Unlocking the secrets to ensure your cast iron cookware remains in top-notch condition is a culinary journey worth embarking on. The unmatched virtues of cast iron, including its non-toxic nature, exceptional durability, even heating, and flavor-enhancing properties, make it an essential kitchen tool. However, the one aspect that can daunt even seasoned cooks is the mystique surrounding its maintenance.
Fear not : we have dissected the art of caring for your cast iron cookware into a series of crucial dos and don’ts. With these guidelines, you can look forward to years, if not generations, of reliable service from your beloved cast iron cookware.
DO: Season Your New Cast Iron Cookware
Even if your new pan claims to be nonstick or preseasoned, it’s wise to season it before use. Seasoning involves baking oil into the pan at a high temperature, creating a protective nonstick layer that seals the cast iron.
As the Lodge Cast Iron website aptly puts it, “The more you cook, the better it gets.”
To season your cookware, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven warms up, wash and thoroughly dry the skillet.
Using a paper towel, apply a thin coating of vegetable oil to both the inside and outside of the skillet, avoiding excessive oil, which can make the pan sticky. Place the skillet upside down in the oven on the middle rack, with a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom rack to catch any drips. Bake for one hour, then turn off the oven and allow the skillet to cool completely before removing it.
DON’T: Put Your Cast Iron Cookware in the Dishwasher
Dishwashers and harsh detergents will break down the seasoning, erasing the nonstick properties and flavor-enhancing capabilities of your cast iron cookware.
DO: Clean Your Skillet Promptly After Cooking
If you’re the type to leave dishes to soak overnight, cast iron cookware may not be your ideal choice. Rinse your pan while it’s still warm but not scalding as soon as you finish cooking.
If you encounter stubborn, cooked-on food, consider using a credit card instead of a store-bought scraper to gently remove residue. A mixture of sea salt, a touch of vegetable oil, and a plastic scouring pad or poly dish scrubber can effectively scrub away remaining residue. Rinse the pan with water and dry it immediately.
The Lodge website also recommends applying a light coat of vegetable oil after every wash and setting the seasoning by placing the cookware over a low-heat burner for three to four minutes.
DON’T: Allow Your Cast Iron Cookware to Remain Wet
Remember that cast iron is still iron, and prolonged exposure to water leads to rust. Reserve tasks involving water, like boiling, for other cookware. After washing, dry your cast iron cookware immediately to prevent rust and maintain its nonstick surface.
DO: Reseason Your Pan If Needed
If your pan becomes sticky, loses its nonstick properties, or appears gray, it’s time to reseason it. To reseason your pan, scrub it thoroughly with a small amount of dish soap and a plastic scrub brush.
Dry it completely and then season it as you did before its first use. While soap is not recommended as a regular cleaner due to its potential to strip the seasoned nonstick coating, it can be used just before reseasoning.
DON’T: Discard Your Pan If It Develops Rust
Remove any rust with a metal scouring pad or fine steel wool, then wash the pan thoroughly using water, a soft brush, and a small amount of soap if necessary.
Rinse and dry the pan immediately, and proceed to reseason it as if it were your first time using it.
Conclusion:
With proper care, cast iron cookware can endure for over a century. If you haven’t already fallen in love with your cast iron cookware, fear not the challenges of seasoning and cleaning. Rest assured, a bit of scrubbing and reseasoning can usually breathe new life into your cast iron cookware, offering a second chance for cooks who are still getting acquainted with this kitchen treasure.
The versatility and resilience of cast iron provide both incredible cooking opportunities and numerous chances to perfect your culinary creations – two compelling reasons to give your old cast iron cookware another go. Your cast iron cookware is a culinary gem, and by following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure it continues to shine for generations to come.
