Tips For Seasoning Your Cookware

What does seasoning a cast iron pot or skillet mean? Seasoning is the term to describe the process of sealing your cookware to protect it from rusting. The basic process of seasoning cast iron cookware involves heating your cookware and applying heat to the pot. Oil is absorbed into the pores of the cookware and servers several purposes. First, a well seasoned cast iron pot won't rust easily. Secondly, your well seasoned cast iron skillet will be virtually non-stick.
Do I need to season my cast iron cookware? At some point all cast iron will need to be reseasoned. The current trend in cast iron pots and pans is to have them preseasoned as they are made. Vegetable oil is spread over the surface of the cookware and then baked into the pots before they ever leave the factory. A similar process can be replicated in your kitchen to reseason the cookware. Unseasoned cast iron cookware should be seasoned before it is used.
Your cookware will likely come with exact seasoning instructions. You can usually use one of many techniques. Most brands recommend that you apply a layer of melted vegetable shortening too the cookware. Then heating the pot or pan in the oven at 350F for an hour. Let the cookware cool then remove from the oven. Others prefer to season their cast iron on their stovetops. Apply vegetable oil to the cast iron pot and rub it in with a rag. Heat the pot on the stove top and wipe away excess oil. When the pot begins to smoke lightly, remove it from heat and reapply oil. Repeat these steps and then allow to cool. There are even others who prefer to season their cast iron outdoors over open fires. They apply the oil then place the cookware over an open flame. This process often leaves the pot covered with a black soot and also is the reason why some refer to the seasoning process as burning a black pot.
I hope this helps you to better understand what seasoning cast iron cookware means, and how you can achieve this no matter what your settings are. Properly seasoning your cast iron is critical for keeping your cookware in its best possible condition.


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Six Benefits of Cooking With Cast Iron Cookware

Cookware fads come and go, but the use of cast iron pots and pans in the kitchen has been around for generations. There are several reasons why cast iron cookware has remained popular for generations.

1. It will last a lifetime or longer! When cared for, cast iron cookware can be passed down for generations. It's also very durable and popular for outdoor cooking.
2. It's affordable! Unlike copper cookware sets which may cost you several thousands of dollars, cast iron sets can be purchased for a few hundred dollars.
3. It cooks really well! From corn bread in a cast iron skillet, to crawfish ettoufee cooking over an open fire. It's hard to beat the quality of cast iron cookware. It evenly distributes heat, and can retain that heat for long periods of time.
4. It's Durable! Cast iron cookware can be used on electric or gas stoves. It can go straight in the oven or even right on an open fire. You also wont need special utensils for cooking in your favorite cast iron skillet.
5. It's non-stick! Once properly seasoned, cast iron cookware requires little to no oil and has a natural non-stick surface. This eliminates the need for unhealthy oils or chemical surfaces to give you a non-stick surface.
6. It's a natural source of Iron! Cast iron cookware naturally adds healthy amounts of iron to your food as you cook in it.

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6 Tips For Cleaning Cast Iron Cookware

6 Tips For Cleaning Your Cast Iron Cookware

Cast Iron Cookware can last for generations when properly cared for. Here are a few tips for keeping your cookware clean and rust free.

1. Always dry your cookware after washing. Warm the cast iron until visible signs of moisture are gone.
2. Use a mild detergent when cleaning. Harsher detergents will lift oils that are important for keeping your cookware seasoned.
3. Store your cast iron cookware in a warm dry area.
4. Never put your cast iron in a dishwasher.
5. When storing your cookware for a long period of time, it is good to spray it with PAM or a light coat of oil to protect the seasoning.
6. Don't store acidic foods in your cast iron cookware.

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