How to Season and Care for Your Cast Iron Cookware

If you’re new to cooking with cast iron, seasoning and caring for your cookware might seem like a daunting task. However, with a little bit of knowledge and some simple steps, you can keep your cast iron cookware in tip-top shape for years to come.

Understanding Seasoning

Before we dive into how to season and care for your cast iron cookware, it’s important to understand what seasoning is. Seasoning is a layer of oil that’s baked onto the cast iron, creating a hard, protective coating that prevents rust and makes the cookware non-stick.

Why It’s Important to Season Your Cast Iron Cookware

Without proper seasoning, your cast iron cookware can become rusty, and food will stick to the surface, making it difficult to cook with. Proper seasoning not only makes your cookware non-stick, but it also protects the metal from moisture and rust.

How to Season Your Cast Iron Cookware

There are two ways to season your cast iron cookware: cooking with it and seasoning it in the oven.

Cooking with Your Cast Iron Cookware

One of the easiest ways to maintain the seasoning on your cast iron cookware is to cook with it regularly. Every time you cook with oil, you’re potentially adding another layer of seasoning to your cookware. However, there are some activities that can remove seasoning, such as cooking acidic foods or using abrasive utensils or scouring pads. To prevent this, it’s important to rub oil into your pan after each use to ensure the seasoning remains intact.

Seasoning in the Oven

Although cooking with your cast iron cookware is a great way to maintain seasoning over time, seasoning the cookware in the oven is an effective way to create a more thorough and long-lasting seasoning layer.

Step 1: Clean Your Cast Iron Cookware

Before seasoning your cast iron cookware, it’s important to clean it thoroughly. If the cookware is brand new, you can skip this step. However, if it’s been used before, you’ll want to clean off any rust or residue using hot water, soap, and a scouring pad.

Step 2: Coat with Oil

Once your cast iron cookware is clean and dry, coat it with a thin layer of oil. You can use any type of oil you prefer, such as vegetable or canola oil. Be sure to rub the oil all over the cookware, including the handle and any other exposed surfaces.

Step 3: Heat in the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and place your oiled cast iron cookware upside down on the top rack of the oven. Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom rack to catch any oil drips. Bake for one hour, then turn off the oven and allow the cookware to cool completely inside the oven.

Step 4: Repeat

To create a more durable seasoning layer, you can repeat steps 2 and 3 as many times as you like, until the cookware is well-seasoned.

How to Care for Your Cast Iron Cookware

Properly caring for your cast iron cookware is just as important as seasoning it. Here are some simple tips to keep in mind:

Don’t Soak Your Cast Iron Cookware

Cast iron cookware should never be soaked in water or left to sit in water, as this can cause the cookware to rust.

Clean Your Cast Iron Cookware After Each Use

After each use, scrub your cast iron cookware with a stiff brush and hot water. Avoid using soap, as this can remove the seasoning layer.

Re-Season Your Cast Iron Cookware as Needed

Over time, the seasoning layer on your cast iron cookware may wear off or become damaged. When this happens, it’s important to re-season the cookware to maintain its non-stick properties.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to season and care for your cast iron cookware, you can cook with confidence knowing that your cookware is in good shape. With a little bit of maintenance and care, your cast iron cookware will last for years to come.

FAQ

1. Can I use soap to clean my cast iron cookware?

No, it’s not recommended to use soap to clean your cast iron cookware. Soap can remove the seasoning layer, which is essential for making the cookware non-stick.

2. Can I use metal utensils on my cast iron cookware?

Yes, you can use metal utensils on your cast iron cookware, but be careful not to scratch the surface, as this can damage the seasoning layer.

3. How do I store my cast iron cookware?

To prevent rusting, store your cast iron cookware in a cool, dry place, such as a cupboard. Avoid stacking the cookware on top of each other, as this can damage the seasoning layer.

4. How often should I re-season my cast iron cookware?

It’s recommended to re-season your cast iron cookware two or three times a year, or whenever the seasoning layer becomes damaged or worn off.

5. Can I use my cast iron cookware on an induction cooktop?

Yes, cast iron cookware is compatible with induction cooktops.