Cast Iron Cookware Seasoning

Cast iron cookware has been used for cooking from centuries. They are very easy to produce as one requires some low level technologies to manufacture them. Using cast iron cookware has many benefits. Cast iron has the ability to retain maximum cooking temperatures that makes it ideal for frying and searing. Apart from that, due to its great heat retention and diffusion qualities, it is also one of the most preferred cookware when it comes to cooking stews and braised dishes. Cast iron is also known to increase the iron quotient in the food, which is beneficial for health. But, bare cast iron can catch the rust very quickly and hence it needs to be seasoned. Cast iron cookware seasoning not only prevents it from rusting but it also provides a smooth and non stick surface to the cookware.

How to Season Cast Iron Cookware?

Seasoning cast iron cookware is neither a one step nor a one time procedure. One may re-season the cast iron cookware as and when required. Given below are some of the simple steps that would help you season cast iron vessels easily.

Step #1
Start with washing the cast iron pot or pan. Wash the cast iron cookware with warm or hot water with a little amount of soap. You may also use the warm soapy water for easy wash. This step is mandatory even if you have bough a new cast iron cookware because it are already coated with thin coating materials to prevent rust. And this has to be removed before you start with seasoning the same.

Step #2
Once you wash the utensil thoroughly, allow it to dry completely. You can wipe the cast iron cookware with cotton cloth or paper towel to ensure that its completely dry. To be on the safe side, you can keep the vessel in the oven or microwave for some time as the heat will absorb all the water making the empty utensil completely dry.

Step #3
Now you have to take the melted shortening and apply a thin coating of it on the utensil. Generally, Crisco, Wesson, or corn oil, etc. are being used. But you can also use lard or bacon fat for the initial coating. Use paper towel or soft cloth to coat the vessel. Make sure that entire vessel is coated properly including the lid, if it is.

Step #4
Once the coating is completed, preheat the oven 350 degrees and place the utensil upside down in the oven. Now allow the coating to bake in the oven for an hour. If you have placed the utensil on the tops shelf then keep a aluminum foil to catch any droppings. After an hour switch off the oven and let the utensil be in side the oven till its cools down completely. And now, your seasoned cast iron cookware is ready with a smooth non stick surface that would also prevent the rust!

For better results, you can repeat the step 3 and step 4. I know, the above cast iron cookware seasoning procedure was very simple but the real task starts after that and that is taking care of seasoned cast iron. To get some tips on seasoned cast iron care, read further.

Seasoned Cast Iron Care

Given below are some of the important tips that you must follow after cast iron cookware seasoning to increase the shelf life of the seasoning.

• Always clean the cast iron with hot or boiling water.
• Do not use any kind of detergent to wash seasoned cast iron.
• Always wash it when its still hot and do not wait till it cools down.
• Let the utensil dry completely after every wash.
• Spray the utensil with vegetable oil and wipe it with paper towel before storing.
• Let the cast iron breath and hence store it separately in the drawer.
• Avoid storing food in the cast iron utensils.
• Avoid using steel wool to remove grease and build up. Instead use soft sponge or plastic scrub bun.
• Also avoid cooking acidic foods in the utensil, such as tomatoes.
• Do not use sharp edge metal spatulas while cooking, instead go for smooth edge wood spatulas.

The above tips will ensure that the cast iron cookware seasoning will last longer. But in case it starts withering you do not have to worry as you can always season it again. So what you are waiting for? Get all the cast iron pans, pots, and Dutch ovens, and season them to transform them into brand new non stick cast iron utensils.