As a child, I thought my grandma’s cast iron pans were just ordinary skillets. To her, they were treasures—seasoned

not only with oil but with decades of family meals and memories. One afternoon, when I used a pan without asking, she rushed in and firmly said,

“Not everything belongs in a cast iron pan.” At first, I laughed, but her serious tone told me this was one of her golden kitchen lessons.

She explained that cast iron, though tough, isn’t invincible. Acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus strip away

the seasoning she had carefully built. Delicate fish could stick and fall apart, while desserts might

soak up savory flavors left behind. Each rule wasn’t about being strict but about keeping the pan strong and reliable.

Listening to her, I realized her lesson went deeper. Caring for cast iron was also about honoring traditions,

relationships, and values. The skillet wasn’t just cookware—it was a symbol of patience, respect, and love.

Now, whenever I cook with her pans, I remember her wisdom. They remind me that the things

we cherish—whether objects or people—last longer when treated with care, gratitude, and intention.