Author: cruciblecookware

5 Best Ways to Season Your Cast Iron Cookware for Lasting Durability

Seasoning is crucial for turning new cast iron into nonstick wonders free of rust. This process of oil polymerization rejuvenates old cookware too. Check out these 5 effective methods for long-lasting cast iron seasoning at home:

1. The Traditional Oven Seasoning Method

One traditional route that works quite well is to season your cast iron using the oven. To begin, please preheat the oven to 375°F. Ensure that your cookware is completely clean and also dry. Using a towel or some paper, rub the cast iron surface lightly to make sure that it is clean and completely dry, then apply just enough oil (of your choice) on this surface. To prevent sticky or oily residue, you can use a paper towel to clean up any excessive oil. Put the cookware upside down in an oven, having a piece of aluminum foil or a baking sheet beneath to collect the drips. Then bake for about an hour and turn off the oven to let the cookware cool down inside. This technique is ideal for things such as a cast iron Dutch oven or a cast iron pizza pan.

2. Stovetop Seasoning Technique

Stovetop seasoning is quite a good alternative for a faster approach. Preheat your dry cast iron skillet in the medium heat of a stove. When hot, add a small amount of oil and coat it evenly with paper towels or even silicon sleeves to ensure safety. Put the skillet on the heat and allow it to smoke, then switch off until cool. Repeat this process 2-3 times. This approach is perfect for less large cookware like bread pan

3. Application of the Shortening for a Lasting Top Coat

Another common seasoning agent of cast iron is the shortening. It is highly smokeable, durable, and able to coat evenly. This should be followed by rubbing some shortening on the entire surface area of your cookware, the handle, and also the cookware lids.

Rinse the cookware and put it upside down in a preheated oven at 375°F with a baking sheet placed under the cookware. Bake this for one hour, then cool it in the oven. This is especially useful for cookware that is used on a regular basis, such as a cast-iron griddle.

4. Seasoning with Cooking Fats

If you like it natural, you can use cooking fats such as lard or bacon fat for the seasoning. In the case of these fats, after finishing cooking, while the pan is still warm, a paper towel is to be used to smear the fat so that it so thoroughly covers the entire surface to form a film.

Heat the pan on the stove until it starts smoking, and then let it cool down. This technique is ideal for an already well-seasoned cast iron skillet or a cast iron pot, as it imparts a taste and also enhances the non-stick over the years.

Takeaway

Invest in high-quality cast iron cookware like those available at Crucible Cookware that imbibe seasoning integrity for decades. Be it cast iron skillets, Dutch ovens, or grill pans, their superior craftsmanship and pre-seasoning assist everyday nonstick cooking attempts.

Essential Tips for Maintaining Your Cast Iron Pot

Cast iron pots and pans have made a major comeback in recent years, for good reason. When cared for properly, cast iron cookware can last for generations. Cast iron provides superior heat retention and distribution, ideal for searing, frying, braising, and more. The natural non-stick properties also make cast iron a breeze to cook with.

However, cast iron requires special maintenance to keep it in peak cooking condition. If youÕve recently added cast iron cookware to your kitchen, follow these essential tips to clean, season, and care for it. With the right techniques, your cast iron pot or pan will provide a lifetime of delicious meals.

Proper Seasoning is Key

Seasoning is coating a cast iron pizza pan with a thin layer of oil and slowly heating it to turn the oil into a natural, non-stick finish. The seasoning on a new cast iron pot needs to be built up over time. Even very old, heavily seasoned cast iron benefits from occasional re-seasoning.

Make sure to season your cookware 2-3 times when new, and re-season occasionally to restore the finish. You can season in the oven or on the stovetop. Use a high smoke point oil like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil. Thinly coat the entire surface, inside and out. Heat slowly and evenly until the oil turns dark and develops a sheen.

Know When to Scrub

While soap and water are big no-nos for cast iron, you can and should wash with hot water, a stiff brush, and a paste of coarse salt and oil. This scrubbing cleans without stripping away seasoning. Do this after cooking especially messy foods.

For stuck-on bits, boil water in the pot for 5 minutes to loosen debris, then scrub. For burnt food residue, sprinkle with salt and scrub with a potato half. The salt acts as an abrasive and the potato helps scrub without hurting the seasoning.

Store and Handle With Care

Avoid banging cast iron cookware around, which can cause the seasoning to crack or chip. Always hand wash gently with a soft sponge or brush. Lift and move cast iron carefully.

When storing, avoid stacking cast iron or nesting pots inside one another. This could lead to scratching. Once dry, rub the item with a light oil coating before storing to maintain the seasoning.

If your cast iron develops rust spots from improper drying or humidity, scrub the rust away immediately and re-season. This prevents permanent damage.

Restore Seasoning Regularly

No matter how carefully you care for your cast iron dutch oven or other cookware, the seasoning will slowly degrade. Restore and strengthen your seasoning every few months to keep cast iron in top cooking condition.

Scrub away any debris per above instructions, then coat in a fresh layer of oil and re-season in the oven on a low 300¡F for an hour or so, rotating occasionally. This revitalizes the non-stick patina. Repeat anytime the seasoning looks worn or spotty.

Conclusion

With the right care and maintenance, your investment in long-lasting cast iron cookware will pay off for years. Always properly season, gently hand wash, dry thoroughly, and avoid cooking overly acidic or sugary foods. With these essential tips, you can pass your cast iron pots and pans down to the next generation of home cooks.

For high-quality cast iron cookware that will become family heirlooms, browse the selection atTheir American-made pots, pans, and accessories are designed to last a lifetime.