Who doesn’t love cast iron? It is super-affordable, versatile, and economical. It is made with a large piece of iron and other alloys by melting them into smaller ones. As a result, the surface of cast iron is porous or bumpy due to heat expansion. Don’t be afraid of maintaining a cast-iron skillet. It is not so difficult. Simple seasoning with oil will do the job for you.
But first things first, you need to pay attention to its cleaning and maintenance for lifetime service. The cleaning is almost similar to other cookware types but with an additional seasoning step.
How To Clean A Cast-Iron Skillet?
1. Washing: Washing your cast iron pans immediately after using them is a habit. You can wash them with warm water and a little soap.
2. Scrubbing: For the most stubborn food residues, burnt food, and grease, you can use a stainless steel scrubber to remove all this.
3. Drying: It is a crucial step in cleaning a cast iron skillet because leaving it wet will absorb moisture, and the chances of rusting are increased in this case. Dry the pan nicely with a paper towel.
4. Seasoning is an additional step in adequately maintaining cast iron cookware. You can add a small amount of oil and spread it evenly on the whole pan with the help of a paper towel or dishrag.
Why Seasoning, A Cast Iron Skillet, Is Important?
Seasoning is a fancy term used for the oiling of a cast-iron skillet. Cast iron is made up of iron, and it has a bumpy surface. Seasoning oil will help get absorbed in those bumps and create a smooth non-stick finish surface and do not let the food stuck or burn.
Most of the new cast iron cookware came pre-seasoned, so you don’t need to season it again. Instead, you can use it directly after unboxing it. Always see the manufacturer’s label claim to check the seasoning status of your new pan. If it is not pre-seasoned, you should season it before cooking anything.
How To Season A New Cast Iron
1. Unbox and wash: It is necessary to clean your cast iron skillet after unboxing it with mild soap.
2. Dry it: After washing, dry it immediately and ensure no moisture is left in your cast iron. If there are any doubts, you can put it in an oven for some time to completely evaporate the moisture.
3. Seasoning: Pour approximately a tablespoon of any vegetable oil (the most preferred ones are; grape seed oil, flaxseed, sunflower, olive, or canola oil). You can choose any of them, but remember it is essential to use only high smoke point oils for seasoning because the bond between oil and skillet should be made to achieve a seamless non-stick smooth finish.
The oil should heat up but not burn. After taking the oil, rub it on the inner surfaces, handle, and outer surface with the help of a paper towel or your fingers. Be cautious if the pan is hot. Pre heats your oven at 350°C and place your skillet in an upside-down position for about 10 minutes. Remove it after 10 minutes and again put it for 1 hour. Please do not open the oven. Then pan with caution and let allow it to cool. Your skillet is now ready to use.
Culina cast iron scrubber, soap, and conditioning stick are specifically to clean and restore your cast iron skillet and give it a nice non-stick finish matte finish. These products are made with 100% natural ingredients that are perfect for your cast iron cookware.
Cast iron cookware is the perfect fit for every kitchen, but it just needs your little attention and will give you a lifetime of service. They are versatile and give you the best cooking experience. You can cook almost everything in it, from sautéing veggies to grilling chicken, boiling, frying, or baking. So take care of your cast iron skillets.
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