How to Season Cast Iron Cookware
So you have bought new cast iron cookware, now what? Most people are used to cookware that they bring home from the store, unpack from the box, wash with hot soapy water and use. They have no idea what to do with cast iron cookware. They may have heard something about seasoning it before using, but what is seasoning and why is it needed? It sounds like a lot of work, but it is really very simple.Seasoning is a process of applying oil to the skillet, pot, pan or any piece of cast iron cookware and heating it. The heat allows the oil to seep into the pores fo the cast iron turning it a deep black color and creating a nonstick surface. This should be done before it is used for the first time. It is not necessary to season cast iron cookware each time it is used.
To season cast iron cookware, start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees. While the oven is preheating, scrub the cookware with a stiff brush in hot soapy water. Dry thoroughly and coat the inside and outside surfaces with either vegetable oil or melted shortening. Once the oven is preheated, place the cast iron cookware on the middle shelf and leave in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove it from the oven and dry all surfaces with a cloth to prevent the oil from puddling. Place the cast iron cookware back in the oven for another 30 minutes.
It is now ready for cooking the best fried chicken you will ever eat! Just wipe it clean with a damp cloth or fill with water and bring to a boil, pour out the boiling water and dry. If detergent or a scrubbing pad are used to clean cast iron cookware, it will remove the seasoning and it will have to be reseasonsed be for using again.