BY MURRAY MONTGOMERY
After my mother passed away, we inherited many of her cooking utensils. Recently, I came across her cast-iron skillet and the memories of Momma’s home cooking started to come back. I recalled the many delicious meals that she prepared in that old skillet. From baking cornbread to frying fish; she used it for everything.
Seeing the old skillet made me curious about the history of the aged cookware - I researched several sources on the Internet that I found interesting, and decided to share in this column.
The oldest cast iron artifacts date from early 5th century B.C. China, in the Jiangsu province, and such tools were widely used in the region by the 3rd century B.C.
Cast-iron cookware has been a staple in American cooking for centuries, and this is especially true for the Old West. The rugged and harsh conditions of life in the Wild West demanded durable and reliable cooking equipment and cast iron provided just that.
In the late 1800s, as pioneers headed westward in search of new opportunities and adventures, they brought with them cast-iron pots, pans, and skillets. Cast iron was a popular choice for cookware because it was relatively inexpensive, easy to clean, and could withstand the rigors of daily use. It was also versatile, allowing for a variety of cooking methods, including frying, baking, and boiling.
One of the most iconic uses of cast iron in the Old West was for cooking over an open fire. Many pioneers and cowboys relied on campfires to cook their meals, and cast iron cookware was perfect for this purpose. The thick walls of the pots and pans allowed for even heating, and the heavy lids helped to retain moisture and flavor.
According to Wikipedia, cookware made of cast iron is valued for its heat retention, durability, ability to maintain high temperatures for longer time duration, and non-stick cooking when properly seasoned.
In addition to campfire cooking, cast iron was also used in chuck wagons, the mobile kitchens that accompanied cowboys on cattle drives. Cast-iron Dutch ovens were particularly popular in chuck wagons because they could be used for baking bread, roasting meat, and even making stews and soups.
And while cast iron was durable, it could be prone to rust if not properly cared for. To prevent rust, many pioneers and cowboys seasoned their cast iron with oil or animal fat, which helped to create a protective coating on the surface of the cookware.
Cast-iron vessels were heavy and troublesome to transport, but despite these challenges, cast iron remained a beloved and essential part of life in the Old West. It provided a reliable and versatile way to cook meals, and it helped to sustain pioneers and cowboys as they braved the rugged terrain and harsh weather of the American frontier.
Today, cast iron remains a popular choice for home cooks and professional chefs alike. Its durability, versatility, and unique cooking properties make it a valuable addition to any kitchen. And while we may no longer be living in the Old West, the spirit of adventure and resourcefulness that defined that era lives on through the enduring legacy of cast iron cookware.
