I'll never forget finding my first dutch oven in a second hand store in Sun Valley, Idaho -I think it might have been 1977 or so. The place was called the Gold Mine and had a reputation for a source of treasures left by the rich and famous.
It was a three-legged 12" cast iron dutch with a flat lid and the standard lip to hold the coals on. It appeared to be brand new. When my eyes found the price tag, they about fell out,
three dollars and fifty cents. I can still see that yellow price tag. When I set it next to the cash register, I recall feeling like I was committing a major felony. I couldn't even meet the attendant's eyes –I was afraid she was going to call foul on the price. But as she rung it up, she asked me,
"are you going to use it for a planter?" The question was so foreign that I think I just shook my head, still feeling the burn of the crime.
Since then, I've moved on with iron Dutches and switched to aluminum. Several years ago, I found six of them in a heavy "dry bag" at the bottom of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River below a major rapid.
I'll go head to head with anyone using iron for a roast or an upside down cake. Anytime, anyplace.
Bring it on. Aluminum vs. Iron.
But buy that dutch and meet me behind camp. It is a great price. I'll bring the charcoal.
Please don't ask me to arm wrestler 'cause you cast iron folks will always prevail.
Tony