Saying ‘NO’ to non stick tawa may surprise many. Non stick cookware, that is commonly found in urban kitchens these days, is understandably hard to quit.
Owning a non stick cookware set may be a matter of pride. However, sadly, in the long run non stick cookware might prove to be quite dangerous for us, our pets and the environment as a whole.
In such a case, cast iron cookware is the best alternative. In this article, find out more about the cons of non stick tawa as well as cast iron cookware benefits.
Is Non Stick Tawa Really Worth It?
It is good-looking, lightweight, has a smooth finish and is convenient to use - indeed, non stick tawa has a great visual appeal and utility factor.
The moment you pour the batter on the non stick dosa tawa, surely you would enjoy spreading it around evenly and wait to have a crisp dosa in a jiff. Similarly, watching colourful curry bubbling in a non stick kadai, without the fear of sticking to the kadai is truly fulfilling.
Yes, cooking in non stick cookware is really a good experience and highly satisfying. But on a serious note; all is not rosy and fine about this sleek product. Whether it is a non stick tawa, pan or kadai, there is a dark truth behind this type of cookware.
Firstly, a non stick tawa mostly comes with a fake coating, loaded with toxic chemicals such as PFAS and popularly known as Teflon. In fact, experts have termed them as forever chemicals. Why? Because, once these chemicals enter our body, they stay there forever.
Doctors have even revealed that with constant use of non stick cookware, chances are there that it will lead to cancer. If they are disposed off as junk, they will take forever to decompose and thus, harming the environment.
Teflon products when heated on a very high flame tend to release invisible and odourless fumes that are really dangerous to one’s house pets. So thus you can understand, a humble looking non stick dosa tawa is highly dangerous and will have ill effects on both living beings and nature.
How Cast Iron Tawa Is Better Than Non Stick Tawa?
Ever wondered how your grandmother or that favourite aunt in your native place cooked up an immensely tasty and crispy dosa?? The secret lies in the cast iron dosa tawa.
The practice of using cast iron cookware is nearly 100 years old. Yes, even your granny’s granny has been effortlessly churning out delicacies only from cast iron utensils; at a time when non stick cookware was unheard of. Here are 3 important points how cast iron tawa is better than non-stick one.
1. No fear of chemical coating:
Nevertheless, if the non stick tawa gets its cooking surface scraped or chipped off, then it is advisable to completely stop using it.
Scientists and food experts claim that damaged non stick cookware is relatively more dangerous than the good conditioned ones. Because such cookware when comes in contact with heat/flame will release toxic chemicals in the food at a higher rate.
Thereby, a non stick tawa or any Teflon cooking ware for that matter, is not only harmful but also not durable in the long run.
2. Made for rough-tough use:
Coming to cast iron tawa; it is ideally good for getting that perfect crisp, crunchy dosa that is iron-rich as well.
A non stick dosa tawa is likely to last more than 2 years. Mainly, the non stick tawa is delicate and is prone to damage easily.
Therefore, one has to avoid putting the tawa on a very high flame, protect its Teflon – coating from getting scraped by spatula and scrub it using a harsh scrubber.
3. Iron-rich & tastier food:
Cooking in cast iron vessels gives the dishes a rustic flavour, by retaining the raw taste of the food ingredients. It also enhances the quality of the food prepared in them; by releasing iron content in the food when heated. Thus, in a way, cast iron cookware improves health, helps in growth and development of the body and boosts immunity.
Doctors even claim that since food is enriched with iron, it balances the haemoglobin level in the body. It is actually beneficial or those who are anaemic or have iron deficiency.
Well, now you will understand how our older generations were so fit, energetic and had long healthy lives.
Considering the cast iron properties, on the other hand, a cast iron tawa is a much safer and healthier alternative. For, it is made of natural components, which won’t lead to any kind of side effects on our health.
Instead, cast iron cookware will only improve the food’s quality, elevate one’s cooking experience and eventually promote healthy living for lifetime. By switching to cast iron products, you will incorporate a healthy cooking practice in a natural manner.
Say, it is like someone else taking care of your health and fitness without you throwing any extra effort.
Ditch Non Stick Tawa for Cast Iron Tawa
There! We have said it!! Put it out simple and plain. Choosing cast iron cookware over non-stick products will be the best decision you would be taking for the sake of your and your family’s health.
What’s more is that cast iron dosa tawa will give you much, better results than a non stick tawa. Since cast iron is known for even cooking, one can only expect satisfying and well-cooked food.
Coming to its care and maintenance, there is no rocket-science involved. All that a cast iron tawa needs is regular cleaning and proper seasoning. Keep in mind to wash any kind of cast iron cooking ware immediately after its use.
Never leave it in the sink, soaked in water - because it will lead to rusting of iron. After cleaning, pat dry and heat it for 20 mins. Once cooled, apply any cooking oil thoroughly before storing it. That’s it! By following these simple steps, one can easily preserve their cast iron cookware and indulge in lifelong healthy cooking.
Convinced To Buy Cast Iron Tawa?
Or, if you are looking for more options, then we can guide to choose the best iron cookware in India!
At The Indus Valley, you will find a broad range of cast iron products – including cast iron kadai, roti tawa, Dutch oven, super smooth cast iron skillet, paniyaram pan and more – all are traditional, health – focused, food-safe and pre-seasoned.
By reading this article, we are hopeful that you would have made up your mind about choosing cast iron cookware over non stick.
After all, one cannot compromise on anything, when it comes to health.