Seasoning and Care of Cast Iron Cookware

 
10"CAST IRON SKILLET



 
Seasoning
There are many different types of bared cast iron cookware. Whether you are cooking on the stove, in the oven or over a camp fire, there is a piece of cast iron cookware that will fit your needs. Cast iron cookware ranges from large dutch ovens to cornstick pans and everything in between. If your cast iron cookware is natural or not preseasoned, you need to perform the seasoning process.

But, why do we season our cast iron cookware before cooking in it? Seasoning prevents rust. Seasoning will give your cast iron cookware a non-stick surface and seasoning will prevent iron in the cookware from going into your food. Seasoning new cast iron cookware is just an easy three step process.

  1. Wash your cast iron cookware with hot water and soap. If the cookware is new, scourer to remove any rust proof coatings.  Rinse thoroughly and dry completely. You can dry the cookware by heating it on the stove burner for a few minutes then wiping with a dry cloth.

  2. Apply a thin coating of solid vegetable shortening, bacon grease, solid shortening (like Crisco) or lard on the inside and the outside of the cookware. Do not use butter flavored shortenings or liquid vegetable oil because it will leave a sticky surface.

  3. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Place cookware upside down on the oven rack. Place a piece of foil on the rack below to catch any excess drippings. Bake the cookware for an hour. Turn the oven off and let the cookware cool to room temperature in the oven.
You now have a seasoned piece of cast iron cookware. For best results repeat steps 1 through 3 several times. Newly seasoned cast iron will have a dark brown coating. If the seasoning process is repeated, or after prolonged use, this coating will turn glossy and black, and the non-stick properties of the pan will further improve.

Older cast iron cookware can be re-seasoned following this same process. If there is rust present, remove the rust before starting the seasoning process. If there is just a small amount of rust, use a fine sand paper. If there is a great deal of rust, use a wire brush and then sand paper. The latter does take time.



10"Pizza Pan
Care

Let the cast iron cookware cool after cooking. Clean your cast iron cookware with hot water and a stiff brush. Never place your cast iron cookware in the dishwasher or use harsh detergents or scouring pads because this will damage your seasoning. Never soak or leave soapy water in your cast iron cookware because this can also damage your seasoning. Rinse thoroughly and dry on a burner on the stove. This will only take a minute or two. Apply a light coating of oil or cooking spray to the cookware while it is still warm. Wipe out the excess. Store your cast iron cookware in a cool dry place with the lid off to prevent rust from moister buildup.