![]() The more you can optimize each of these factors, the less iron transfers into your food. More acidic, longer cooking times, and worse seasoning all contribute to more iron transferring into the food. It depends on the acidity of the food, the length of time a food is cooked, and how well the pan is seasoned. It’s hard to know the exact amount of iron transferred into the food. How Much Iron Is Transferred Into Your Food From A Cast Iron Pan? This type of seasoning provides a barrier between the acidic food and the iron itself, lessening how much iron transfers into the pan. You can mitigate against this by ensuring your cast iron pans are well seasoned as I show you right here on #AskWardee 062. The result? Your food tastes metallic and takes on an unappetizing greyish color.Īnd, the acidic food can strip some of the seasoning off your pan. And the longer the dish is cooked, the more iron ends up in it. When you cook acidic foods such as tomatoes in cast iron, you end up with more iron in your dish. Danger #2 - Cast Iron Reacts With Acidic FoodsĪcidic foods “react” with metals, and cast iron is no exception. This is especially an issue with acidic foods… and I’ll talk about that next. I wouldn’t count on it being 100% effective at separating the food, but it is the best seasoning out there in terms of how it functions (like non-stick) and how it potentially prevents iron from getting into food. Rather than oil coating the pan, we actually create a non-stick surface, built up layer by layer, by heating the seasoning oil so hot on the pan that it converts into a hard surface it’s not even oil any more! It functions like a barrier between the cast iron and the food that’s cooking in it. We have instructions on how to season cast iron here on #AskWardee 062. (Donating blood is a great way to lessen iron load!) When iron toxicity is severe, a person may get grey skin and develop heart, liver, and blood sugar issues. In early stages, excess iron causes fatigue, unexplained weight loss, muscle weakness, loss of sex drive, and more. If they also cook with cast iron, the extra iron may raise their iron levels too high, causing iron toxicity. Because neither “bleed” regularly, their bodies don’t release iron what’s in their bodies stays in their bodies. However, cooking with cast iron may be dangerous for men and post-menopausal women who already have high iron levels, determined through blood testing. In growing children, iron is essential for growth, so cast iron is great for them, too. The iron from cooking in cast iron pans may help them maintain levels or improve depleted iron levels. Menstruating women lose iron regularly through the monthly menstrual bleeding and even worse, may be iron depleted or even anemic. This is usually wonderful for menstruating women and growing children. Here they are… Danger #1 - Cast Iron May Cause Iron Toxicity For Some IndividualsĬooking with cast iron provides dietary iron via the food that is cooked in it. Yet, there are some ways you don’t want to use your cast iron, so that you can keep your kitchen as healthy as can be. We have a great way of seasoning them and using them so they act like non-stick pans for eggs, searing meat, and much more. Thanks so much for your thoughts, looking forward to hearing them! -Ruth W.īecause we’re featuring your question today’s #AskWardee, you’re getting a gift - a FREE Mini eCourse! Our team will be in contact with you so you can choose which one you’d like! The Hidden Dangers Of Cast IronĬast iron pans are a staple in our kitchen. Is that coating more inert then non-stick coatings? What are your thoughts on this? Is iron released when cooking? Is that a good thing, neutral or negative?Īlso what about enameled cast-iron? As far as I understand it is also a good choice. In many traditional cooking resources I have heard that cast iron is a recommended choice of equipment, but I have also heard in a few places that it is not recommended due to the iron that is absorbed by the food. I have a question that I have been thinking about for a bit and was wondering what your thoughts are. You have a good combination of food related topics as well as just good life advice and encouragement. I really enjoy listening to your podcasts while working around the house. So… Is Enameled Cast Iron Cookware Safe?. ![]()
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