How to Care for Your Cast Iron Cookware: The Essential Guide

Cast iron cookware is a staple in any kitchen, whether you’re a professional chef or just starting out in the world of cooking. Cast iron skillets and pans are durable, heat evenly, and produce a fantastic, non-stick surface for all kinds of meals, from seared meats to golden-brown cornbread. But, like any tool, cast iron cookware requires care and attention to last a lifetime. In this guide, we’ll explain why seasoning is essential, how to season cast iron in the oven and on the stove, and the best ways to care for your cast iron cookware.

Understanding Seasoning

Why Seasoning is Essential

When you buy a new cast iron skillet, it often comes pre-seasoned from the factory, but that pre-seasoning is just the beginning. Before you start using your skillet, you need to add several more layers of seasoning to create a protective layer that will make your skillet durable, heat-resistant, and non-stick.

How Seasoning Works

Seasoning involves heating incredibly thin layers of fat, like oil, on the cast iron. As the fat heats, it bonds to the metal and to itself in a process called polymerization, forming a hard, blackened skin that protects the metal from rust and makes it non-stick.

How to Season Cast Iron in the Oven

Step-by-Step Guide

• Wash and dry your pan
• Rub the pan with oil and buff well
• Heat the pan in the oven for 30 minutes
• Repeat this process several times to build up several layers of seasoning

How to Season Cast Iron on the Stove

Step-by-Step Guide

• Clean your pan with warm, soapy water
• Preheat your pan on the stove over medium heat
• Add a thin layer of oil to the pan
• Use a paper towel to spread the oil evenly over the entire surface of the pan, including the sides
• Let the pan cool completely before using it
• Repeat the seasoning process several times to build up several layers of seasoning

How to Care for Cast Iron Cookware

General Maintenance Tips

• Avoid soaking your cast iron in water, which can create rust
• Clean your cast iron immediately after use
• Scrub the cast iron with salt and water, avoiding soap
• Dry your cast iron completely before storing it

Restoring Rusty Cast Iron

If your cast iron skillet has rusted, don’t panic! You can restore it to its former glory by using a rust eraser and then re-seasoning the skillet.

Conclusion

Caring for your cast iron cookware isn’t difficult, but it does require a little bit of attention and the right technique. Whether you choose to season your cast iron in the oven or on the stove, the most important thing is to build up several layers of seasoning, which will make your cookware durable, heat-resistant, and non-stick. So next time you use your trusty cast iron skillet, give it a little extra love and care!

FAQs

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

No, it’s best to avoid soap when cleaning your cast iron skillet, as it can remove the seasoning and make your skillet less non-stick. Instead, use kosher salt and water to scrub off any food particles or residue.

2. What kind of oil should I use to season my cast iron cookware?

You can use any kind of oil to season your cast iron cookware, but vegetable oil, canola oil, and corn oil are great choices because they’re unsaturated and easy to spread.

3. Can I use my cast iron skillet on an induction cooktop?

Yes, cast iron cookware works great on induction cooktops, as they provide even heat distribution and are highly durable.

4. What should I do if my cast iron skillet starts to rust?

If your cast iron skillet starts to rust, you can use a rust eraser to remove the rust and then re-season the skillet to make it non-stick again.

5. Can I use my cast iron skillet in the oven?

Yes, cast iron cookware is oven-safe, so you can use it to make delicious baked dishes like cornbread, casseroles, and more.