What is a Dutch Oven?
In essence, a Dutch oven is a heavy-based pot with a tight-fitting lid that can maintain a consistent temperature for a long period of time. Beyond that, there actually can be a fair amount of variation when it comes to features and materials. One design, however, that has stood the test of time and is, arguably, the prime example of a Dutch oven is the round, two-handled cast iron Dutch oven. What makes cast iron Dutch ovens unique is that they are made in one piece by pouring molten iron into a mold, usually made of sand. The technique was invented in China as early as 800 BCE, and by the 1600s, The Netherlands had developed a reputation in Europe for their cast-metal cookware.
The story goes: In 1707, Englishman Abraham Darby first saw this technique used in The Netherlands, and when he got home, he patented it and named the invention a “Dutch oven.”
These sturdy and reliable cooking pots have been a kitchen staple for literally hundreds of years and (if you clean your Dutch oven properly) they last well into the future too.
