Why shouldn't you cook tomatoes in cast iron?

Author: Prof. Tom Gulgowski MD  |  Last update: Sunday, March 30, 2025

Several of our consulted chefs agreed that cast iron can leave an unpleasant flavor layer in tomato-based dishes. The "naked" cast-iron cooking surface of an unenameled skillet can cause "acidic foods to become discolored and acquire a metallic taste," says Weinstein.

Is it bad to cook tomatoes in cast iron?

So can you use cast iron when making tomato-based foods? Sadly, the answer is it is best not to. Acidic foods that require a long simmer can ruin all that seasoning you worked so hard to achieve. In turn, it will make your food taste a little tinny.

What foods should not be cooked in a cast iron skillet?

What Not to Cook in a Cast-Iron Skillet
  1. Avoid Cooking Acidic Foods in Cast-Iron Pans. ...
  2. Be Aware that a Cast-Iron Surface Takes on Flavors. ...
  3. Don't Cook Delicate Fish In Cast Iron. ...
  4. Before Your Skillet Is Well-Seasoned, Avoid Sticky Foods. ...
  5. And, Whatever You Cook, Avoid Storing Food in Your Cast-Iron Pan.

Can you roast tomatoes in a cast iron skillet?

Roast your tomatoes in a cast-iron pan instead of a baking sheet, at 400°F instead of 350°F (or on a grill rather than in the oven), and replace the quartered shallots with shaved ones.

What should you not cook tomatoes in?

Do not use an aluminum pot, pan or utensil when cooking tomatoes. The acid in the tomato reacts unfavorably with the aluminum. Using aluminum makes the cooked tomatoes more bitter and fades the color. The dish will also absorb some of the aluminum and the acid in the tomatoes can pit and discolor the aluminum cookware.

Can You Cook Tomatoes In Cast Iron? The Truth Will Surprise You! 🍅

What to do after cooking tomatoes in cast iron?

After cooking, allow the cookware to cool, then use a pan scraper to remove stuck-on food, scrub with a nylon brush or nonscratch pad, hand dry, and add a generous layer of oil. Rub the oil onto the pan until it is evenly distributed.

What is the safest pan to cook tomatoes in?

I still own enamel-covered cast iron pots and pans that I purchased years ago (I like the colors that they add to our kitchen). But I use them sparingly, thoughtfully, and won't replace them when they are finally discarded. They might be one of the safest pans to cook with when cooking tomatoes and other acidic foods.

Can I use cast iron instead of roasting pan?

Cast-Iron Skillet

Not only are they our go-to for searing steaks or cooking frittatas, but this oven-proof skillet is fantastic for roasting. It has the same thick walls and low sides as a roasting pan (and at a fraction of the cost).

Can you cook tomatoes in a metal pan?

One of our staff members advised: "The acidity in tomatoes can react with the metal, potentially giving the food a metallic taste and damaging the pan's seasoning." However, based on my experience using a nitrided carbon steel frypan from our own brand, I've had no issues cooking tomatoes.

What ruins a cast iron skillet?

You let your skillet soak.

Soaking your cast iron skillet in your sink is a recipe for rust, as is washing it in the dishwasher. Instead, clean it ASAP, even using simple soap and water if you must.

Why shouldn't you cook eggs in cast iron?

Eggs fall into the category of sticky foods that are not ideal for cast iron skillets that haven't built up their seasoning yet. While cast iron can become non-stick with sufficient use over time, a newer skillet will almost certainly cause your eggs to stick to its porous surface.

Is there anything I shouldn't make in a cast iron skillet?

Acidic foods (unless you make it snappy)

Acidic foods (like tomato sauce, wine-braised meats, etc.) enter the red zone when they spend too much time cooking in the skillet.

What are the disadvantages of cooking with cast iron?

Cast iron cookware's disadvantages include its heavy weight, the need for seasoning and maintenance, potential reaction with acidic foods, and lack of slickness for delicate cooking tasks.

Why can't you cook tomatoes in aluminum?

But in the case of tomatoes, the delicate, acidic fruit can adversely react with the metal, altering the taste of the food and potentially damaging the cookware. There are also potential health concerns specifically with mixing aluminum and acidic foods, making tomatoes a definite food to keep away from the metal.

What's the best oil to season cast iron?

Common cooking oils like olive oil will gradually produce seasoning, but won't be as effective as grapeseed oil. Canola, other vegetable oils, and shortening are a little better.

What happens if you cook tomatoes in cast iron?

Never cook acidic foods in a cast iron skillet.

You can sauté cherry tomatoes in cast iron, but don't try making a long-simmering tomato sauce. If you recently purchased your skillet and it still needs to be "broken in," acidic ingredients can erode the seasoning and even make foods taste metallic.

Should you wash cast iron after every use?

You should season a cast-iron skillet at least once a month, but seasoning it after each time you cook with it also works. You may not need to repeat the entire seasoning process as you did before initially using it, but after each use, rinse it and give your cast-iron skillet a quick season by oiling it.

Why does food cooked in cast iron turn black?

First, the black specks you see coming off into your food are not harmful. They are most likely carbon deposits. This happens due to overheating of fats and oils. Using an oil with a low smoke point will carbonize at high temperatures and cause residue from the pores of your pan to rub off onto your food.

Why you should only cook with cast iron?

Here are 12 reasons why cooking with cast iron is better:
  • It's a multipurpose cookware.
  • It's non-stick after seasoning.
  • You'll need to use less oil and butter.
  • Can serve as a natural iron supplement.
  • It has a high emissivity value.
  • It provides excellent heat retention.
  • It's easy to maintain.

Can you use a cookie sheet as a roasting pan?

Even when you're roasting vegetables, an aluminum baking sheet will give you a faster cooking time, offer more space than a standard roasting pan, trap less steam, and be easier to handle.

What happens if you use a cast iron pan without seasoning it?

Your food will stick and burn. You will have to scrub, scrape, etc. until the food debris is removed. Seasoning a cast iron pan is very simple and should take about 30 mins or so.

What not to cook tomato in?

Never use an aluminum pot, pan or utensil when cooking tomatoes, or any other soft metal items for that matter. The acidity in the tomato doesn't do well with them, they create a chemical reaction and can turn cooked tomatoes bitter, fades the color and the food will absorb some of the aluminum!

What is the least toxic pan to cook with?

For our recommendations, we stick to stainless steel, cast iron, and enamel or ceramic coatings. If you're making the switch from traditional nonstick cookware, you should look into ceramic or enameled cookware.

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