What Is Cast Iron? All You need to Know About Cast Iron Cookware

Have you ever used the old and precious heavy pans preserved by your mother, and wondered why food tastes so much better in it? If yes, then it’s definitely cast iron. Cast iron is slowly making a comeback in Indian kitchens, and for good reason! 

In this blog, we’ll cover what is cast iron, the different types of cast iron, and most importantly, the benefits of cooking in cast iron cookware for Indian households. Whether it’s dosa, roti, or sabzi, cast iron cookware just does it better!

What is Cast Iron?

Cast iron is a durable metal made by melting iron with a small amount of carbon- usually 2 to 4%. This results in a strong, heavy material that’s excellent, scratch that, the best at retaining heat. See, now you know why your cast iron tawa makes such crispy dosas and fluffy rotis. 

So if you’re wondering, “what is cast iron cookware?”, it basically involves utensils like tawas, kadhai, pans, and skillets made from this special iron-carbon alloy. Because cast iron has  excellent heat-holding capacity, it is widely used in Indian kitchens. 

Cast iron is not a new trend. It’s a time-tested kitchen companion. Therefore, understanding what is cast iron made of helps us understand the secret behind its strength and durability and what makes it ideal for Indian-style cooking- which often involves long simmering and high-heat.

History of Cast Iron

Let’s go back to the origins of cast iron. Cast iron originated in ancient China around the 5th century BC, and by the 15th century, it made its way to Europe and eventually India.

In India, cast iron utensils became popular in both North and South Indian households. Who doesn’t remember their grandmother’s cast iron tawa, used for generations without a single scratch?

Unfortunately, the rise of nonstick and aluminum cookware pushed cast iron into the background. But with increasing awareness about healthy cooking and the benefits of cast iron cookware, it’s coming back, and how!

Different Types of Cast Iron

When we talk about types of cast iron, it’s important to know that not all cast iron is the same. Let’s simplify it:

• White Cast Iron
   Hard and brittle, white cast iron is not used for cookware. It’s used more in industries due to its wear resistance.
  

• Gray Cast Iron
  This is the most common type used in cast iron cookware. It’s softer, machinable, and has great heat retention.
  

• Ductile Cast Iron
   Also called nodular cast iron, this one is flexible and impact-resistant. It’s often used in modern cast iron utensils and pans.
  

• Malleable Cast Iron
   A version of white cast iron that’s been heat-treated to become less brittle. Not as common in cookware but good to know!
  

So the different types of cast iron serve different purposes, but for our Indian kitchens, it’s mostly gray and ductile cast iron that do the heavy lifting.

Benefits of Cast Iron Cookware

Here’s why your kitchen deserves some good cast iron cookware. Let’s look at the benefits of cooking in cast iron that every Indian home chef should know:

1. Heat Retention & Even Cooking

Ever noticed how your cast iron tawa stays hot even after the stove is off? That’s because cast iron retains heat like a pro.
Perfect for dosas, parathas, and even one-pot dishes like pulao or sabzi, where even cooking makes all the difference.

2. Naturally Non-Stick

Unlike chemical non-stick coatings, cast iron becomes naturally non-stick over time with regular seasoning. That means fewer chemicals in your food and guilt-free crispy pakoras!

3. Adds Iron to Food

Did you know that cast iron utensils help increase your iron intake? It’s actually a blessing for women and children who are more prone to iron deficiency. Cooking in cast iron means enjoying both tasty food and boosting your health!

4. Durable

You drop it, bang it, or use it for years—cast iron doesn’t get affected. It can last a lifetime (and more) if cared for properly.

5. Resistant to Wear & Tear

Unlike nonstick pans that scratch and peel, cast iron gets better with use. It’s practically indestructible!

6. Longevity

There’s a reason people pass down cast iron cookware to their children. It ages beautifully and gets better with each use.

7. Easy to Clean and Maintain

Worried about rusting or high maintenance? Don’t be! Just wash, dry, and lightly oil after each use. That’s it. No scrubbing, no chemicals.

What is the Difference Between Cast Iron and Iron

Cast iron is sturdier, holds heat longer, and becomes naturally non-stick with use. It’s better for long-cooking meals and Indian recipes that need slow and steady heat.

Why Cast Iron Deserves a Place In Your Kitchen

Now that you know all about the goodness cast iron brings to the kitchen, it's easy to see why it's a must-have in every Indian home. From giving us crispy dosas to spicy sabzis and slow-cooked dals, cast iron just gets Indian cooking.

It heats evenly, holds that heat like a pro, and honestly? It ages like fine wine- only gets better with time! Plus, that natural non-stick surface and iron boost? An absolute win-win.

If you’re thinking of upgrading your cookware, check out Home Essentials’ range of cast iron cookware. Their cast iron pieces are solid, long-lasting, and thoughtfully designed keeping the modern Indian kitchens in mind. Whether you’re cooking on gas or induction, their tawas, skillets, and kadais are built to handle it all. You’ll love the weight, the finish, and how beautifully they cook (and look!) in your kitchen! 

And hey—you can’t just stop at cast iron! Their Stainless Steel Cookware and Maifan Stone Cookware are worth a look too. At the end of the day, your kitchen deserves tools that work as hard as you do—and Home Essentials delivers just that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cast iron good for health?

Yes! Cooking in cast iron utensils increases iron intake naturally, which is especially helpful for women and children who are often iron-deficient.

What is cast iron made from?

Cast iron is made from iron melted with 2–4% carbon, making it strong, heat-retentive, and ideal for cookware.

Which is better, nonstick or cast iron?

Cast iron is better for health as it’s free of chemicals and becomes naturally non-stick over time. It’s more durable than most nonstick cookware.

Is cast iron better than steel?

Cast iron is better for heat retention and even cooking, whereas stainless steel heats quickly and is easier to handle. Both have their uses!

What should not be cooked in cast iron?

Avoid acidic foods like tomatoes or tamarind-based curries, especially in new cookware, as they can react with the metal and affect taste.

What is the disadvantage of cast iron cookware?

It can be slightly heavier than other materials.