Is It Safe To Cook With A Scratched Dutch Oven?
But how disastrous are enamel scratches really? Is it still safe to use a scuffed Dutch oven, or is your beloved pot now doomed for the dumpster? We asked a group of professional chefs and food safety experts to break down the potential health consequences of using a scratched Dutch oven, when a scratch needs to be taken seriously, and whether it's possible to bring a badly worn Dutch oven back to life. Here's what they had to say.
First of all, we asked the experts to explain why exactly a scratch or a chip on an enameled Dutch oven can prove dangerous.
'Enameled cast iron that is chipped can present a physical hazard because the enamel coating is essentially glass that is fused to the iron,' said Bryan Quoc Le, a food scientist and food industry consultant for Mendocino Food Consulting. So if bits of enamel are coming off and landing in your food, you're essentially eating glass, which can lacerate your mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach and/or intestines.
Melissa Vaccaro, a food safety expert at the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), added that 'if the enamel coating is chipped or cracked, exposing the cast iron underneath, food can come into contact with bare metal, leading to rust and metal leaching.' Rust is made of iron oxide, which isn't easily absorbed into the body and is not considered food-safe by the USDA.
If your Dutch oven is a vintage version inherited from a parent or grandparent, Vaccaro pointed out another important consideration: 'Some older or low-quality enamel coatings may contain lead or cadmium (modern reputable brands like Le Creuset or Staub do not), [and] if the enamel flakes off, there's a potential risk of ingesting [these] hazardous substances.' Lead and cadmium poisoning can lead to high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, kidney damage, stomach irritation and pregnancy complications.
While serious scratches and enamel chipping are bad news for Dutch oven users, we're happy to report that light scratches and scuffs on the exterior and interior won't negatively impact your health or the quality of your food.
'Minor, superficial scratches in the enamel (that don't expose the metal underneath) are typically cosmetic and not a health hazard. Scratches that don't penetrate the enamel layer are safe for cooking and occur naturally over time,' Vaccaro assured us.
But while light scrapes and scratches aren't an inherent problem, Vaccaro and other experts recommend keeping a close eye on these marks and tracking their progress. According to Vaccaro, it's time to worry when 'you feel rough edges, see bare metal, [or see that] the enamel is peeling off.' In these cases, 'if the damage is in an area that comes into direct contact with food or liquids,' the Dutch oven can pose the health risks that we detailed earlier.
Imagine that the worst-case scenario has come to pass: Your much-loved Dutch oven has a big, deep, metal-exposing scratch or a visible enamel chip. What's the next course of action? Is there a way to repair this pricey piece of cooking equipment, either at home or by a professional artisan?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is generally 'no.' 'Re-glazing at home isn't an option. Those enamels are fired at over 1,400°F in a kiln and need industrial-grade equipment,' pointed out Chris Van Dyne, head chef at Cosmic Pie Pizza in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
If you're hoping that you might be able to take your chipped Le Creuset to a ceramic repair shop, you're about to be further disappointed. 'The enamel is a coating applied once at production through a special process, and is intended to be a permanent, continuous layer, so there is no way to rehabilitate it once damage has occurred. Even sanding down the spots to smooth out the scratches and chips won't help, and may even accelerate future breakdown of the enamel, due to the weakened structure,' Le told us. And while a bare cast-iron skillet can be scraped down and re-seasoned, 'you cannot re-season or patch enamel,' Vaccaro said.
If your Dutch oven comes from one of the more reputable and high-end brands like Le Creuset and Staub, Van Dyne recommended 'checking their warranty. They often replace chipped units for free or at a discount, even years later.'
But if you can't trade in your chipped Dutch oven for a replacement, there are other ways to make use of these colorful pots. Clever DIY-ers on YouTube, TikTok and Pinterest have repurposed their Dutch ovens as planters, storage vessels for home goods, ice buckets, bird baths, humidifiers, and much more. Do some searching on those platforms and see what you can find.
Now that we've established the risks associated with chipped and deeply scratched Dutch ovens, you're likely wondering how you can avoid such a grievous fate for your own enameled pot. Luckily, Melissa Araujo, chef/owner of Alma Cafe in New Orleans, offered us some helpful pointers for keeping a Dutch oven in top shape.
'Make sure that [the Dutch oven] is cool before you wash it, and make sure you use non-scratch sponges, [as] anything abrasive will scratch it.' Araujo also warned against 'soaking it in the sink for a long time. [That] will allow water to seep under the coating, and you run the risk of rusting the outer rims.' Speaking of rust, it's important to 'dry the Dutch oven completely so it doesn't rust.'
Should you find yourself with a particularly nasty stain from cooking in your Dutch oven, Araujo recommended mixing 'baking soda and water and putting it on [the stain] for about 10 minutes.' You can then rinse the pot and wash with a soft sponge and gentle dish soap, and if the stain still lingers, repeat the baking soda mixture and handwashing process.
Whatever you do, don't even think about 'putting the Dutch oven in the dishwasher, even if it says 'dishwasher safe.' Constant water [pressure] and high heat are bad for the coating.'
Finally, when it comes to storing the Dutch oven (whether you keep it in a cabinet, on a shelf, or on your stovetop), 'put a towel inside to keep it protected. I also store it with the lid slightly moved so there's air flow that moves in and out,' Araujo said.
Reviewers Swear This $9 Oven Cleaner Is A 'Miracle In A Spray Can'
What's The Difference Between Cheap And Expensive Dutch Ovens?
Is A Gas Stove Really That Bad For You? Safety Experts Reveal Whether You Should Switch.
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Refinery29
a day ago
- Refinery29
I Know How Risky Tanning Beds Are, So Why Can't I Quit Them?
Welcome to Sun Blocked, Refinery29's global call to action to wake up to the serious dangers of tanning. No lectures or shaming, we promise. Instead, our goal is to arm you with the facts you need to protect your skin to the best of your ability, because there's no such thing as safe sun. 'I'll just do a few sessions on a tanning bed to build a base tan before my holiday,' I told myself earlier this year. The results weren't instant, unlike the self-tanners I've used for over a decade, but after a few visits, my skin looked golden. I enjoyed the somewhat lasting glow that didn't leave me looking like a slice of Dutch crunch bread after four days. I planned to stop going to the tanning salon once I returned home, but the allure of tanned skin was hard to resist. What started as building a vacation base tan — which dermatologists argue is actually a myth — quickly turned into, 'I'll keep going so I'm tanned for my birthday,' then, 'I might as well continue over summer. A few more weeks won't hurt.' Before I knew it, I was clocking up more minutes at the tanning salon than I could count. But here's the thing: I know the potentially life-threatening risks of using tanning beds. I know that using tanning beds increases the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, and that, as reported by the Skin Cancer Foundation, more than 419,000 cases of skin cancer in the US each year are linked to indoor tanning. I'm not alone in knowing the risks. In a survey conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), 20% of Gen Z adults said that getting a tan is more important to them than preventing skin cancer. But exactly why do we continue? Dr. Ravi Gill, a practitioner psychologist at Smart Mind Health, says that beauty ideals such as ' tanned equals attractive ' can override our instinct for self-protection: 'This is due to powerful social and psychological influences,' says Dr. Gill. Adding, 'From a young age, we're exposed to messages — through media, peers and culture — that link tanned skin with attractiveness, status, and health. Over time, these ideas are internalized and tied to our self-worth and identity.' Lisa, 32, can certainly relate. She used a tanning bed for the first time at just 17 years old after a friend said it would 'look good' to have tanned skin. 'I was curious, so I decided to give it a try,' she tells me, adding that body insecurities are a reason she still uses them: 'When I'm tanned, the spider veins and cellulite on my legs, which you don't see much of on social media, are less visible,' she says. 'That makes me feel more confident. I get compliments as well, which is motivation to continue.' Interestingly, tanning isn't the only example of how we're trading safety for self-esteem. This notion can also be applied to many of our aesthetic practices, like unregulated Botox and BBLs, which have a notoriously high mortality rate in comparison to other cosmetic procedures. Shedding light on this, Dr. Gill explains that humans crave social acceptance and fear rejection, choosing to conform to beauty norms — even when they involve risks: 'The desire for social belonging and approval often feels more immediate and emotionally powerful than long-term health concerns,' she says. ' While I think tanning makes me look better in many ways, I feel particularly conflicted about the damage it's doing thanks to my medical history: I've always had a few questionable moles. The fact that I use tanning beds is something I'm quite embarrassed about. ' Concerningly, Lisa tells me that she fears skin aging more than skin cancer: 'Ironically, I've curated a social media feed full of skinfluencers teaching me how to look after my skin, and I've honed a [multi-step] skincare routine. Yet I continue to do the one thing that will damage my skin the most — something which no amount of serum or SPF can save me from.' Lisa's honesty, or as she puts it, 'silliness', might seem extreme to some, but it reveals a deeper truth: decades of messaging have taught us that our value lies in our appearance. Thanks to the popularity of Ozempic alongside the return of thinness on red carpets and For You Pages (which notably prompted the 'skinnytok' hashtag ban), being slim is back on a pedestal — and tanning plays a role here. I've often found myself commenting on how much 'slimmer' I look with a tan, and who can blame me? Shows like Love Island have helped solidify the idea that bronzed skin doesn't just look 'better' but also leaner and more sculpted — like contouring for your whole body. Is tanning bad for you? While I think tanning makes me look better in many ways, I feel particularly conflicted about the damage it's doing thanks to my medical history. I've always had a few questionable moles. Some are asymmetric, others have jagged borders and a range of colors. On holiday, when my skin is exposed in a bikini, friends and family have commented on it and encouraged me to get checked out. After spending time living in Australia, where UV levels are very high, I decided to follow through on this. I wasn't a tanning bed user at the time of my first (or second) mole check, but doctors did flag that the Sydney sunshine could have put my skin at risk. After an examination of my moles, I was advised to keep an eye on them and return if I saw any 'noticeable changes'. In the years since those checks, I've observed a handful of changes to some of my moles. But as someone with health anxiety, I never know if I'm being paranoid or if I really should go back to the doctor. Consequently, I'm in limbo — I don't want to waste my doctor's time if the changes I've seen aren't 'noticeable' enough, but I also don't want to ignore the issue and end up in a potentially life-threatening situation. Taking all of this into consideration, the fact that I use tanning beds probably sounds absurd. Honestly, it's something I'm quite embarrassed about. Why do we use tanning beds despite the risks? Dr. Gill explains that this is a case of cognitive dissonance, when a person feels psychological discomfort because their actions contradict their beliefs. 'In beauty culture, this dissonance is common,' she says, pointing again to societal pressures. 'For example, someone may understand the risks of tanning bed use or crash dieting but still engage in these behaviors to align with societal beauty ideals.' Dr. Gill goes on to explain that we try to resolve this internal discomfort by rationalizing our behaviors rather than changing them. Telling ourselves, 'It's just for summer' or 'Everyone else is doing it' is an easy way to avoid feelings of guilt. Critics, however, often think that tanning bed users should feel guilty for this choice. But here's the thing: 'Shaming people for using tanning beds often backfires, making them more likely to continue the behavior,' says Dr. Gill. She adds, 'Research shows that self-criticism reduces motivation for change, while compassionate, non-judgmental support is more effective in encouraging healthier choices.' But can anyone truly say they've always put their health above all else? Like tanning beds, alcohol, processed meat, and tobacco, for example, are classed as type one carcinogens — substances that can cause cancer. I'm keen to know whether those who frown on my habit often indulge in a fast food burger or unwind with a bottle of wine. ' We are watching the number of skin cancers scale out of control in our clinics. Dr Kiely ' Is tanning addictive? That's before we bring class into the equation. Research that shows those from lower socio-economic backgrounds are more likely to use tanning beds. Although further investigation is needed to explore why that is, a 2022 study concluded that tanning bed use has been historically framed through the media as a 'working-class activity'. Of course, it's not just about class, appearances or a taste for Sauvignon Blanc; the addictiveness of carcinogens plays a role: 'Tanning is addictive and there's actually a biological explanation,' says Dr. Clare Kiely, a consultant dermatologist and cofounder of The Skin Diary. She explains that when the body is exposed to UV radiation, it triggers a process that results in the release of endorphins, hormones that create a sense of 'euphoria'. For many, the glow isn't just about looking good — it's about feeling good, too: 'I'm normally in a better mood after a tanning bed,' confirms Ella, who agrees this 'mood-boosting' effect is a big factor in why people feel addicted to tanning beds. Lisa echoes this, telling me she enjoys the light and 'me-time' of being on a tanning bed: 'It's like dreaming myself away to a beach.' Given how addictive tanning beds are, the responsibility to prevent their damage shouldn't rest solely on users. Many experts argue that stricter regulation is the only way forward, especially as research shows we continue to tan in spite of the evidence before us. 'I don't believe the current regulations are adequate,' says Dr. Rakesh Anand, a consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson. He notes that while there are restrictions on under-18s and some standards for equipment and usage, there's still a 'significant' public health risk. 'Given the well-established link between tanning bed use and skin cancer, stronger measures are urgently needed,' he adds. As for what that might look like, various skin cancer charities have called for tanning beds to have graphic warning signs similar to those found on cigarette packets, while a June 2025 study exposed ' potential gaps in current regulations ' when it comes to tanning salons marketing on social media. Whether on a tanning bed in New York or a beach lounger in Mexico, dermatologists are firm in their answer that there's no such thing as a safe tan — 'Unless it's self-tanner from a bottle,' says Dr. Kiely. She agrees with Dr. Anand that the only way to 'eliminate' risk is to ban tanning beds, as they are in countries such as Australia and Brazil: 'I'm coming at it as a person who has spent her career cutting out thousands of skin cancers, some of them life-threatening,' Dr. Kiely adds. 'We are watching the number of skin cancers scale out of control in our clinics. We must take measures now to protect future generations.' Despite being reminded by every expert of the very real dangers before me, in the time I've been writing this article, I've racked up another 44 minutes on the tanning beds — although I have reduced the frequency of my visits. I want to stop altogether and pick up my once-beloved self-tanners that are currently collecting dust, but I'm trying to feel less guilt and shame about this habit, as I've unpicked how years of societal pressure led me to this point. Ultimately, that's what needs to change. From Botox to fillers and beyond, we've all been sold on the 'ideal' appearance, which can differ depending on what we've been conditioned into thinking. The recent ban on disposable vapes proves that if people want to do something, they'll find a way, so we all have to do our part in breaking the cycle when it comes to tanning. Mine is writing this article and being vulnerable about a paradox many of us feel but rarely discuss: the desire to protect our skin while craving the glow of a tan. It would also help to see celebrities and influencers embracing their natural skin tones, and for brands to do the same with the models in their campaigns. Whether it's a school session or a poster in a tanning salon, better education could also go a long way — not just about the dangers of tanning beds, which clearly isn't always enough, but about how to resist outside pressure. In learning how to accept ourselves as we are, we might just find the glow hits differently when it comes from within.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Yahoo
Is It Safe To Cook With A Scratched Dutch Oven?
For many home cooks, a high-quality enameled Dutch oven represents one of the most valuable and serious cookware investments. Elite brands like Le Creuset and Staub sell Dutch ovens for hundreds of dollars each, and part of what justifies the high price tag is the assumption that these artisanally crafted pieces can last a lifetime (and beyond). So when you spot a scratch (or even a chip) on the enamel of your Le Creuset, it can send you into a not-so-minor tailspin. But how disastrous are enamel scratches really? Is it still safe to use a scuffed Dutch oven, or is your beloved pot now doomed for the dumpster? We asked a group of professional chefs and food safety experts to break down the potential health consequences of using a scratched Dutch oven, when a scratch needs to be taken seriously, and whether it's possible to bring a badly worn Dutch oven back to life. Here's what they had to say. First of all, we asked the experts to explain why exactly a scratch or a chip on an enameled Dutch oven can prove dangerous. 'Enameled cast iron that is chipped can present a physical hazard because the enamel coating is essentially glass that is fused to the iron,' said Bryan Quoc Le, a food scientist and food industry consultant for Mendocino Food Consulting. So if bits of enamel are coming off and landing in your food, you're essentially eating glass, which can lacerate your mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach and/or intestines. Melissa Vaccaro, a food safety expert at the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), added that 'if the enamel coating is chipped or cracked, exposing the cast iron underneath, food can come into contact with bare metal, leading to rust and metal leaching.' Rust is made of iron oxide, which isn't easily absorbed into the body and is not considered food-safe by the USDA. If your Dutch oven is a vintage version inherited from a parent or grandparent, Vaccaro pointed out another important consideration: 'Some older or low-quality enamel coatings may contain lead or cadmium (modern reputable brands like Le Creuset or Staub do not), [and] if the enamel flakes off, there's a potential risk of ingesting [these] hazardous substances.' Lead and cadmium poisoning can lead to high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, kidney damage, stomach irritation and pregnancy complications. While serious scratches and enamel chipping are bad news for Dutch oven users, we're happy to report that light scratches and scuffs on the exterior and interior won't negatively impact your health or the quality of your food. 'Minor, superficial scratches in the enamel (that don't expose the metal underneath) are typically cosmetic and not a health hazard. Scratches that don't penetrate the enamel layer are safe for cooking and occur naturally over time,' Vaccaro assured us. But while light scrapes and scratches aren't an inherent problem, Vaccaro and other experts recommend keeping a close eye on these marks and tracking their progress. According to Vaccaro, it's time to worry when 'you feel rough edges, see bare metal, [or see that] the enamel is peeling off.' In these cases, 'if the damage is in an area that comes into direct contact with food or liquids,' the Dutch oven can pose the health risks that we detailed earlier. Imagine that the worst-case scenario has come to pass: Your much-loved Dutch oven has a big, deep, metal-exposing scratch or a visible enamel chip. What's the next course of action? Is there a way to repair this pricey piece of cooking equipment, either at home or by a professional artisan? Unfortunately, the answer to this question is generally 'no.' 'Re-glazing at home isn't an option. Those enamels are fired at over 1,400°F in a kiln and need industrial-grade equipment,' pointed out Chris Van Dyne, head chef at Cosmic Pie Pizza in Santa Fe, New Mexico. If you're hoping that you might be able to take your chipped Le Creuset to a ceramic repair shop, you're about to be further disappointed. 'The enamel is a coating applied once at production through a special process, and is intended to be a permanent, continuous layer, so there is no way to rehabilitate it once damage has occurred. Even sanding down the spots to smooth out the scratches and chips won't help, and may even accelerate future breakdown of the enamel, due to the weakened structure,' Le told us. And while a bare cast-iron skillet can be scraped down and re-seasoned, 'you cannot re-season or patch enamel,' Vaccaro said. If your Dutch oven comes from one of the more reputable and high-end brands like Le Creuset and Staub, Van Dyne recommended 'checking their warranty. They often replace chipped units for free or at a discount, even years later.' But if you can't trade in your chipped Dutch oven for a replacement, there are other ways to make use of these colorful pots. Clever DIY-ers on YouTube, TikTok and Pinterest have repurposed their Dutch ovens as planters, storage vessels for home goods, ice buckets, bird baths, humidifiers, and much more. Do some searching on those platforms and see what you can find. Now that we've established the risks associated with chipped and deeply scratched Dutch ovens, you're likely wondering how you can avoid such a grievous fate for your own enameled pot. Luckily, Melissa Araujo, chef/owner of Alma Cafe in New Orleans, offered us some helpful pointers for keeping a Dutch oven in top shape. 'Make sure that [the Dutch oven] is cool before you wash it, and make sure you use non-scratch sponges, [as] anything abrasive will scratch it.' Araujo also warned against 'soaking it in the sink for a long time. [That] will allow water to seep under the coating, and you run the risk of rusting the outer rims.' Speaking of rust, it's important to 'dry the Dutch oven completely so it doesn't rust.' Should you find yourself with a particularly nasty stain from cooking in your Dutch oven, Araujo recommended mixing 'baking soda and water and putting it on [the stain] for about 10 minutes.' You can then rinse the pot and wash with a soft sponge and gentle dish soap, and if the stain still lingers, repeat the baking soda mixture and handwashing process. Whatever you do, don't even think about 'putting the Dutch oven in the dishwasher, even if it says 'dishwasher safe.' Constant water [pressure] and high heat are bad for the coating.' Finally, when it comes to storing the Dutch oven (whether you keep it in a cabinet, on a shelf, or on your stovetop), 'put a towel inside to keep it protected. I also store it with the lid slightly moved so there's air flow that moves in and out,' Araujo said. Reviewers Swear This $9 Oven Cleaner Is A 'Miracle In A Spray Can' What's The Difference Between Cheap And Expensive Dutch Ovens? Is A Gas Stove Really That Bad For You? Safety Experts Reveal Whether You Should Switch.
Fox News
26-06-2025
- Fox News
The fiery secret to a longer life might be hiding in your spice rack
Is spicy food healthy for you? Spicy foods can help with weight control, plus reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, studies have shown — and consuming more spices may also contribute to a longer lifespan. Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D., a food scientist with Mendocino Food Consulting, spoke to Fox News Digital about the benefits of spice and how to incorporate more heat into your diet. The California-based expert cited studies that uncovered the ability of capsaicin — found in chili peppers — to alter mice's microbiomes by boosting beneficial bacteria while diminishing harmful bacteria. "This, in turn, results in a greater release of an amino acid called tryptophan, which these beneficial bacteria produce," he said. "Tryptophan is an important precursor to neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which [are] involved in mood, sleep and digestion." Capsaicin, the compound that causes heat in peppers, can also provide "serious benefits" when consumed at a low daily dose of 0.01%, the food scientist said. "A good quality hot sauce should add both flavor and heat and blend well with the flavors of the dish." "That's just enough heat to taste, but not so much to overwhelm your stomach," Le noted. What dishes taste best with spice? Le suggested meat-forward savory dishes, including stews, chilis, roast chicken and tacos. "A good quality hot sauce should add both flavor and heat and blend well with the flavors of the dish," he advised. For those who are completely unaccustomed to spice, Le suggested pickled pepperoncinis as an easy introduction to hotter foods. "They're mild, a bit acidic and pack bold flavor without leaving you with a heavy residue of spice that you need to rinse out with milk," Le said. "From there, you can venture into poblano, serrano or jalapeño peppers. These are great seared to tone down the heat, but still lend delicious flavor to a dish." The peppers that pack a serious punch include scotch bonnets, habaneros, ghost peppers and Carolina reapers, which are "not for the faint of heart," Le said. "Carolina reapers in particular have been bred with heat in mind and are some of the hottest peppers in the world," he warned. Fox News Digital also spoke with Ken Grey, an advanced practitioner (AP) and doctor of Oriental medicine (DOM). Grey of Jupiter, Florida, follows Eastern medicine practices and believes that spicy food has a direct impact on the small intestine and heart. "Foods that are naturally hot or spicy can help increase circulation and metabolism, thereby assisting with removing qi [energy] and blood flow blockages, improving heart health and digestion, while aiding in weight loss," Grey said. "Some helpful foods in this category are chili peppers, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, garlic and ginger." Grey also advised home cooks to pay attention to the Scoville scale, which measures how hot peppers are. Bell peppers typically clock 0 Scoville heat units (SHU) while jalapeños can be as high as 8000 SHUs, Grey said. Grey did note that "balance is key." "Hotter spices and peppers should be taken in moderation so as not to swing the pendulum too far in one direction." "Hotter spices and peppers should be taken in moderation so as not to swing the pendulum too far in one direction," Grey said. How do you know if you've eaten too much spice? Grey said if you overdo it, you may suffer from dry cough, heartburn and acid reflux, as well as stomach pain and cramping. Gastritis, diarrhea and headaches are also symptoms. Modern studies aren't the only source of wisdom about the health benefits of spice, said Grey. He pointed to "thousands of years of culinary evolution." "In Mexico and Guatemala, it is the magic of the chili pepper that unlocks iron found in their corn-rich diets," the expert said. "Throughout Asia and many cultures, it is the chili peppers and spices that are used for [their] anti-microbial properties, which help to kill parasites."
