How to Care for Your Cast Iron Skillet

Diving into the world of cast iron cookware opens up a realm of culinary wonders. Taking care of it keeps your pans in tip-top shape and free from rust, making your meals taste great. The magic lies in seasoning; it’s the clever trick that equips your cast iron with almost mystical powers to last for ages. A bit of oil and some heat turns your pans into kitchen legends. Cast iron pans have a history spanning over 2,000 years—imagine the stories they hold! Keeping them clean without soap helps maintain their unique charm. Curious to discover the timeless secrets of cooking with cast iron like a pro? Keep reading and transform into a cast iron master in your kitchen!

Here’s how cast iron is different from other types of cookware:

• Cast iron needs application of a film of oil (called seasoning) before you use it for the first time to prevent food from sticking to it
• When stored, cast iron needs to be dry to prevent rusting

Seasoning a Cast Iron skillet

Seasoning works like a non-stick coating and provides extra flavor.

To season your skillet, follow these steps:

1. Preheat your oven to a temperature to 150-200F. You should fine tune the temperature until your oven gives proper heat.
2. Once pre-heated, put your skillet in the oven for 15 minutes. Take it out.
3. Wipe your vegetable oil of choice on the skillet. 
4. Using a towel, wipe your skillet to leave a thin film of oil on the inside. Wipe every single excess of oil. Your skillet should not be wet, it should simply be shiny.
5. Put your skillet in the oven and set your oven at a temperature of 200-250F. Leave the skillet in for 20 minutes, from the time your oven starts preheating.
6. Take your skillet out.
7. Wipe the skillet with the towels again until you remove the oil spots.
8. Finally, put your skillet in the oven. Set your oven to a temperature between 300F and 400F. Leave the skillet in for 20 minutes again.

Cleaning a Cast Iron Skillet

Best advice is to use a plastic scraper or some salt on a sponge. Don’t worry, this does not ruin the seasoning.

Some people also prefer chainmail scrubbers.

Storing a Cast Iron skillet

Any dry place is fine.

Make sure that the skillet is completely dry, or it will rust.

Leave it on the burner for a couple of minutes.

If necessary, pad dry with a paper towel.

Common Myths About Caring for Cast Iron

• Myth 1: You cannot use soap

This is an old myth based on chemicals that soap used to contain many years ago.

There is no reason not to use modern dish soap as it is much milder.

• Myth 2: You shouldn’t scrape cast iron

You cannot really damage cast iron with a scraper like you can teflon.

Plastic scraper or some salt on a sponge is fine.

Extra Tips

• Preheat it over low to medium heat before adding oil and ingredients.
• Use tongs to place food in a hot skillet.
• Don’t move food around too much. Leave to cook evenly before flipping.
• Wash your skillet soon after use to avoid getting food stuck in the bottom.
• Once the skillet is cold, clean it using a soft cloth under warm running water.

Hope this helps!

Love,

G.

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