Cast Aluminum Cookware Care

Cast aluminum is quick to heat and retains heat well, making it a desirable choice for cookware. To keep your cast aluminum cookware looking nice and working properly, some care and maintenance is necessary.

Seasoning

Cast aluminum cookware needs to be seasoned before use. To season, wash and dry your cookware, coat it with vegetable oil, and bake it in a 250 degree oven for 2 hours.

Cleaning

Wash your cast iron cookware by hand in hot soapy water, but do not allow it to soak in soapy water. Do not put your cookware in a dishwasher, and do not use steel wool pads on your cookware, or you will ruin the finish. If you need to scour the cookware to remove bits of food, use a paste made with baking soda or a nonabrasive cleaner.

Do Not Drop

Unlike other cookware, cast aluminum is quite brittle and may crack if dropped.

Usage

Because acidic foods break down the aluminum, always add acidic foods near the end of cooking. To avoid aluminum absorption, never store foods in your cast aluminum cookware.

Discoloration

Misuse can cause discoloration of your cast aluminum cookware, but this can be removed. Try soaking it in a sinkful of hot water with a little vinegar or lemon juice added, or boil it in a solution of water and cream of tartar.

References

• Cooking for Engineers
• Cookware Tutorial