Cast Iron Skillet

Cast iron is one of the widely used materials, for making cookware. Such cookware have been used by humans for a very long time. Apart from being less expensive, as compared to the latest Teflon-coated ones, cast iron cookware are also valued for their heat retention and even diffusion properties. If properly cared for, skillets and other cast iron vessels can be maintained through the generations.

How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet

While, base cast iron cookware has been used for a very long time, seasoned ones are more preferred, especially, for dishes like scrambled eggs, steak, etc. This is because, seasoning provides a non-stick type coating, apart from preventing the formation of rust. Seasoning can be done at home, if you know the right methods. Seasoning can be done on both new and old pans. In order to season cast iron skillets, coat the vessel with lard (can be replaced with bacon grease). Some people use vegetable oil (liquid), but, this is not recommended, as it may make the surface of the skillet sticky. Once done, place the skillet inside the oven that is preheated to 250 °F - 300 °F. After 15 minutes, take it out and discard the excess grease, before returning the vessel inside the oven. Now, all you have to do is to bake the skillet for at least two hours. It will be better to cook fatty foods in the newly seasoned skillet, as the grease will strengthen the non stick coating over the pan.

Old skillets may require re-seasoning, if you find food sticking to the surfaces, where the old seasoning has worn off. This may also be required in case of those cast iron cookware that are not properly seasoned earlier or those which develops rust. Before seasoning such old skillets, make sure to clean them with hot water and brush. Once clean, dry it with clean towels and season as per the guidelines given below.

How to Care for Cast Iron Skillets

While seasoning provides a non stick surface for cast iron cookware, proper care is also necessary to maintain the vessel in good shape. Maintenance of these skillets involves protecting the seasoning. Regular methods of cleaning with scrubs and brushes may damage this 'non stick' coating. Even dishwashers are also said to damage the seasoning of cast iron vessels. While, some people recommend wiping the skillets after use and not washing with scrubs or hot water, some others consider this method to be unhygienic. There are also chances of the oil or the grease getting rancid. So, it will be better to use a mild soap and water for cleaning such skillet and drying the vessel, before applying a coat of oil. Some others use salt for cleaning cast iron cookware. They simply scrub the vessel with coarse salt and then wipe off with a clean cloth or paper towel.

It is always better to clean cast iron skillets, straight from the stove (or when they are hot). Use a small amount of soap to remove the grease and never scrub, if not necessary. Always dry these vessels, before storing, as the presence of moisture will result in rust formation. Even the lids must be stored separately, especially, in areas with humid weather. You must refrain from storing foods in these vessels. This is because the acidic contents in the food will damage the seasoning. Such foods may develop a metallic taste, as a small amount of iron will leach into the food.

Cast iron cookware are also considered healthy, as compared to the latest non stick cookware. But, those with health problems caused by excess iron, must avoid using such cookware, as small amounts of iron may leach into the food cooked in such vessels. However, these vessels are said to be good for anemic people, as they face iron deficiency. So, get a brand new skillet and try special cast iron skillet recipes like pineapple upside down cake, apple pancake, beef stew, French toast, cornbread, etc.