Seasoning Cast Iron

Seasoning Cast Iron
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The first step in properly seasoning cast iron cookware is cleaning it. Cast iron usually comes new with a coating of casting oils to prevent rust. Clean your cast iron with hot soapy water then rinse it very well. This will be the only time your cast iron sees soap! Dry your new cookware thoroughly then bake at approximately 200 degrees for about forty five minutes. This first baking will ensure any moisture in the porous metal is cooked out.

Next, remove the iron and set it aside for a moment. Raise the oven temperature to 400 degrees. While the oven comes up to temperature, apply a thin coating of vegetable oil or shortening to the metal cookware. Do not use butter or margarine - they get sticky later down the road. Be sure to cover every exposed spot of metal on the iron.

Seasoning QuickLook

1) Wash & Dry
2) Bake in 200° oven
    for 40 minutes.

3) Rub with Corn Oil.

4) Bake in 400° oven
    for 90 minutes.

5) Repeat steps
    3 & 4 twice.

Once you've coated the entire piece with oil, place it in the oven for 90 minutes. Keep in mind you may get some smoke as the oil cooks. After the 90 minutes take it out and oil it up again while it is still warm. Put it back in the oven and cook it for another 90 minutes. Repeat this process a third time and you'll have a beautifully seasoned piece of cast iron cookware.

A Few Things to Consider...
1. This is a messy process. Use paper towels or a towel that you can toss when you're done. An old washcloth worked well and didn't disintegrate when rubbed on the cast iron over and over.
2. You can do more than one piece of cast iron at a time depending on the capacity of your oven.
3. This is a great thing to do when you have other things to do around the house.
4. You'll need pot holders! Handling heavy hot cast iron is a bit tricky.
5. There's more than one way to do this. We'll be posting two alternative methods sometime soon. Also, some new cast iron cookware comes with seasoning directions.
6. Okay, last point... The method discussed here worked well for us. Take that in the 'for what it's worth' department and have a great time. It is so worth the effort!

That's about it. If you're into cooking with cast iron - or you have that urge to try it like we did - think about picking up a book or two on the subject.