use of materials in cooking and serving. Starting from stainless steel, up to ceramic, all of these have some unique qualities; however, pure iron is one material that has stood the test of time and remains a favorite in many kitchens. Pure iron bowls, on the other hand, offer many advantages, and one of them that they are perfect for cooking as well as serving food.
In this blog, we will discuss pure iron benefits, history, how to maintain them, and why they could be the perfect addition to your kitchen.
A pure iron bowl simply means a bowl that is made purely of iron without the blending of any other metals or alloys. Pure iron, on one hand, differs from stainless steel, which contains some fractions of chromium, or cast iron, which contains carbon; it has 99% iron, making it much softer and more malleable. Pure iron thus offers bowls with these distinctive properties, which will make a big difference in your cooking and food storage in several ways.
Pure iron bowls have been used in most cultures for cooking, mixing, and serving food. They are therefore sought after not only because of their durability but also because of the enhanced flavors of food they possess. Over the years, they have symbolized traditional cooking in most parts of the world.
Nutritional Advantages
One of the advantages of pure iron bowls is that they are capable of enhancing the iron content in the food. When you are cooking acidic dishes, such as tomatoes, lemon, or vinegar-based dishes, small quantities of iron are released into the food cooked in that bowl. This can end up contributing to increased iron intake, which everyone needs for the proper well-being of the body.
Another key role iron plays is in the formation of the hemoglobin that will be utilized for transporting oxygen by red blood cells throughout the body. Energy production and keeping one's immune system healthy also rely quite a great deal on iron. Using a pure iron bowl for cooking may be helpful to increase one's iron levels, especially for those who are deficient or anemic.
Pure iron is very strong and tough. Though cast iron is softer than pure iron, pure iron is still strong enough for daily use. Pure iron bowls do not wear out since they cannot crack easily or break compared to glass or ceramic bowls. They thus offer a long-term investment in your kitchen.
In addition to all this, pure iron only gains hardness with age. The older the bowl gets, the more it acquires its natural patina, or protective coating, that also serves to ensure it's not easily and severely damaged by rusting.
The patina also does a thing or two for the bowl's unique rough look that many people appreciate.
Well, pure iron bowls are more naturally non-stick, particularly when seasoned well. This will generally mean less food sticking to the surface of the bowl, therefore making cooking and cleaning easier. Pure iron bowls, though they do require a bit of seasoning to make them non-stick just like cast ironware, can be relatively easy to season at home.
This smooth surface will not let food burn or stick, making it a favorite for delicacies such as cooking eggs in it or even sautéing vegetables.
Pure iron bowls can even flavor your food better. It is unbelievable, but many people claim that all dishes prepared in an iron bowl or pan taste greater than any dish prepared in any other material. The simple reason behind this is that iron reacts with acidic ingredients to release more of the natural flavors of the food.
It does not overpower the flavors of the dish and harmonizes well with the other ingredients. This is why many traditional recipes, particularly Indian and Asian delicacies, use iron bowls for cooking. The iron helps to distribute the heat evenly, meaning the food will then get cooked more evenly and hence a better flavor profile.
This is why demand for products that are both durable and environmentally friendly continues to rise as people grow in awareness of the need to live in an earth-friendly manner. Pure iron bowls serve those who want to reduce their carbon footprint. Unlike the non-stick pans or bowls that contain dangerous chemicals such as Teflon, the iron bowls are made from a natural element that does not release harmful chemicals into the surroundings.
Iron is also recyclable material, so if your pure iron bowl ever wears out or gets broken, it can be recycled and transformed into something new. So, it makes it a better choice than plastic and other aluminum-related materials.
Health Benefits for Cooking
Cooking in a pure iron bowl may also provide some health benefits. As the bowl is made from a purely natural metal, it will not leach food with many not-so-desired chemicals or toxins. Many non-stick coatings of modern cookware contain harmful substances that get released into your food once the cookware gets a good amount of heat; this is not the case in pure iron bowls.
More so, iron retains high heat that will cook food uniformly, and nutrients that could be lost in other types of cookware are preserved. Food retains much of its natural flavor, texture, and nutritional value for a better eating experience.
How to Season a Pure Iron Bowl
To enjoy all benefits of your pure iron bowl to the fullest, a thorough seasoning is necessary. Seasoning is a coating in a thin layer of oil for the surface of the bowl, and then heated to allow the formation of a non-stick surface. The process goes beyond a cleaning bowl; it indeed keeps rust away.
How do you season a pure iron bowl?
Clean the Bowl: Wash the bowl thoroughly using very mild soap and warm water. Be sure to remove any dirt, manufacturing coatings or debris that might have been applied. Dry well.
Apply Oil: Use a cloth or paper towel to apply a thin layer of vegetable oil, flaxseed oil, or even another higher smoke point oil over the surface as well as the outside of the bowl.In a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C), place the bowl upside down for about an hour. Put a baking sheet underneath in case oil drips off of it.
Cool the Bowl: after about an hour, turn off the oven and let it cool inside. Repeat the oiling and heating process two or three times for best results.Once seasoned, the bowl will take on a shiny, dark coating that behaves like a completely natural non-stick surface.
Pure iron bowls are not too much of a bother to care for if they are taken care of properly. After using, avoid putting it under harsh soaps and scrubbing pads that would likely peel off the seasoning in your iron bowl. All you really need to do is hand-wash the bowl in warm water with a soft cloth or sponge. If there's food stuck on the surface, you could use a brush or even a non-abrasive scrubber to clean the iron bowl gently.In order to prevent rusting, always dry the bowl immediately after washing it. Should the bowl start to look dry or begin rusting, you can re-season the bowl with a small amount of oil and heating it in the oven above.
Pure iron bowls can be purchased from home goods stores, kitchenware shops, and online. Before buying the pure iron bowl, make sure you go through the product quality and authenticity. Ensure acquiring a well-crafted, pure iron bowl from an authentic dealer or manufacturer with no form of impurities.Pure iron bowls help a lot due to their wide spectrum of merits. From enhancing the flavor of food being offered, it improves your intake of iron. With a natural non-stick surface and durable, they are also eco-friendly, proving to be an intelligent choice for a kitchenware system that is supposed to serve for long without causing any sort of harm to nature.
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