Dutch Ovens - A Brief History

By definition, a Dutch oven is a thick walled cooking pot with a tight fitting lid. The lid is an integral part of it, making a true oven.

During the 1600's the Dutch had a much better system for making the molds for their pots from sand, making them have a much smoother surface. According to history an Englishman when to the Netherlands to observe this process of making cooking vessels, then he went back to Britain and after four years patented the system. The term Dutch oven has been in use for over three hundred years.

During the history of America the pots became shallower and legs were added to keep the pot above the coals of the open fire. Early colonist liked the versatility and durability of cast iron. It fact ovens were considered so valuable that early colonist named them in their will. Lewis and Clark carried one on their early exploration across America.

Dutch ovens have evolved to include a concaved top to put hot coals on top making it a true oven experience for the food inside. Modern Dutch Ovens are used on the cook top or in the oven and have a smooth bottom. The versatility of it continues even to the modern day. Ovens can be used for boiling, stewing, baking, frying and roasting.

To use them as an oven, you can simple place the pan with baked goods such as biscuits, or cakes inside the oven. Replace the lid, and bake over an open fire. The pan in which you are baking must be smaller than the interior of the Dutch oven.

Caring for them is similar to that of the cast iron skillet. The oven must keep its seasoning in order for it to stay nonstick and rust free. In order to keep your cast iron Dutch ovens seasoned, fill it with hot water and use a soft bristle brush to remove any food and sauces. Do not use soap. Dry thoroughly and coat lightly with oil. After years of caring for your Cast iron Dutch oven, it should be shiny black and as nonstick as Teflon. In order to store your oven the lid should be stored separate from the pot. It should be stored in a dry place.

While cast iron Dutch ovens are historical it is not as practical with modern schedules and pulls on family time. The usefulness of the pot comes when used like a crock pot. While leaving your stove top on when you're away may not be a good choice, many people will leave their oven on a low setting. Dutch ovens can be filled with your favorite casserole, or one pot meal and place it in the oven on a low setting. If trial and error is not an option or you don't have time to check then a good Dutch oven cook book would give some guidance about oven settings and times.

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