About Non-stick cookware
A recent question from a customer…thought I’d share my thoughts.
Question: Hi – I was looking for some truly green non-stick cookware. I saw new product at Bed Bath and Beyond and Target that is made with eco-friendly elements but is still Teflon coated. Any suggestions? – Tracy from CA
Hi Tracy,
No such thing as eco-friendly COATED non-stick surfaces.
The greenest thing is stuff that is already out there, and I personally cook 90% with cast iron. The other 10% is glass or ceramic. The great thing about cast iron is that it also deposits trace amounts of iron into your diet, it’s indestructible (you’ll be passing it on to relatives!), and if you go camping you can bring it along. Cast iron, glass and ceramic are all pretty non-stick IF you care for them properly which means lots of seasoning and very little cleaning. When you do clean it’s with warm water almost exclusively and MAYBE a little spongework. I rarely do anything but rinse and dry well (so it won’t rust) my items. More info here: http://housekeeping.about.com/od/dishes/qt/castironcare.htm
http://healthycooking.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_care_for_cast_iron
Cast iron, glass and ceramic also have the added benefit of saving energy because they heat up faster.
Cast iron and glass cooking ware is easy to find used. Check out thrift stores and antique stores (lots of lower end antique stores carry cast iron.)
BTW: cooking with glass is FANTASTIC because NOTHING sticks to it. You can just soak it in water and voila.
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