Caring for Cast Iron Cookware

Modern cast iron pans come unseasoned and pre-seasoned.
If you purchase unseasoned cookware it must be seasoned before using.

Step 1
Seasoning:
This is done by rubbing the pans all over with either lard or shortening. Bacon grease can be used as well but I don't like it as much. Do NOT use vegetable oil. Place the pan in a cool oven of 250-300 degrees. After about 1/4 hour take it out and pour off any excess grease. Return the pan to the oven and let it bake for 2 hours. Repeat this process several times to allow the coating to adhere to the pan. In essence, you have created a primitive "non-stick" cookware.

Step2

First Uses:
When first using newly seasoned cast iron try cooking something high in fat content like bacon. This helps build up the seasoned coating and makes sure no spots have been left unchecked.

Step3

Cleaning:
First of all, throw out all concepts of soap and scouring pads. Do NOT use either on cast iron as a scouring pad will scratch and nick the seasoning barrier. Soap may seep into it and cause food to taste funny. Clean dirty pans when they are still hot by rinsing well with hot water. If the pan needs a little extra cleaning scrape it with a nylon scraper.

Step4

Storage:
Moisture is the number one enemy of cast iron so before storing cast iron cookware make sure it is completely dry. Do NOT store the pans with their lids on as condensation can cause moisture to build up inside the pan. Moisture creates rust and no one wants to eat rust in their food. Try storing the pans with an unused coffee filter inside of them. The filter will help absorb any moisture to keep the pans from rusting.

Step5

Maintenance:
There may come a time when food starts to stick or you may notice a spot or two of rust. If this happens the cookware needs to be re-seasoned. Simply heat the pan to open the pores of the cast iron and then scrape off any food residue before seasoning. Follow the instructions above to re-season if necessary.

Step6

With proper care and maintenance you will have a lifetime of use from your cast iron cookware and just like many pioneer ancestors you will be able to pass them on to the next generation. [I can't wait to get my Grandmother's large skillet from my Mother. Many good memories have been created in that pan!]