Seasoning Cast Iron Cookware Keeps It Perfect

Cast iron cookware still has a pertinent place in modern cooking. In actual fact the range of cast iron cookware is extensive. Everyone knows the traditional Dutch oven, but you get various types of cast iron skillets, pots, tea kettles and pans today. You also get very smart looking enamel cast iron cookware that fits in with the most modern of kitchens.

It is not really surprising that so many people today have gone back to using cast iron cookware. There is no other type of cookware that is so durable and versatile. People who have discovered how great it is to cook in cast iron pots do not mind that cast iron cookware has to be maintained differently from other forms of cookware.

They happily go about seasoning cast iron cookware as they know what benefits they reap. People that are new to cast iron cooking often ask why seasoning cast iron cookware must be done. Also, what would the consequences be if it is not done?

Making It Ready For Cooking

Seasoning cast iron cookware is done for two basic reasons. To make the cookware non-stick and to allow it to be cleaned much easier. Seasoning cast iron cookware is not difficult at all. You start of with a totally clean pot or pan by having washed it with warm soapy water. The next step is pre-heating the over to approximately 300 degrees Fahrenheit. To start the seasoning of cast iron cookware you take a piece of lard or any suitable animal fat and coat the entire inside surface of the cookware with it.

Put it inside the oven for roughly 30 minutes and keep an eye on it to prevent the fat from smoking. Remove the pan form the oven and wipe the excess fat out of the pan. The last part of seasoning cast iron cookware is then to return the pan to the oven for 20 minutes. This completes the seasoning process. Your cookware is now ready to be used.

Caring for cast iron cookware it not difficult as you simply wash it in warm soapy water and dry thoroughly before packing away. Always make totally sure the cookware is dry, otherwise it can rust. Remember the process of seasoning cast iron cookware will have to be repeated periodically when it loses its non-stick properties. Sometimes the seasoning process must be repeated several times when the cookware is still new to ensure a proper seasoning.