Seasoning a Cast Iron Skillet

You can never let go of some good old things, no matter how many flashy and high technology things come up. A cast iron skillet is a good example of this. Your grandma used it, your mom used it and you use it too. Seasoning a cast iron skillet is what gives it such a long life. So every cook or cooking enthusiast worth his salt, should know, how to season a cast iron skillet. I myself have a heirloom cast iron skillet, which is the pride of my kitchen. Being a Virgo, I am very touchy about all my things and need them to be in perfect order. So I made sure that I learned how to season a cast iron skillet as well as learn all the great recipes made possible by it.

New non-sticking pans cannot provide the same even cooking temperatures and natural non-sticky coating that a seasoned cast iron skillet provides. Many top chefs still prefer to use a cast iron skillet, instead of ultra modern chemically coated non-sticking pans for the same reason. Here, I will show you the right way of seasoning a cast iron skillet at home. You must season it often, to maintain an even, natural oil layer on it that aids good cooking. A charred or burnt look, with a black layer is the sign of a well seasoned cast iron skillet. It is a valuable addition to your cookware.

Steps in Seasoning a Cast Iron Skillet
Here is a stepwise procedure for seasoning a cast iron skillet.

Step 1: Remove all Adhesive, Packaging and Clean it Thoroughly
If you are starting out with a new cast iron skillet, then the first part of seasoning involves removing all the stickers, surface dirt and adhesive from it. Then clean it with soap water thoroughly and remember, that this is the last time you use water with it. Henceforth, after seasoning, you will only clean it with salt and dry paper. One must know how to clean a cast iron skillet avoiding water in the cleaning process, as this saves it from rusting.

Step 2: Prepare Skillet and Ready the Oven
Next, preheat the oven to about 350°F or higher. Apply cooking oil, bacon grease or animal lard generously over the skillet surface. Apply as even and thick coat, as possible. Seasoning a cast iron skillet takes a lot of patience.

Step 3: Place Skillet in Oven
Place the skillet inside the oven and heat it for around an hour or so. Do not be alarmed, if you smell some smoke. This is normal. The oil settles down and fills all the crevices in the skillet to creates an even surface, which ultimately ensures even temperature heating.

Step 4: Remove and Let it Cool
Remove the cat iron skillet from the oven and let it cool down. As the skillet cools, you will see a shiny black layer over the skillet surface. Seasoning a cast iron skillet once is not enough. Just as vintage wine requires years to acquire taste, your cast iron will require years of seasoning, before it gets any close, to be comparable to your grandmother's prized cast iron skillet. Always clean the surface of the skillet after use and clean it thoroughly. Remember the 'no water' rule, when you clean it. Season the skillet, as often as you can. It will slowly get that charred black look, that is the mark of a well seasoned skillet.

Cooking is not just about getting recipes right. It is also about using right tools for the right job and maintaining them. We must master all these little tricks of the trade, like seasoning a cast iron skillet, which go a long way in making you a great cook.