Seasoning a Cast Iron Skillet is Essential to Its Long, Healthy Life
To enjoy the benefits of using a cast iron skillet
it's essential to know how to season your cast
iron cookware. If you purchase your cast iron
skillet new nowadays, it comes pre-seasoned
but after continued use, cast iron benefits from
seasoning it again. Also, if you come across a
yard sale find or inherit your Aunt Bessie's cast
iron, it will need to be seasoned to use.
Why Season Cast Iron?
Seasoning your cast iron keeps the iron from oxidizing and rusting. It also provides a great non-stick surface for cooking.
Here's are the easy steps to season cast iron cookware.
1. Line your oven rack with aluminum foil.
2. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
3. Using mild dishwashing soap, clean your cast iron skillet. Use steel wool to remove any food particles or rust spots. Some new cast iron that isn't pre-seasoned has a waxy coating that must be removed before seasoning.
4. Dry well using paper towels. Lingering rust may stain dish towels.
5. Apply vegetable oil, Crisco or coconut oil to your cast iron, inside and out. I use a paper towel to do this. Non-hydrogenated oils, such as olive oil, may tend to become rancid if used for seasoning so stick to those high in saturated fats.
6. Place your cast iron pan into the oven, upside down on the foil rack.
7. Bake for one hour.
Allow your pan to cool before removing from the oven.
Cleaning and Caring for Your Cast Iron Cookware
I wash my cast iron with mild dish soap and dry thoroughly with a dish cloth, then reapply a light layer of oil after each use. This keeps my cast iron well-seasoned and food never sticks.
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How to Season Cast Iron Cookware
