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THE ULTIMATE GUIDE ABOUT CAST IRON COOKWARE: THE INDUS VALLEY HEALTHY COOKWARE

Great choice on switching to healthy cookware! If you've decided to use cast iron, that's awesome! It's never too late to stop using nonstick kitchen products and find better options. 

Disadvantages of using Nonstick Cookware 

Most of the non-stick kitchen essentials, including induction utensils, are made of dangerous chemicals. These can not only harm us, animals and environment, but also stay in our body forever when consumed. Understandably, non-stick cookware is a popular choice for many people because it is easy to use, lightweight and cheap. It also helps food cook smoothly without sticking to the surface, which makes cleaning up a breeze. However, not many people know that it can be unsafe and dangerous for us. Find Here: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Non-Stick Cookware. 

Despite this, most kitchens still have a non-stick cookware set because it is convenient and perfect for modern city living. Read About The Battle Of Cookware: Cast Iron Vs Non-Stick. On the other hand, cast iron cookware is healthier than non-stick pans because it's made of pure materials. Read: Why Cast Iron Is The Best Cooking Material For Health? If you're curious about what cast iron is, what it's made of, or if it's good for your health, you're in the right place! Let's begin…

What is Cast Iron?

Simply put, cast iron is a type of metal that contains iron as its main ingredient, but it's not entirely made of iron. It's named after the process used to make it, where iron ore is heated until it becomes liquid, poured into moulds, and allowed to harden. Carbon steels actually have more iron than cast iron!

Basically, cast iron is a type of metal that has more than 2% carbon, and usually contains small amounts of other metals like manganese and silicon. These extra metals help make different kinds of cast iron for different uses. Click to find out more about What Is Cast Iron Made Of?

Benefits of Cast Iron Cookware

Cast iron cookware is made from natural materials, without any harmful chemicals or artificial coatings. So, it's safe for cooking, plus, good for our health. Read: Why Cast Iron Cookware is The Best Cookware for Health?

Cast iron cookware makes food tastier by adding a nice distinct flavour as well as authentic perfect texture. For example, you can expect great results by using cast iron tawa for dosa - it will be crispier and tastier compared to the one made in nonstick tawa. 

Cast iron is strong and durable, and can be made into any shape or size without expensive machining. 

Cast iron is also inexpensive, and can last a long time. 

Cast iron cookware is a great choice for heavy-duty cooking, as it can withstand long cooking times. 

It  distributes heat evenly and mainly, adds a small amount of iron to your food. Find out: Does Cooking With Cast Iron Help Anaemia?

On another note… When it comes to healthy cooking, iron cookware is yet another amazing alternative to nonstick cookware. Find more Best Alternatives To Non-Stick Cookware. Like cast iron, Iron utensils are great for promoting good health and perfect for everyday cooking. Although cast iron and iron cookware have comparable benefits, there are some notable differences that set them apart from each other. Find out What Is Difference Between Iron And Cast Iron?

Types of Cast Iron Pots and Pans Cast Iron Kadai

The Indus Valley kadhai is the best cast iron kadai online you will ever find! With its strong construction and superior performance, it's the best cast iron kadai in India. If you are looking for induction kadai, then choose flat based cast iron kadai. Because, the super smooth cast iron kadai or chinese kadai is suitable only for gas stove.  Cast Iron Tawa

Buy Indus Valley cast iron dosa tawa online to make your cooking experience even better! Read: Why Cast Iron Tawa Is Best For Making Dosa? Also called dosa kal or kallu in south India, it's pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, so you won't have any problems with food sticking or burning. There are both induction tawa and concave roti tawa available. Choose the best dosa tawa option for you and order now! Also Read: Reasons Why You Should Stop Using Non Stick Tawa Cast Iron Frying pan

You can now buy pre seasoned cast iron skillet at Indus Valley, which is a great option if you prefer natural-made cookware for healthy cooking. Most of the frying pans at The Indus Valley, including induction pans, are made of pure cast iron - which means these heavy-duty cast iron skillets can last for a very, very long time. Click to know How To Fry Eggs Perfectly In Cast Iron Pan?

Alternatively you can also check out cast iron combo that is very handy for day-to-day healthy cooking.  Cast Iron Grill Pan

Because of its pre-seasoned smooth finish, you can cook any kind of grilled snack effortlessly in this cast iron grill pan. Explore The Indus Valley website for choosing pan size and grill pan price that suits your needs.  Cast Iron Appam Pan

The Indus Valley cast iron appam pan makes appams with an authentic taste and perfect texture.  Cast Iron Paniyaram Pan

Cast iron kuzhi paniyaram pan from The Indus Valley gives you excellent, healthy cooking results apart from giving iron-rich paniyarams. Buy now and try a variety of lip smacking dishes with this paniyaram or appe pan.  Cast Iron Dutch Oven

The Dutch Oven is a versatile cooking pot with a lid that can also be used for cooking and serving. The cast iron dutch oven is especially good for simmering, boiling and slow-cooking dishes. Cast Iron Tadka Pan

With The Indus Valley’s cast iron tadka pan you will not only add a distinct flavour to your food but also enrich it with iron content! Cast Iron Fish Fry Pan

You can use the cast iron fish fry pan for cooking more than just fish. It is a versatile healthy cookware that can make a variety of dishes a breeze.

Read Full Article on: What Are The Different Types Of Cast Iron Cookware?

When you want to buy a new cast iron cookware, you might wonder: How do I buy it? What should I look for? What do I need it for? Once you figure out the answers to these questions, you'll know how to buy the right cast iron cookware for you. Read: Things To Consider Before You Buy Cast Iron Cookware. If you have already got one, then kudos for making the right switch. 

How to Use Your New Cast Iron Cookware?

The Indus Valley's cast iron cookware is pre-seasoned with 100% vegetable oil, which makes it non-stick naturally. This means you can use new cast iron cookware without any issues like food sticking or burning. As a new user, you can find here a few simple steps as to How To Use Cast Iron Cookware For The First Time. 

Caring for your cast iron cookware is essential to ensure it lasts a long time and performs well. After use, it's essential to clean it with warm water and a soft sponge or brush. Use gentle soap, to avoid stripping the seasoning and ruin the non-stick properties of the cookware. Read the full article: A Complete Guide About Seasoning Cast Iron Cookware here. 

Watch: How To Season Cast Iron Cookware 

Unlike nonstick cookware, which has a fragile coating that wears off with regular use, cast iron cookware becomes better with time. On an important note, when using cast iron cookware, you will notice your food turning black. When first-time users see that their cast iron cookware is turning food black, they panic. But there is nothing to worry about. It is only because the cookware is pre-seasoned with vegetable oil and so it leaves black residue. This oil actually is food-safe. With repeated usage this problem will go away. With daily use and seasoning, the cookware's natural non-stick surface becomes smoother, making it easier to cook with. One has to follow similar steps to clean a burnt cast iron pan along with easy home remedies. Finally, don’t forget to dry the cast iron cookware completely before storing it. 

Read: How to Clean & Maintain Cast Iron Cookware?

Additionally, it's essential to season your cast iron cookware every once in a while. This helps maintain the non-stick surface and prevents rusting. To season your cast iron cookware, apply a thin layer of oil all over. Heat on a gas stove for 20 minutes or bake it in the oven for an hour or so. If you already have a cast iron cookware but it has rusted; then don’t worry. You can easily restore it with simple cleaning and seasoning steps.

At The Indus Valley, you can choose from a list of must-have cast iron cookware that are really useful for day-to-day healthy cooking. Some of the cast iron cookware are also induction friendly. Read: Why Is Cast Iron The Best Option For Induction Cooktop? Once you understand how to cook with it, you will surely love cooking with cast iron cookware everyday! Lots of people love The Indus Valley's cast iron cookware and have left great reviews! They're stoked about the high-quality materials and how well the cookware works. Plus, it's super easy to clean and take care of. Overall, cast iron cookware rocks at making an awesome impression and has tons of happy customers to prove it! Read here: My experience of Owning a Cast Iron Cookware

If you are looking more alternatives in toxin-free cookware, The Indus Valley offers a wide range of kitchenware that are made only with healthy materials. Find out: The Best Healthy Cookware For You

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CAST IRON COOKWARE: WHAT IS CAST IRON?

Good job that you have decided to switch to healthy cookware! If you have made up your mind to use cast iron cookware then kudos to you! It is never too late to ditch nonstick cookware and look for better alternatives. For those who are interested to know the basics such as what is cast iron or what is cast iron made of or is cast iron good for health - then you have come to the right page! So let’s get started….

What is cast iron?

To put it simply; cast iron is a term used to describe a family of metal alloys with iron as the primary alloying element. While some people believe that cast iron is entirely made of iron, this is simply not the case. In fact, carbon steels contain more iron elements than cast irons. 

The metal gets its name from the manufacturing process of cast iron. Iron ore is heated in a furnace until it becomes molten in order to make cast iron. The molten metal is then cast (poured in the shape of an ingot and allowed to harden). The cast iron ingots are remelted and poured into the final mould. During the subsequent remelting, the cast iron may be subjected to metallurgical modifications such as the addition of alloying elements or heat-treating processes.  

What is cast iron made of?

Basically, an iron alloy must contain more than 2% carbon in order for the final alloy to be considered as cast iron. Cast irons also contain traces of other alloys, among which the most common are manganese and silicon. These additional alloying elements are used to further modify the properties of cast iron, resulting in the designation of specific cast iron alloys.

Pig iron, the byproduct of melting iron ore in a blast furnace, is used to make cast iron. Cast iron can be made directly from molten pig iron or by re-melting pig iron that involves large amounts of iron, steel, limestone and carbon (coke), besides other undesirable contaminants.

Phosphorus and sulphur can be burned out of molten iron, but so must carbon, which must be replaced. Carbon and silicon content are adjusted to the desired levels (ranging from 2 to 3.5% and 1 to 33% respectively), depending on the application. Other elements are then added to the melt if required before the final form is cast.

What are the different types of cast iron?

For those who are interested to go further into information, here we have the extras. Actually, there is more than one type of cast iron. In fact, cast iron alloys are classified into four major subtypes and they are:

Ductile cast iron:  It contains graphite nodules; making it more ductile than other cast irons while maintaining excellent strength.

Gray cast iron: It has graphite flakes, which improve its machinability in comparison to other cast irons.

White cast iron: It comprises a heavy amount of iron carbides, making it brittle but with a high degree of wear resistance.

Cast iron that is malleable: It is basically white cast iron that has been heat-treated to convert the iron carbides into graphite nodules. Its properties are similar to that of ductile cast iron.

Besides these, there are some other types of cast iron namely, Mottled Cast Iron, Chilled Cast Iron and Alloy Cast Iron. 

Phew, that was quite a load of information on what is cast iron, right?!! Now let’s focus on the cast iron cookware part. 

7 Advantages of Cast Iron Cookware

So far you would have understood that cast iron cookware is basically made of natural material. That means it has no chemicals, plastics or any artificial coatings, following which it is actually safe for cooking food and good for our health. Before moving on to the benefits of cast iron cookware, here are some details about cast iron properties. 

Cast iron has a high level of wear resistance.

It is easily machined.

It has extremely low notch sensitivity and a low concentration of stress.

It is deformation resistant. In fact, the compression strength of cast iron is 3 to 5 times that of steel.

It is inexpensive. Since it is widely available, cast iron is produced on a large scale. The tools needed for the casting process are relatively inexpensive. As a result, its products are reasonably priced.

Cast iron can be shaped and sized to any complex shape and size without the need for costly machining operations.

Cast iron is long-lasting.

Considering these features of cast iron material, one can be assured that choosing cast iron cookware will be a wise decision. Mainly because it is made for heavy-duty cooking and will have a longer shelf life than a normal and toxic nonstick cookware. Due to its thickness and durability, it can withstand a long duration of cooking and support in even heating and heat retention. One of the biggest advantages of cast iron cookware is that it will preserve food nutrients and especially, release some amount of iron content in your dishes. 

Cast Iron and The Future

Iron has remained an important part of human society since its first use over three thousand years ago. Since the centuries of working iron by blacksmiths to the invention of cast iron in the industrial age, iron production has come a long way. Wrought iron has largely fallen out of favour since then, except for decorative purposes. Cast iron, on the other hand, is still evolving in terms of composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties, and it is making its mark in the modern world.

Coming to the cookware topic… Do visit The Indus Valley and browse through the beautiful, wide range of cast iron cookware. For sure, your search for the best cast iron cookware in India will end. 

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THE INDUS VALLEY KITCHENWARE - THE BEST HEALTHY COOKWARE FOR YOU

Choosing The Indus Valley's range of healthy cookware can make a significant difference in your cooking and overall health. Each cookware is crafted using premium quality food-grade materials without any chemical or artificial coatings - making it a healthier option for cooking and preparing meals. By using The Indus Valley’s healthy kitchenware, you can rest assured that the food you prepare is free from harmful substances and retains its natural flavours and nutrients. Truly you can prepare healthy food for your family everyday.

It is very important to prioritise your health and well-being by incorporating The Indus Valley's healthy cookware in your home cooking. From cast iron cookware to stainless steel pressure cookers, we offer a variety of options that are not only healthy but also long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing. Experience the difference in your cooking and overall well-being by choosing The Indus Valley's healthy kitchenware. 

So What Cooking Utensil Material Is Best For Health? 

You have come to the right place where we offer you a solution to healthy cooking. In this article, we will focus on the importance of using healthy cookware. We will discuss the disadvantages of non-stick cookware and recommend the best materials for cooking that promote healthy eating.

While non-stick cookware is visually appealing and convenient to use, it comes with a dark side. Most non-stick cooking essentials have a Teflon coating containing harmful chemicals, including PFAS. These chemicals remain in our bodies permanently, leading to an increased risk of cancer, according to medical experts. Moreover, when discarded, they damage the environment since they take forever to decompose. That is why it is important to adopt healthy cooking rituals for a healthy lifestyle. 

The Indus Valley offers multiple alternatives to nonstick cookware that are not only healthy but also durable and attractive. By choosing healthy kitchenware, you can protect your health and the environment.

For those you don’t know yet; using Teflon kitchen utensils, when exposed to high heat, release odourless and invisible gases that are harmful to living beings, including pets. This means that nonstick cookware or even non-stick spatulas may appear harmless but are dangerous to our health and the environment. While it may not be possible to stop using nonstick cookware immediately, we can take steps to use it safely.

In order to adopt healthy eating, the first step is to switch to natural cookware or safer kitchenware. Stop using toxin-coated cooking products including non-stick induction utensils. The Indus Valley offers a wide range of toxin-free cookware that meets your daily cooking needs while prioritising your health and safety. By making this small change, you can protect your health and the environment without compromising your cooking experience.

The Indus Valley Has The Best Cookware for Health!

To relish real healthy food everyday, the best cooking utensils are the ones which don’t have chemical or artificial coatings. Since they are built with premium food-grade materials, they are totally food-safe as well as health-friendly. As India’s No.1 healthy kitchenware brand, The Indus Valley has different beautiful choices in toxin-free cookware that are truly healthier than non-stick products.

Cast Iron CookwareIf you're looking for a healthy alternative to chemical-coated cookware, cast iron cookware is a great choice. Research shows that cooking with cast iron cookware releases iron into your food. This is beneficial for good health, especially for fighting iron deficiency. The amount of iron transferred is just right for a healthy person. 

In addition to its health benefits, cast iron cookware enhances the flavour of your dishes, adding a unique taste. Cast iron cookware is also great at evenly distributing and retaining heat, which makes cooking a lot easier. Thus you get only healthy food for sure! There are many delicious and easy healthy recipes that you can try in cast iron cookware. 

What is Cast Iron?

Basically, cast iron is an alloy made of iron and carbon, with over 2% of carbon content. The primary materials used to make cast iron are pig iron (95%), magnesium, capsaicin, limestone, carbon, and scrap, which are usually leftover pieces from rejected cookware. 

At The Indus Valley, you can choose from a list of must-have cast iron cookware that are really useful for day-to-day healthy cooking. Some of the cast iron cookware are also induction friendly. Once you understand how to cook with it, you will surely love cooking with cast iron cookware everyday!

Iron Cookware

Like cast iron utensils, iron cookware has multiple benefits including health wise and for daily cooking. Both cast iron and iron cookware share almost the same features as well as health benefits. But, iron cookware is comparatively lighter than the cast iron cookware. 

What is iron?

Iron is a chemical element represented by the symbol Fe and is found on Earth's core and crust. It is used for making various cooking utensils like iron kadai, iron fry pan, iron tawa, etc. Additionally, iron is also used in other applications such as buildings, structures, steel production, machine and tool making, and decorative uses like railings and gates.

What is the difference between iron and cast iron cookware?

Iron cookware and cast iron cookware are both made of iron, but they differ in their manufacturing process. Iron cookware is made by melting iron into a mould, while cast iron cookware is made by melting iron with additional carbon and pouring it into a mould. The added carbon gives cast iron cookware its distinct qualities of being more durable, heavier, and better at heat retention and distribution than regular iron cookware. There are different types of iron cookware that you can choose from at The Indus Valley. Pick one or any iron cookware combo that is helpful for your everyday cooking. 

The Indus Valley Tri Ply Stainless Steel Cookware

The Indus Valley’s tri-ply stainless steel cookware follows cast iron and iron cookware, in regards to healthy cooking. It is the best in terms of health and convenience. Nonstick cookware has a chemical coating that can create health problems. Whereas, low quality cheap stainless steel utensils can leach into food that can harm your health. For toxin-free cooking, The Indus Valley’s Tri-ply Stainless Steel Cookware is 100% healthy compared to single layered steel cookware. And unlike nonstick cookware, tri ply cookware has 0% chemical coating. So you can effortlessly cook healthy without any worry. 

Made of 3 layers of metals, The Indus Valley’s premium quality food grade stainless steel cookware enables even heating and fast cooking. Plus it helps in preserving 85% of nutrients! Having super strong construction, it is rust and scratch resistant and is quite durable for lifelong toxin-free cooking.  

Stop using low quality stainless steel non-stick cookware. Instead choose The Indus Valley tri ply stainless steel pan! The superior quality stainless steel cookware is the best choice for cooking your family meals. 

The Indus Valley Premium Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker

Apart from above-mentioned natural-material cooking pots and stainless steel induction pans, The Indus Valley offers multiple stainless steel pressure cookers. You can choose from:

Premium Triply Stainless Steel Outer Lid Pressure Cooker 1.5 litre/3 litre/5 litre

Premium Stainless Steel Inner Lid Pressure Cooker with Triply Sandwich Bottom - 3/5Litre

Triply Stainless Steel Wide and Deep Pan Pressure Cooker with Induction Base - 2.5/3.5 litre

Each of them is assured to be the best cooker in India. For, they are a healthier alternative to aluminium cookers. The Indus Valley pressure cookers are non-reactive and do not leach into food. Below are multiple benefits of stainless steel pressure cooker:

So, if you want the best pressure cooker in India, then The Indus Valley has got you covered. Visit website for pressure cooker combo offer including 3 litre cooker and 5 litre cooker or any other choice with cooker price that you want. Embrace healthy cooking rituals by buying the best rice cooker in India that is toxin-free. Check out the website to get the best pressure cooker price or combo for your family size. 

More Alternatives in Best Cooking Material for Health

Copperware In the category of natural cookware, copperware is another best alternative to replace non-stick or plastic kitchen essentials. Copper vessels help in achieving a healthy lifestyle as it releases some amount of copper in food/water. At The Indus Valley, you have multiple choices in copperware in terms of food serving:

Copper Serving Bowl with steel lining

Copper dinner set - includes plate, bowls & spoon

Also, explore website to get the best copper drinkware to stay hydrated in a healthy way. 

Wooden Kitchenware 

Indus Valley offers a wide range of aesthetic wooden utensils for cooking: 

Chopping boards - You will love seeing different choices here. Like mango wooden chopping boards, bamboo wood vegetable cutting board, pine wood chopping board & more.

Wooden spoon set - There are beautiful spoons available in wood. Like, wooden masala spoons, salad serving spoon, neem wood kids spoons and more.

Wooden spatula - Choose from different types of wooden spoons for cooking such as neem wood spatulas and ladles. 

Ceramic Glazed Mango Wood Bowl

Wooden spice box or masala box

Clay / Brass & Bronze If you love rustic or traditional cookware for cooking or decor, then The Indus Valley has a variety of elegant kitchen items in clay, brass and bronze. That includes bronze puttu maker, terracotta water bottle, bronze uruli, bronze kadai and more.

Before shopping your favourite healthy cookware, remember that each of the kitchenware ranges is different. Each comes with its own purpose. Hope The Indus Valley cookware guide helps you to pick the right option and helps you to embrace a healthy cooking ritual. What’s more is that these healthy kitchen essentials are good choice for gifting as well.