How do you condition cast iron?

What can you use to condition cast iron?

All cooking oils and fats can be used for seasoning cast iron, but based on availability, affordability, effectiveness, and having a high smoke point, Lodge recommends vegetable oil, melted shortening, or canola oil, like our Seasoning Spray.

What is the best oil to condition cast iron?

The best oil for seasoning cast iron is grapeseed oil because of its high smoke point and versatility. Similar options include peanut oil and vegetable oil. The oil you choose also depends on the heat you intend on using as well as which flavors you prefer.

How do you treat cast iron before use?

How do you moisturize cast iron?

To maintain the seasoning, oil the pan after each use, returning it to the burner over medium-low heat after cleaning (see below) and then rubbing it down with oil and paper towels until it's smooth and shiny with no visible residue.

how to clean a CAST IRON PAN after cooking

Should I oil my cast iron after every use?

— To get the best out of your cast iron skillet, it's recommended that you oil it after each use. However, depending on how frequently you use it, 2-3 times a year is sufficient. How can I tell when my skillet is seasoned properly? — A well-seasoned skillet will be noticeably dark with a shiny, semi-gloss finish.

Can you use olive oil on cast iron?

Do not use olive oil or butter to season your cast-iron pan — they're great to cook with, just not for initial seasoning. Place the pan upside down on the top rack of the oven and bake for 1 hour. Turn off the oven, leaving the pan in the oven to cool completely as the oven cools down.

Do you have to treat a new cast iron pan?

Cure or Season Before Use

A new uncoated or non-seasoned cast iron fry pan also must be cured or seasoned before you can use them―there's no way around that. That includes old pans you inherited from your grandmother, picked up at yard sales (unless in great shape) and any other older cast iron cookware.

How can you tell if cast iron is seasoned?

An easy way to test a skillet's seasoning is to fry an egg (heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes, then add egg). If your pan is well-seasoned, you should not experience any major sticking.

Do you need to season cast iron?

Cast iron pans need seasoning. Seasoning is the black patina that builds up on your cast iron skillet with regular use, a non-stick surface that's slick enough for eggs to skate across the pan, but tough enough to withstand the blazing heat needed to properly sear a steak.

Is coconut oil good for cast iron?

But can you use coconut oil to season cast iron? Yes! It's important to warm your pan before adding the coconut oil; 350 F ideally. If you're careful to make sure that your pan is seasoned well, this oil is also perfect for daily cast iron cooking.

Is bacon grease good for seasoning cast iron?

Part of caring for your cast iron skillet is seasoning it to keep the surface smooth and to give it a non-stick sheen. Although you can use oil or shortening to season your cast iron skillet, bacon grease works just as well.

How much oil does it take to season cast iron?

You'll only need about ⅛ teaspoon of oil to season your cooking surface, but you want to start with more, to make sure you have even coverage before wiping away any excess. Use a clean paper towel to rub the oil in concentric circles, then take a fresh paper towel and wipe up all the residue.

What you should not cook in cast iron?

Can you ruin cast iron?

Famously durable, these pans are often passed down through generations. With proper reseasoning care, years of frequent use can actually improve the pan's “seasoning”—its natural nonstick coating. But sadly, cast iron skillets can indeed break.

When should I Reseason cast iron?

An iron skillet should be reseasoned if it has not been used in a very long time or if the regular use and cleaning of the skillet has caused the seasoning to wear off. I have found that the more you obsess over scrubbing and cleaning your skillet after each use, the more often you need to reseason it.

Do you have to season cast iron before first use?

For first time users who have no idea about what is seasoning, It is nothing but proper care for the pan at regular intervals. Regular seasoning will help the pan to protect from getting rust and give the ability to last for generations.

Should you wash cast iron before first use?

When it comes to new and used skillets — a little soap and water is a good thing. This first wash removes factory residue or rust bits. Make sure you rinse and dry the pan well after this first washing. You'll likely only need to wash your skillet with soap once or twice a year if you take good care of it.

Why do eggs stick to cast iron?

Mighty Nest lists the three most common reasons why your eggs may be getting stuck: Your cast iron skillet isn't seasoned enough, there's not enough fat, or you have the pan over the wrong heat temperature. During the preheat stage, the pan should be over medium-high heat.

Can you cook eggs on cast iron?

With a few simple tricks to choose the right oil and get your pan to that just-right temperature, you'll get eggs with crispy edges and runny yolks every time (if that's your jam). But don't worry, cast iron makes the perfect egg no matter how you like them done!

Can you use PAM on cast iron?

Do not try to use nonstick sprays like Pam to season your cast iron skillet, as they contain other ingredients that aren't good for your pan.

Can you season cast iron too much?

Although it seems odd, it is technically possible to over-season a skillet. Too much oil baked into the cast iron will cause it to polymerize unevenly and eventually will cause the surface of the skillet to flake. Adding too much oil when seasoning will also cause your pan to become sticky, notes Lodge.