For good reason, cast iron skillets are a favorite in American kitchens. With proper care, they can endure for generations and are resilient and adaptable. Cast iron works flawlessly whether you’re baking cornbread, frying bacon, or searing a steak. Even though these pans are fantastic, they aren’t ideal for every situation. Actually, cooking some foods in a cast iron skillet can cause rust, alter the flavor of your food, or harm the seasoning.

These are the best foods and cooking practices to stay away from if you want your skillet to last and your food to continue tasting delicious.