Cast Iron Seasoning

Believe it or not, but seasoning your cast iron pots and pans before using them is a very important step to take in caring for cast iron cookware.

For a new piece of cast iron cookware you will need to season it prior to using it, this will not only protect your pans in years to come but it will make the food taste much better and keep your cast iron from becoming damaged.

Seasoning is the process of applying a thin coat of cooking oil to the entire surface of your cookware, then baking it to create a non-stick finish.

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

• Wash the cookware inside and out with a mild detergent and stiff brush.

• Rinse and dry the cookware thoroughly.

• Spread or spray a thin coat of your choice of oil, ranging from vegetable oil to pork fat, over the entire surface inside and out including the handles.

• Lower both of your oven racks to the two positions.
• Line the lower rack with foil will help to catch the drippings.

• Place the cookware upside down and bake for one hour. Turn off the oven and leave the cookware in the oven until cool.

• Repeating the process will darken the cookware even more.

• Use will also result in the iron darkening to a smooth black finish this is what you want your cookware to eventually look like.

• Never use harsh detergents on your cookware it will cause the seasoning to be removed use a brush or salt to remove stuck on items.

If you do not cook meat on this item, you may have to re-spray cooking oil after washing to help pan darken.