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      ECO-CONSCIOUS COOKWARE: MAKING MINDFUL CHOICES

      ECO-CONSCIOUS COOKWARE: MAKING MINDFUL CHOICES

      As we near the second decade of the 21st century, the world is becoming more eco-conscious and eco-aware—which really just means that more and more information is becoming available about the quality, integrity and safety of the products we use in our homes every day. That’s a good thing. The more information we have, the more informed choices we make for ourselves and our families.

      But the eco-awareness movement has its share of differing opinions, and everything is a matter of degree. Each product we use in the modern world has its benefits, and each of us has to make choices for ourselves and our families that make us feel good.

      Example: Are you a very busy person who needs the convenience of a lightweight pan with a non-stick coating that you can throw in the dishwasher? If dishwasher safe cookware is a necessity for your busy life, that narrows down your choices.

      The bottom line is, know your cookware and your non-stick coating options, and make the decisions that are right for you.

      From traditional all-purpose non-stick to a ceramic non-stick to durable, versatile cast iron and stainless steel, Ecolution makes an effort to provide the very best choices from within all of these categories.

      Caution: All Non-Sticks are Not Alike

      Did you know that most non-stick coatings contain compounds such as perfluorooctanic acid (PFOA) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)? Not only are they difficult and impossible to pronounce, they’re toxic substances that are believed to be carcinogens. Look for non-stick cookware that’s PFOA free and PTFE free, and for non-stick coatings that are water-based and not chemical solvent-based.

      Ecolution cookware takes pride in its determination to use water-based coatings in all its non-stick cookware lines.

      Cast Iron: Stove To Oven To Table

      Uncoated cast iron is considered among the very safest cookware types, but it’s a little more high maintenance than other cookware materials. It takes a little more effort to clean—hand washing, which often includes a bit of scrubbing and elbow grease, is a must—and it’s recommended to keep the pans well-seasoned with oil to avoid rust and corrosion. On the other hand, cast iron cookware is oven safe up to 500 degrees F, so you may use one less pot or pan to prepare your meal. And cast iron can go easily from stove to oven to table—that’s one of its biggest benefits.

      Check out Ecolution’s Farmhouse cast iron skillets and mini cookware here. They’re pre-seasoned with vegetable oil so you can start cooking right away.

      Stainless Steel: Oven and Dishwasher Safe

      Stainless steel cookware also has natural non-stick properties, without a coating. Stainless steel is fully curbside recyclable and therefore quite earth-friendly. Professional chefs swear by stainless for its durability; it won’t corrode, chip, rust or tarnish as you whip up meal after gourmet meal. Most stainless cookware is oven safe up to 450 degrees F. Cooks love the versatility that provides in the ability to use it both on the stove and in the oven.

      As far as safety is concerned, stainless is among the top choices for nontoxic cookware, but experts recommend that stainless cookware should be thoroughly washed before first use.

      Ecolution’s Pure Intentions stainless steel cookware is PFOA free, lead free and cadmium free. Browse Pure Intentions stainless steel cookware here. It’s dishwasher safe, though you may want to periodically scrub stainless with a little baking soda to keep it shining like new.

      Ceramic Non-Stick: Hand Wash Only

      Ceramic coatings are among the safest of non-stick coatings. Ceramic coatings offer an impressive food release; you can literally cook without butter or oil. Ceramic coated cookware should be hand-washed to maintain the integrity of the ceramic coating.

      Both Ecolution’s Bliss water-based coating Hydro Ceramic coating and Endure’s Titanium Guard Ceramic coating are PFOA, PTFE and lead free. Browse Bliss and Endure ceramic-coated cookware here.

      All-Purpose Non-Stick: Dishwasher Safe

      Dishwasher safe cookware is important for very busy people who need to save time. Ecolution’s cookware lines include non-stick coatings which are dishwasher safe, and the pans themselves are well designed and easy to use. The good news: Ecolution uses only water based solvents in its non-stick coatings for cookware and bakeware, and as a result all its non-stick coatings are PFOA free.

      Experts say non-stick cookware is safe, as long as you use it properly. In particular, avoid chipping or damaging the pan by using metal utensils. If your non-stick cookware is in any way chipped scratched or damaged, throw it away and start anew.

      Want to browse some non-stick choices? Symphony and Artistry lines are among Ecolution’s most popular non-stick cookware lines.

      We raise our pans and tip our pots to our eco-conscious customers. Here’s to healthier cooking!

      DOTING OVER COATING - WHICH TYPE OF COOKWARE IS BEST FOR YOU?

      DOTING OVER COATING - WHICH TYPE OF COOKWARE IS BEST FOR YOU?

      One of the most important features to pay attention to when purchasing cookware is the coating, or the interior cook surface of the pan. At Ecolution, we have a plethora of coatings to suit every need- from the novice home cook to the professional chef.

      We responsibly manufacture all of our products, and one of the ways we do that is with the way we apply our coatings to the pans. Instead of using harsh chemicals to bond the coating to the pan, we use plain old water. Using water ensures that dangerous chemicals don’t get evaporated into our delicate atmosphere, preserving our environment and reducing emissions.

      Now that we have covered how the coatings are applied, lets move on to the different types of coatings we have to offer.

      HYDROCERAMIC™
      Our Hydroceramic coating is used on our Bliss non-stick ceramic pans and offers durable, scratch and stain-resistant surface. Our Hydroceramic coating is one of our most popular because it’s considered to be a very safe, non-toxic and environmentally friendly option. There’s no need to use oil when using our non-stick Hydroceramic pans, allowing for easy clean-up and healthier foods with less fat.

      HYDROLON®
      Our Hydrolon coating is used on our Artistry, Elements, Evolve, Symphony and Terra lines. Hydrolon is super easy to clean and dishwasher safe, perfect for the busy cook who wants easy clean-up. Hydrolon is a multi-layer non-stick that is durable and can withstand the test of time. All coats use water as the main solvent, reducing emissions, and the non-toxic coating is a safe solution for healthy and eco-friendly cooking. The coating is also PFOA-free

      TITANIUM GUARD™
      The Titanium Guard coating, exclusive to Ecolution Cookware, is PTFE-free and PFOA-free, and is used on the new Ecolution Endure cookware line. Our new Titanium Guard coating is a non-stick pan coating that blends copper, ceramic and titanium to create a durable, long lasting coating that features superior abrasion resistance, allowing users to use metal utensils on the non-stick coating without scratching or damaging the pan.

      FREE + CLEAR™
      The Free + Clear coating is Ecolution’s exclusive surface coating made without BPA, PFOA or PTFE, and is applied to every piece in our BakeIns line. The non-stick surface offers easy food release and bakes and browns evenly. The surface coating is dishwasher safe to allow for easy cleaning.

      STAINLESS STEEL
      Popular among professional chefs, stainless steel is durable, beautiful, easy to use and is non-reactive, so it will not impact flavor. Our stainless steel cookware is PFOA free, lead free and cadmium free and suitable for all cooking surfaces. The stainless steel is non-porous, so it won’t corrode, chip rust or tarnish, staying beautiful for years of use. As an added bonus, stainless is also oven safe up to 450 degrees, making it a versatile option.

      CAST IRON
      Our cast iron is more of a material than a coating, but since the pan’s cooking surface is raw cast iron, we’ll include it. Cast iron is used on our FarmhouseTM cast iron cookware, and is ideal for frying and simmering. Cast iron is durable, oven safe and, contrary to popular belief, when seasoned and cared for correctly, is very non-stick and easy to clean. Cast Iron is great for indoor use, stovetop or outdoor cooking, and it’s oven safe to 500 degrees. Cast iron offers superior heat distribution and retention, and come pre-seasoned with vegetable oil. Made from all natural material, they are oven-to-table ready, indoor chic & outdoor tough.

      CARBON STEEL
      Similar to cast iron, carbon steel is a material, but since the carbon steel is the cooking surface, we will include it in our coatings breakdown. Carbon steel is used on our Hong Kong Chopstick House woks and some of our paella pans. Carbon steel can withstand high heat for cooking, because the heat passes through the steel, offering low heat conductivity. Carbon steel needs to be properly cleaned and seasoned, just like cast iron. The heavy-duty gauge carbon steel heats quickly and evenly, and the PFOA free non-stick coating adds to its convenience. Carbon steel is also dishwasher safe for easy clean up.

      BEFORE YOU BUY
      Think about the ways you will be using your cookware before making a decision. Some cooks prefer to use different types of coatings or materials for different uses. For example, since stainless steel doesn’t impact taste, it’s perfect for making broths, soups, sauces and boiling pasta or potatoes, while cast iron is great for frying and non-stick pans are great for eggs. Making sure your cookware is functional for your needs is important when making a buying decision.

      What’s your favorite kind of coating? Let us know in the comments!

      DO GOOD

      DO GOOD

      RECLAIM USED COOKWARE AND MINIMIZE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

      Updating your culinary ensemble with shiny new Ecolution cookware? That’s awesome, but please don’t just trash your old set. You certainly don’t want it to end up in a landfill. There are plenty of earth-friendly alternatives for disposing of or making use of those old pots and pans:

      Recycle
      Your local curbside program may or may not collect cookware, but don’t worry, many scrapyards will be happy to take your old non-stick pans and recycle them along with all the other scrap metals. Just type Where do I recycle cookware? into your favorite search engine, and you’ll easily find resources that lead you to the most up-to-date local recycling information.

      Renew
      Everything old is new again, and one person’s trash is another’s treasure. When you replace your old cookware with new, chances are there’s still some life left in the old stuff. Donate usable cookware to friends, family, a local charity, Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Or make it a new addition your camping gear—no need to bring the good stuff!

      Reuse
      Here are just a few ideas for getting some more life out of your used cookware:

      • Organize your garage: Use pots and pans to hold nails, screws, bolts, washers or tools.
      • Do arts and crafts: Use pans and pots as containers for for paints, varnishes or paintbrushes, or for craft projects like making your own soap or candles
      • Get into some gardening: Use old pots and saucepans for planting and replanting, or to catch drainage from flower pots.
      • Play house: Kids love to make music on pots and pans—so why not set up a play kitchen space, give them a wooden spoon or two and let them bang away?
      • Make a potpourri: Enjoy soothing aromatherapy by boiling water with dried flowers or herbs, or even bottled ground cinnamon. Inhale and relax.

      HOW TO DEEP FRY IN A STOCK POT

      HOW TO DEEP FRY IN A STOCK POT

      Choose the right oil.

      You may want to see (this article) that talks about smoke points and the appropriate oils to use for each cooking need. Since peanut oil and sunflower oil have smoke points, these are two oils are popular to use for deep frying.

      Grab an Ecolution stock pot and fill it just under half way full.
      Make sure that the edges of the pot go at least 5 inches above the oil so you don’t have a bunch of splatter. If you have a splatter screen, this would be a great time to use it. Make sure you’re using enough oil to submerge whatever you’re frying, factoring in the oil displacement that is going to take place once you add food.

      Here are a few other options for some stock pots: 

      Ecolution Elements Stock Pot

      Ecolution Pure Intentions Stainless Steel Stock Pot 

      Heat the oil between 375° and 440°.
      If you have a candy thermometer, you may want to check your oil temperature before adding any food. Be careful- we cannot stress this enough. These are very hot temperatures and can cause serious damage if not handled with extreme care and caution.

      Make sure all the food you’re going to fry is dry.
      Use paper towels to pat everything dry, as any excess moisture can cause oil to uncontrollably splatter.

      Keep your distance and slowly add the food to the oil.
      Use long tongs or a frying basket to maintain your safe distance.

      Watch your timer.
      Once you’ve added your food to the hot oil, food cooks extremely fast. You may only need about 45 seconds of cooking time in order to achieve the desired results. If cooking meat, make sure you’re hitting the necessary internal temperatures recommended by FoodSafety.gov.

      Keep your food crispy.
      Prepare a paper plate with some paper towels to place food when it’s done cooking. The paper towels will help soak up any excess oil. If you want to remove more oil than that, try blotting the outside of the food with a paper towel, making sure the food is cool enough to touch. The more oil you remove, however, the less flavorful the food will be.

      BEST USES FOR A MINI FRY PAN

      BEST USES FOR A MINI FRY PAN

      Adorably cute and conveniently compact, miniature fry pans are definitely a cute addition to your kitchen! From our line-up of tiny aluminum fry pans to our assortment of mini cast iron pans, we have a little collection of mini cookware under our belts that can be used is really fun ways. We’ve compiled a list of some cool things you can do with our mini cookware!

      MELT BUTTER FOR A RECIPE

      Easily make up a batch of melted butter for a recipe you’re making without busting out a big pan that takes up a lot of space in the dishwasher. Whether you’re having lobster and need a bit of butter to dip it in or want to make a delicious garlic butter sauce to top a steak or pasta, our mini pans are the perfect surface to use!

      MAKE A PERFECTLY FRIED EGG

      Mini fry pans are perfect for making small dishes that need to be contained. The perfect thing to make in a mini fry pan? A perfectly round, fried egg. Keep the egg whites nice and thick while cooking your fried egg to perfection in a tiny fry pan. When you’re done, it’s the perfect shape to add to an English muffin or bagel for delicious breakfast sandwiches!

      MAKE A MINI OMELET IN A SNAP

      Have some extra veggies lying around that you want to use? Having a brunch for the family but don’t want to just serve omelets? On a diet and looking for a quick, easy breakfast to take on the go? Use a mini fry pan to make a mini omelet by adding scrambled eggs, veggies, herbs and meat for a perfect little omelet muffin that can easily be added to a breakfast sandwich or thrown in a to-go container for breakfast on the go.

      TOAST INGREDIENTS

      Does your recipe call for toasted pine nuts or toasted herbs? A mini fry pan is the perfect pan to get the job done. Easily stir your small ingredients and make clean up a breeze by using the right size pan for the job!

      CHECK OUT THESE MINI FRY PAN RECIPES FROM TASTY™

      Here’s the link: 4 Recipes For Your Mini Frying Pan

      ROAST GARLIC
      Quickly roast some cloves of garlic for a recipe with a mini fry pan! Add your roasted cloves to a pasta sauce or to the top of a juicy steak. Not sure how to pan roast garlic? Use this recipe here for stovetop roasted garlic: Roasted Garlic 2 Ways

      We hope we’ve inspired you to try out a mini frying pan. Do you have any other ways to use your Ecolution mini frying pan? Let us know!