Cooking Lesson: Seasoning Cast Iron Like The Pros
By
Michael Lansing
In the days before we had foods bacon, fatty meats,
non-stick cookware, we had the etc. to again strengthen the
next best thing - seasoned seasoning bond.
cast iron cookware. While non-
stick cookware has certainly
outdone cast iron cookware in Re-seasoning Cookware
the non-stick category, cast
iron pots and pans are still If you find that you seasoned
favored by many chefs, the pan improperly the first
including the professionals time, or if food starts to
because of their durability stick to the pan after a
and ability to retain flavor. period of time in use, you may
want to re-season the
But, if you're not lucky cookware.
enough to have a hand-me-down
from Grandma, you may find 1. Wash the cookware
yourself confused about how to thoroughly with a steel wool
become a cast iron chef. Have pad doing this while the pan
no fear - you can learn to is warm and still safe to
season cast iron cookware with touch is best.
the pros and keep them in 2. Make sure the pan is
great shape for years to fully dry use a towel if
come. needed.
3. Follow the seasoning
steps above to re-season the
Seasoning New Cast Iron pan.
Cookware
The process is actually quite Cleaning Your Cast Iron
simple. When done correctly, Cookware
your pans will last a long
time and may even become your To make your cookware last
own hand-me -downs in the the test of time, be sure to
future. take proper care of it.
Remember the creed of every
1. Heat your oven to 300 enthusiast of cast iron - no
degrees. soap and no steel wool. Soap
2. Coat the pan with lard or and steel wool will cause a
grease. Be sure that you do breakdown in the seasoning
not use vegetable oil or bond and should not be used to
commercial cooking sprays. clean your cookware on a
While they may seem easier, regular basis. If you're
they will not only cause your baffled at this moment, have
cookware to be seasoned no fear. Cleaning cast iron
incorrectly, but they will cookware is a breeze.
also leave a sticky film on
the outside of the cookware 1. You'll need to rinse your
that is impossible to cookware while it is still
remove. hot. If food is stuck to it,
3. Place the pan in the oven then scrape the pan or pot as
on the middle rack and allow needed.
it to bake for 15 minutes.
4. Remove the pan and pour That's it! Remember not to
out any excess grease or lard. store food in your cast iron
cookware because it may attach
5. Put the pan back into the a metallic flavor to the
oven and bake for another two food. In addition, store your
hours. pans with the lids off to
6. Repeat as needed prevent moisture from
accumulating and rusting from
Many cast iron enthusiasts occurring.
will swear upon repeating the
seasoning process several Now that you know the ins and
times before ever using the outs to cast iron cookware,
cookware the first time. Each you can start creating your
time you season the cookware, own family heirloom - as well
the seasoning bond becomes as some great food!
stronger. Many people will
recommend that the first few
times the cookware is used it
should be used to cook greasy
About the author:
Mike Lansing is a retired chef who spent most of his time as a Head Chef in New Orleans after training in France. He spends his free time cooking for family and friends, as well as serving as a contributing editor for CookingSchools101.com which offers information on Cooking Schools for those wishing to enter the trade.
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