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Maintaining Dutch Ovens
Dutch ovens have been around for literally centuries and real Dutch oven aficionados say that any modification to the original cast iron Dutch oven makes dishes which aren't real Dutch ovens. They do not approve of aluminum Dutch ovens (although they are easier to carry, some say it gives sort of a chalky taste to the food, and let's not forget the fact that aluminum is unhealthy), they do not like Dutch ovens which have a coating made of enamel. They are totally pro cast iron Dutch ovens, and seen as these guys have been around for so long, I must agree with them.
If you're new to Dutch ovens or you're planning to buy one one of these days, there are quite a few things you'll have to inquire about. The size is important, because you don't need a huge one if you don't have many people to cook for, and knowing how to maintain it is also something that matters, because you might easily damage the brand new Dutch oven if you're not familiar with the right way in which you have to treat it.
Cast iron cooking vessels were and still are made to really help you out while cooking. Seen as they are usually (or at least very often) used over fire, they have legs, so that they can actually stand in a fireplace, and they can also be hanged over a fire place and the food would simmer in them. Today cast iron cooking vessels have heatproof handles so you can work with them safely when you use them inside, on your stove. The cast iron pots for use at home usually have a flat bottom, so they can stand evenly on your stove.
If you want to get a Dutch oven, but don't think you'll have time to take proper care of it, inquire a bit more about maybe getting a little modified Dutch oven. Bare cast iron Dutch ovens can stand to be put on coals and can be on high temperatures for a long time, but if you decide to just wash them with dish soap or scrub them with a wire, you will destroy it, and then you just spent lots of money for nothing. Enameled Dutch ovens, even though some don't recommend them, can be washed and maintained regularly just like all other dishes you have.
Maintenance of Dutch ovens is just a part of ritual of cooking for many people. With Dutch ovens it seems that everything takes time. Food is slowly processed and cooked in them, while the steam in them wraps around the juicy pieces of meat and vegetables. When the food is done, it should be eaten slowly and with enjoyment. Then, it is time to clean the Dutch oven, and this also has a few steps. Pour a few inches of water in it, let it sit on a burner, then let it cool. Gently scrub the food off the walls, and dry the oven with a hand towel. After that let the oven sit near fire so it completely dry.
Some say that many people needlessly worry about maintaining their Dutch ovens and that they are making big deal unnecessarily. They claim that a mild type of dish soap wont harm the material, and that gentle scrubbing with an abrasive which is non metallic will be nicely tolerated. True fans of Dutch ovens may easily oppose to these methods, but it is recommended to be well informed before deciding to clean and use them.
If you're new to Dutch ovens or you're planning to buy one one of these days, there are quite a few things you'll have to inquire about. The size is important, because you don't need a huge one if you don't have many people to cook for, and knowing how to maintain it is also something that matters, because you might easily damage the brand new Dutch oven if you're not familiar with the right way in which you have to treat it.
Cast iron cooking vessels were and still are made to really help you out while cooking. Seen as they are usually (or at least very often) used over fire, they have legs, so that they can actually stand in a fireplace, and they can also be hanged over a fire place and the food would simmer in them. Today cast iron cooking vessels have heatproof handles so you can work with them safely when you use them inside, on your stove. The cast iron pots for use at home usually have a flat bottom, so they can stand evenly on your stove.
If you want to get a Dutch oven, but don't think you'll have time to take proper care of it, inquire a bit more about maybe getting a little modified Dutch oven. Bare cast iron Dutch ovens can stand to be put on coals and can be on high temperatures for a long time, but if you decide to just wash them with dish soap or scrub them with a wire, you will destroy it, and then you just spent lots of money for nothing. Enameled Dutch ovens, even though some don't recommend them, can be washed and maintained regularly just like all other dishes you have.
Maintenance of Dutch ovens is just a part of ritual of cooking for many people. With Dutch ovens it seems that everything takes time. Food is slowly processed and cooked in them, while the steam in them wraps around the juicy pieces of meat and vegetables. When the food is done, it should be eaten slowly and with enjoyment. Then, it is time to clean the Dutch oven, and this also has a few steps. Pour a few inches of water in it, let it sit on a burner, then let it cool. Gently scrub the food off the walls, and dry the oven with a hand towel. After that let the oven sit near fire so it completely dry.
Some say that many people needlessly worry about maintaining their Dutch ovens and that they are making big deal unnecessarily. They claim that a mild type of dish soap wont harm the material, and that gentle scrubbing with an abrasive which is non metallic will be nicely tolerated. True fans of Dutch ovens may easily oppose to these methods, but it is recommended to be well informed before deciding to clean and use them.
About the Author:
Karl is an architect by training and an avid chef. He takes interest in all things luxurious and travels the world in search of them. His latest travels to the American heartland brought him in contact with the precious dutch oven.
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