How To Season Cast Iron Cookware

Here’s how to keep that favorite iron skillet in perfect cooking condition. This tip was originally included with How To Clean Cast Iron Cookware (published August 27, 2007) but moved here to it’s own file.

How To Season Cast Iron Cookware

Cooking In A Cast Iron Skillet

• Wash and scrub with fine scouring powder to remove its lacquer coating.
• Rinse and dry it thoroughly and then coat it generously over the inside with unsalted fat or vegetable oil.
• Let it stand over a low flame for two or three hours, rubbing on more fat evenly at intervals of 20 or 25 minutes. Can also warm first on stovetop then place in a 350 degree oven to do this.
• Use a cloth or paper towel to wipe out the grease, wash the utensil in hot soapsuds, rinse and dry it thoroughly.
• For the first dozen or so times the pan is used, rub the inside with oil or fat and it will gradually become fully seasoned.

Tips

• After the first seasoning, try cooking dishes with animal fats or deep fried and sauteed items. This will help the seasoning process and develop a non-stick surface over time.
• You can use shortening, grape seed oil, lard, bacon grease, cooking spray, to grease and season the cookware.
• Cooking with acidic foods such as lemons, vinegar and wine can strip the seasoning. Watch and re-season if necessary.

If you invested in new cookware, your best bet is to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

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