This chemical yedi reaction creates a coating of seasoning that is molecularly joined to the iron. Any iron cookware will rust and corrode without that layer of carbonized oil due to the moisture and oxygen in the air. The leading cause behind rust stains comes from too much water. Both options will cause rust damage without the owner knowing it.

• Some believe that because vegetable oils are much more liquefied than animal fats these oils get into the pores of the cast iron.
• To keep your cast iron cookware well protected, the oil needs to reach its smoking point before it can polymerize and form a protective barrier.
• After acid stripping I sanded with 400 grit wet dry paper.
• Make sure that you cover the entire inner surface, or anywhere else you need to clean.
• Since it is exceptionally tough, you can use it in your oven on high heat, as well.

Rub the inside of the pan all over with fresh (non-rancid)organic high-lignan flax seed oil. Rub as much of it off as you can so only a dull layer reminds. Rub it well so that you remove as much as you can (no, I’m not kidding). Now bake upside down in a 400 to 500 degree Fahrenheit oven for 1 hour. Repeat 5 more times to build up the flax seed oil seasoning to a shiny non-stick-like surface. I am definitely planning on purchasing a cast iron skillet, pans and a dutch oven.

Cast Iron Skillet Rust Prevention

For beginners and home cooks, she likes Lodge, a heritage brand that’s basically synonymous with cast iron. For a high-end skillet, Thomas prefers Butter Pat Industries, a Maryland-based brand producing heritage-quality pans that can even be used on glass cooktops. “That’s when you want to coat it with whatever oil or shortening you plan to use,” Thomas explains. High oleic oil (a.k.a. oil that performs well at high temperatures) or shortening is best to avoid smoking, but any oil can work in a pinch. Make sure you coat the entire pan, not just the interior, in a thin layer of oil. Various guides for cast iron seasoning will tell you that as long as the oil used for re-seasoning has a high smoke point, it’s okay for use.

How To Season A Cast Iron Skillet

Flax oil only works if it’s 100% pure flax oil with nothing added, so read the ingredients! People have reported mixed results, and this is probably why. Go to your local health food store or organic grocery and buy a bottle of flaxseed oil. It’s sold as an omega-3 supplement and it’s in the refrigeration section because it goes rancid so easily. Check the expiration date to make sure it’s not already rancid.

Avoid using steel wool or other abrasive cleaners (unless you plan on re-seasoning). Cast iron should never be soaked in water, and should always be dried thoroughly before storing to prevent rusting. When the steak is done to your liking, let it rest on a wood cutting board, or a cooking rack for 10 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle the steak with fine salt, finishing salt, pepper and rosemary. Then flip the steak over and repeat on the other side.

How To Season Cast Iron With Flaxseed Oil

With careful tending, cast iron can also be used for lower-temp techniques like omelets and fried eggs. And if you’re cooking something like pancakes, you might have to move them around to get even browning. Cast iron is ideal for searing because it holds onto heat better than stainless steel or aluminum cookware. It takes a while for the cast iron to really be preheated to where you can use it. Because of their groove design, cast iron griddles can be a little more difficult to clean when compared to flat pans.

You are looking for a shiny ‘patina’ surface, if you’ve achieved that you are ready to start cooking! If it’s a brand new pan, seasoning once or twice should suffice. If it’s an older pan, it may require a few rounds of seasoning.

Can You Use Steel Wool On Cast Iron?

Do not use rough scrub pads to take out stuck-on food either. It is completely safe to use soap and water on a cast iron skillet as long as you remember to reseason the skillet when you are finished. It is also important to ensure that the skillet is completely dry. It only takes a little bit of water to ruin a perfectly good cast iron skillet. If you clean your cast iron while it’s still warm from cooking, a quick wipe with a cloth or paper towel may be all you need.

Rinse with hot water and use a brush or scrubbie to completely clean the pan. Allow the cast iron pan to cool on a rack ~or ~ simply turn off the oven and allow the pan to cool in the oven. With a few simple tricks, you can be searing steak, crisping up chicken skin, griddling veggies and baking skillet brownies with the best of them. It’s one of those pans you’ll be passing down to the kids, along with the recipes it’s seen come and go.