Don’t Skimp On the Seasoning
Seasoning is an old school process that produces a corrosion-resistant and stick-resistant coating on your cookware. It not only helps protect your iron but also adds great flavor to everything you cook. But to get the benefit of seasoning, you've got to do it right.
Even if you've bought a "pre-seasoned" pan, you'll benefit from creating your own seasoning. The easiest way is to simply use your pan by frying fattier foods like bacon, but this takes some time. If you want to do it quicker, you'll want to carbonize the fat—which only happens after it exceeds its smoke point. Here's a foolproof seasoning method, endorsed by Food52.
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$12.95 by
Napa Valley Naturals
Choose your oil carefully
Any chef or cooking expert we asked suggested using grapeseed oil for cast iron. The high smoke point and low saturated fat content makes it easy to cook with and the neutral odor and taste ensure it leaves behind a smooth, slick and durable seasoning.
$12.95 by Napa Valley Naturals
Don’t boil water
A constant boil will weaken the seasoning's nonstick finish and cause the built-up seasoning to release. The degraded seasoning will likely be pitted and no longer smooth. This will also dot your food with black bits that probably don't look or taste all that good. If this does happen, you'll need to re-season your pan.
$14.95 by
Greater Goods
Have this tool on hand
When you need to clean dried food or hardened bits off the bottom of your pan, a chain mail scrubber puts any rags, sponges or even salt to shame. It scrapes away the gunk without tearing up your hard-won seasoning. It's also dishwasher-safe.