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Grandma’s Cast Iron Rules …Things You Should Never Cook In A Cast Iron Pan
My grandma always treated her cast iron pans like treasures. To her, they weren’t just kitchen tools — they were heirlooms, seasoned with decades of meals, laughter, and family stories.
One afternoon, I grabbed one of her skillets to make dinner, assuming you could cook anything in cast iron. She walked in, saw what I was doing, and gave me a knowing smile.
“You can’t cook just anything in a cast iron pan,” she said.
I thought she was joking — but she wasn’t. She sat me down and passed on her hard-earned kitchen wisdom.
❌ What You Should Never Cook in Cast Iron
1. Acidic Foods (Tomatoes, Vinegar, Citrus)
Grandma explained that high-acid foods like tomato sauce, vinegar, and citrus can strip away the pan’s hard-earned seasoning. Worse, your food might pick up a metallic taste.
2. Delicate Fish
Light, flaky fish (like cod or tilapia) tends to stick and fall apart. You’ll be scraping bits off the pan instead of serving a beautiful fillet.
3. Sweet Desserts
Cast iron remembers strong flavors. Bake a cobbler in a skillet that once held garlic chicken and, well… dessert may not be so sweet.
4. Extra-Stinky Foods
Garlic, onions, and pungent spices linger. Unless you plan to re-season afterward, think twice — especially before switching to something mild.
5. Eggs & Other Sticky Foods (Until It’s Truly Seasoned)
Unless your pan shines like glass, eggs will cling for dear life. Grandma always said: “Only cook eggs when the pan is ready.”
Grandma’s Cast Iron Care Tips
- Season it often. Lightly oil it and heat it to build that slick, non-stick surface.
- Never use soap. Hot water and a stiff brush are all you need. Coarse salt can help scrub without damaging.
- Dry it completely. Water is cast iron’s enemy. Towel-dry it or give it a quick heat on the stove.
- Store it oiled. A thin layer of oil keeps rust away and the surface smooth.
The Lesson Behind the Pan
That day, I realized this wasn’t just about cookware — it was about care. Respecting tradition. Being patient. Putting love into what you want to last.
Now, every time I reach for her old skillet, I see more than cast iron. I see my grandma’s wisdom. Her quiet strength. And her simple reminder:
In life — just like in cooking — the things we value most need attention if we want them to endure.
You’ve just read, Grandma’s Cast Iron Rules. Why not read Manager Had To Hire A New Employee.
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