Table of Contents
Seasoning is just oil baked onto cast iron through a process called polymerization. Seasoning forms a natural, easy-release cooking surface and helps prevent your pan from rusting. It may take a little extra care, but a well-seasoned cast iron pan will last for generations.
Is seasoning cast iron necessary?
Seasoning makes your skillet release food easily, clean up quickly and remain stain- and rust-free. Some cast-iron skillets, including those made by Lodge, come pre-seasoned. However, even if your skillet comes pre-seasoned, for best results right out of the box, consider seasoning it yourself before you use it.
How often should you season cast iron?
Remember there’s no need to use your best premium brand for seasoning! How often should I season my skillet? — To get the best out of your cast iron skillet, it’s recommended that you oil it after each use. However, depending on how frequently you use it, 2-3 times a year is sufficient.
When should I Reseason cast iron?
In my experience, it’s reasonable to reseason a cast iron skillet once to 2-3 times per year. If you cook fattier foods in your skillet and avoid cleaning it with soapy water, the seasoning could last for years.
Do you have to season cast iron before first use?
Many new skillets come with a factory seasoning on them, but if you bought yours used, chances are high that you’ll want to create a hardier seasoning by cleaning up the pan and re-seasoning it.
Can you ruin a cast iron skillet?
While your cast-iron skillet might be tough, it isn’t indestructible. There are a few surefire ways to ruin the seasoning, or worse, destroy your cookware entirely. Avoid these pitfalls to keep your pan in tip-top cooking condition.
What is the difference between seasoned and unseasoned cast iron?
Seasoned cast iron is when the iron has a shiny black patina that has built up over time by using the iron regularly. Pre-seasoned is how the cast-iron is presented when unboxed. The manufacturer protects the cast iron with a light protective coating – not necessarily oil.
Can you Overseason cast iron?
I am new to cast iron and plan on buying a 12” lodge soon but wanted to know if it’s possible to over season it because I would think that it will make it non stick faster. It doesn’t work like that. You can’t over season it, but what truly builds up the seasoning is cooking in it and proper care.
Should I oil my cast iron after every use?
The easiest way is to cook with it. Every time you cook with oil, you’re potentially adding another layer to the seasoning. That’s why our simple cleaning steps have you rub oil into your pan after each use to ensure the seasoning remains for quality cooking. You can also season your cast iron cookware in the oven.
What is the best oil to season cast iron?
All cooking oils and fats can be used for seasoning cast iron, but based on availability, affordability, effectiveness, and having a high smoke point, Lodge recommends vegetable oil, melted shortening, or canola oil, like our Seasoning Spray.
Should I strip my cast iron?
Over the lifetime of a cast-iron skillet, you’ll usually just maintain or touch up its seasoning. But if the seasoning becomes very dull or damaged (seasoning flakes off) or if it badly rusts (can’t be scrubbed away), you’ll need to give it an overhaul by stripping and reseasoning the surface.
Why is my cast iron sticky after seasoning?
If the seasoning in your pan is sticky, this is a sign of excess oil built up on the cookware. The Fix: To remedy stickiness, place the cookware upside down on the top rack of the oven and bake at 450-500 degrees F for one hour. Allow to cool and repeat if necessary.
What should you not cook in cast iron?
4 Things You Should Never Cook in Cast Iron: Smelly foods. Garlic, peppers, some fish, stinky cheeses and more tend to leave aromatic memories with your pan that will turn up in the next couple of things you cook in it. Eggs and other sticky things (for a while) Delicate fish. Acidic things—maybe.
What is the first thing you do on a cast iron skillet?
But, before we get into it, here’s the long story short: To use a pre-seasoned cast iron skillet for the first time, rinse it in hot water (no soap) and pat it completely dry. Pour a generous amount of high-smoke point cooking oil inside it, then preheat (not on high) and cook with it.
How do you use cast iron for the first time?
How To Season Your Cast-Iron Skillet: Scrub skillet well in hot soapy water. Dry thoroughly. Spread a thin layer of melted shortening or vegetable oil over the skillet. Place it upside down on a middle oven rack at 375°. (Place foil on a lower rack to catch drips.) Bake 1 hour; let cool in the oven.
