Cast iron cookware is the best kitchen piece for your kitchen because they are versatile and available to cook different dishes in all the styles you want. In addition, cast iron skillets can serve you a lifetime service, so it is important to choose the right one. Cast iron skillets are best for baking, grilling, and frying.
But also, it is relatively special because it is inexpensive and not easily destroyed.
These skillet pans are ideal for grilling chicken and baking cakes and can also be used for barbeques and smoking other marinated foods. But you should not confuse its sleek and finished look for ease. Cast iron cookware requires special cleaning and seasoning to maintain the non-stick look and complete.
How To Clean A Cast Iron Skillet
Cast iron cookware has several utensil ranges and designs that are meant to give you an unforgettable cooking experience. Still, cleaning is essential to increasing your cookware’s life span. : Using cast iron minimizes water usage. Sometimes you can clean it by just wiping away all the oil, and food remains simply with the help of a paper towel, but proper cleaning is still required to avoid grease building up on your pan.
1. Wash It With A Soap: Cast iron does not support water soaking for long hours because they are metallic and are prone to build rust if exposed to water for longer times. It is recommended to wash it immediately right after using it with a gentle soap to get rid of all the oils and food residues.
2. Scrubbing Or Scrapping: If you see grease and food residues, start building up on the edges of your pan. At this point, you need to scrub it properly to get rid of it all. You can also use a pan scraper to scrap the leftover buildup material. Scrub it gently all over the surface of your pan with a scrubber or a soft-bristled brush. You can also simmer the pan in water for about 3 to 5 minutes before scrubbing.
3. Drying: Drying your cast iron is equally important as it is important to clean it. Wet cast iron pans can risk rust formation when exposed to air. It can also result in fungal growth. So, dry your pans with a paper towel after washing and scrubbing them.
How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet
Most of cast iron cookware comes pre-seasoned, but with time and usage, it requires frequent cleaning and seasoning to keep the utensils safe and healthy. Seasoning cast iron is important to retain the seamless look and non-stick nature.
Why Seasoning A Cast Iron Is Necessary
There are many reasons to season your cast iron. One of them is to maintain its look and increase its lifespan. Another major reason to season them is to avoid lousy food odors. Cast iron is usually more prone to retain food odors than other non-stick cookware, and seasoning is the best option. Cast iron pans are made by melting iron with carbon as a finished material, leaving a porous and bumpy surface that is expanded every time it is exposed to heat. Therefore, to reduce the porous surface that is specifically not ideal for cooking, it is recommended to season it with suitable vegetable oil for a good cooking experience. With continuous seasoning, a layer of oils will be developed, the bumpy surfaces will become smooth, and the process is called Polymerization.
What Is Polymerization And How It Helps In Seasoning A Cast Iron
Polymerization is a process of fat breakdown. Due to repeated seasoning, the larger fat chains will be broken down into smaller ones, giving your cast iron cookware a smooth, shiny, and lustrous look.
How To Season A Cast Iron?
The best way to keep your cast iron free from rust or buildup is to season it properly and cook with it. Every time you season your skillet, large fat molecules will break and give a non-bumpy and smoother surface for cooking. Always remember that an ideal temperature is required for seasoning that can cause Polymerization. A slow and steady temperature will do the job. We don’t want a very high temperature. Otherwise, the oil will be burnt and produces smoke.
Thus, the following steps can be followed to season a cast-iron skillet;
1. Wipe away all the dust and debris with the help of a paper towel.
2. Pre-heat your oven to approximately 300° C
3. Pour the oil evenly on the inner surface of the cast iron. Vegetable oils like Flaxseed, Sunflower, and Grapeseed are usually recommended for seasoning cook-wares. You can also use any other vegetable oil with a higher melting point.
4. You can use a paper towel to evenly rub the oil on all surfaces of your cast iron skillet. Repeat the process a few times until all the surfaces are covered with oil but not dripping.
5. Place the cast iron into the oven for about 10 minutes approximately and take it out with care.
6. Heat the oven again at 400° C and put the cast iron skillet back for about an hour. During this time, do not open the oven.
7. Take out the pan and let it cool.
Now, your cast iron skillet is ready for cooking.
Culina Cast Iron Seasoning Stick
No hustle for seasoning your cast iron pans anymore. Culina cast iron seasoning stick has made it extremely handy, comfortable, and economical to season your cookware by simply using this. You are manufactured with 100% organic ingredients that create a smooth, non-stick, and lustrous appearance of your cookware for a great cooking experience. Clean cookware always contributes to the good taste of food.
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