The Dutch Oven: A Brief History and Introduction

Discover the Lasting Value of This Essential Kitchen Must-Have

Sep 24, 2008 Brigette Zavala

A Dutch oven is a durable, versatile cooking vessel with a tight fitting lid. In production since the seventeenth century, Dutch ovens are here to stay.

If you are a novice cook and have come across recipes stating to use a Dutch oven, chances are you have wondered, and still wonder, "What exactly is a Dutch oven?" The first thing you must know is, don't be intimidated by the name. You are a budding chef with delicious dishes awaiting your culinary talents. The second thing you must know is, the Dutch oven is one piece of kitchen equipment you do not want to be without.

According to John G. Ragsdale, in the book “Dutch Ovens Chronicled, Their Use in the United States,” the origin of the name Dutch oven is uncertain. One theory, out of several, is that early Dutch traders gave rise to the name Dutch oven. It is believed that the Dutch oven originated as far back as the seventeenth century, in Europe, where it was manufactured. In American history, the Dutch oven was first used by American colonists. Because of the durable cast iron that they were made from, Dutch ovens were the perfect vessel for conducting a more uniform heat; not only on the bottom of the pot, but on the sides as well. For the American colonists who began their new lives in a new country, Dutch ovens were indispensible for baking, boiling, frying, roasting, and stewing. As colonists ventured westward across the United States, so too did the Dutch oven go.

The cast iron Dutch oven was even the pot of choice for chuck wagon cooks who needed to feed hungry cowboys, when cattle drives in the United States took place. Out on the range, cooking over a camp fire, coals could be placed atop the flat Dutch oven lid, turning the Dutch oven into an oven of sorts. Biscuits could be cooked using this technique, while another Dutch oven might house chili, the perfect, hearty, one-pot meal to satisfy hardworking, tired men.

Over the years, the popularity of Dutch ovens has remained, and today, Dutch ovens are still enjoyed outdoors by camping aficionados who enjoy hot cooked meals with little clean up. When cooking with a Dutch oven in the wilderness, everything from breakfast foods to desserts can be made in this sturdy pot. One important piece of information you must know is that you need to season your Dutch oven before cooking foods in it. Seasoning your cast iron Dutch oven is a must, in order to prevent it from rusting and to create a natural, non-stick cooking surface.

Today, Dutch ovens are available in cast iron, enameled cast iron, aluminum, ceramic, and stainless steel. You can even buy pre-seasoned cast iron Dutch ovens ready to use. If you are considering purchasing a Dutch oven and would like to learn more about Dutch oven manufacturers, there is a wealth of information available to you online to help you choose the right one for you.

Many cooks will argue that the original cast iron Dutch oven is the only vessel worthy of ‘Dutch oven cooking,’ while cooks who use Dutch ovens for indoor cooking will argue that newer, lighter versions of the Dutch oven are more practical. Used indoors, Dutch ovens provide the wide cooking surface needed to brown larger foods such as beef brisket on the stove top before placing it in the oven for long and slow cooking.

If you’re not sure which Dutch oven to buy, ask around. Many cooks have had the opportunity to use Dutch ovens made from a variety of materials. Whichever one you decide on, one thing is for certain, this one-pot wonder will become one of your most valued possessions.

The copyright of the article The Dutch Oven: A Brief History and Introduction in Food Trends is owned by Brigette Zavala. Permission to republish The Dutch Oven: A Brief History and Introduction in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Cast Iron Cooking Outdoors