How to Season Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron cookware is seeing a comeback. While itโs one of the oldest types of cookware still in use today, cast iron fell out of fashion in the mid 20th century when other types of cookware such as aluminum, stainless steel and Teflon-coated non-stick pans gained popularity.
While these newer types of materials were marketed as being better than cast iron due to their lightweight and (in some cases) non-stick nature, itโs come to light in recent years that many of the newer, coated non-stick pans emit harmful chemicals into the air and into our food when heated.
Not to mention, some of the newer aluminum cookware just isnโt very durable, and can end up warped and corroded in no time.
Stainless steel is more durable, however it doesnโt distribute heat as evenly and is prone to having food stick and burn to the bottom.
Cast iron, on the other hand, is incredibly durable, distributes heat evenly and stays hot, and itโs naturally non-stick without needing any sort of harmful coating.
Sure, itโs heavy, but thatโs because itโs built to last! In fact, when properly cared for, cast iron can last a lifetime and even longer. Many people use cast iron cookware that theyโve inherited from their parents and grandparents, and even rusted cast iron can be restored in most cases.
You can read about the many benefits of cooking with cast iron right here. In this post weโre going over the step-by-step process for how to season cast iron cookware so that it cooks more efficiently and lasts for generations!
What does it mean to โseasonโ cast iron?
Simply put, seasoning cast iron means youโre creating a carbonized layer of oil on your cast iron cookware which helps to preserve it and keep it from rusting, along with giving it a natural non-stick coating.
Seasoning may sound complicated, but itโs actually really easy.
All you need to do to season cast iron is spread a thin layer of oil or fat on the surface and bake it. This process (called polymerization) creates a molecular bond between the cast iron and the oil/fat source and forms a protective barrier that will help prevent rust and corrosion.
Itโs always a good idea to season a new cast iron pan โand even to re-season an older pan that hasnโt been used in a whileโ before you cook anything in it. But technically youโre also seasoning the pan every time you cook with fats and oils.
I was recently sent a set of Uno Casa cast iron skillets (affiliate link) to test and review, and even though they do technically come pre-seasoned, I always like to season my new cast iron pans myself.
The skillets shown here are the Uno Casa 10โ and 12โ cast iron skillets. They come in a set, which is awesome because I love having a smaller one and a larger one depending on what Iโm cooking (plus I often find myself using more than one at a time).
They also come with two silicone handle covers, two silicone skillet scrapers and a free recipe book. Check out the set right here.
Do I have to season pre-seasoned cast iron cookware?
If youโre in the market for a new cast iron skillet, youโll probably notice that most of the new cast iron cookware comes pre-seasoned. This means that the manufacturer seasoned it in the warehouse before releasing it to the public.
While you could technically go ahead and start cooking in it right away, an extra layer of seasoning never hurts. Plus, you never know what the cast iron has been seasoned with.
In our house, we like to use only natural, unrefined fats and oils like olive oil, lard, avocado oil and coconut oil. Many pre-seasoned cast iron pans are seasoned with Crisco, vegetable oil or even wax. Itโs worth it to spend a little time and put in a little elbow grease (literally and figuratively!) and re-season your cast iron cookware before cooking in it, even if itโs brand new and pre-seasoned.
How to season old cast iron cookware
If youโve got older cast iron cookware, the process for seasoning it is the same. The only difference would be to consider what shape itโs in first.
If itโs old and rusted, youโll want to restore it first. You can read more about how to restore old cast iron cookware here.
If itโs in good shape and has been used continuously (say, a cast iron skillet that was passed down to you and has a solid coat of seasoning on it), you might not need to re-season it. In this case you could just continue cooking in it with fats and oils to keep the seasoning up.
If itโs in good shape but is looking a little dull and/or hasnโt been used in some time, itโs a good idea to re-season it by following the steps below.
How to season cast iron cookware
Whether youโve got a brand new cast iron pan or an old hand-me-down, the first thing youโre probably going to want to do is season it. Hereโs how to do it.
Step 1: Pre-heat the oven to 450ยบF.
Step 2: Wash your cast iron cookware in hot soapy water and scrub it to remove any old seasoning or bits of anything that might be stuck on an old pan. Dry it very well with a lint-free towel.
- This is the only time you should use soap on cast iron as the soap removes the seasoning. Weโll talk more about how to properly wash and care for cast iron below.
Step 3: Apply a thin coating of fat or oil to your skillet or cookware. Start with a couple teaspoons or so and add more as needed. Itโs better to add multiple thin layers of seasoning over time rather than one thick layer at the beginning as this can cause the seasoning to be thick and sticky.
My favourite oils for seasoning cast iron include lard, coconut oil, olive oil and avocado oil. I like to render my own lard at home and use that to grease and season my cast iron; I’m using lard to season my skillets in the photos below. Click here to learn how to render your own lard at home too!
Step 4: Use a paper towel or lint-free towel to rub the fat or oil all over the inside and outside of the cookware. Once itโs all rubbed in it should completely cover the cookware but should not be drippy or runny.
Step 5: Place cast iron cookware upside down in your pre-heated oven and bake at 450ยบF for one hour. (Placing it upside down allows any excess oil to run off instead of get baked in and turn goopy, although you shouldnโt have to worry about oil dripping in your oven if youโve followed instructions and only applied a thin layer).
Step 6: Once time is up, turn your oven off and allow cast iron to cool in the oven completely before removing.
How to use your cast iron after seasoning
Once your cast iron has been properly seasoned, itโs ready to use!
While there are many benefits to cooking with cast iron, one of the biggest benefits is its versatility.
You can cook, fry, grill or bake in cast iron.
You can use in on your stovetop, in your oven, on a BBQ or grill and even use it to cook on your wood stove or over an open flame. (This is why cast iron is so great for camping!)
While you can cook just about anything in cast iron, try to avoid cooking highly acidic foods like tomatoes/tomato sauce or anything with too much vinegar or lemon juice. This is because acidic foods can wear away at the seasoning over time.
That being said, I do cook tomatoes and pasta sauces in my cast iron, I just donโt do it often. And when I do, I always make sure to apply a layer of oil over my skillet before storing.
The best thing you can cook in cast iron is anything with a lot of oil or fat as this will just add to the seasoning. The more you use and season your pan, the smoother and more non-stick it will become!
How to wash and care for cast iron
Every time you use your cast iron cookware youโll of course need to wash it. But you want to be careful not to strip the seasoning off.
To wash cast iron, simply use water and a cloth or soft scrub brush. DO NOT USE SOAP!!!
While itโs okay (and even advisable) to use soap to clean cast iron before you season it the first time, you want to avoid using soap to clean your cast iron cookware between each use.
Be sure to dry your cast iron very well after washing. Any leftover moisture has the potential to cause rust damage.
Once your cast iron is dry, apply a thin layer of fat or oil on your skillet or cookware to further protect it before storing.
At the end of the day, seasoning cast iron isnโt nearly as complicated as it sounds. Once you do it once and get used to cooking with cast iron and washing/caring for it properly, it will become second nature. You might just find yourself ditching all of your other cookware and replacing it with cast iron! And honestly, I wouldnโt blame you:)
To learn more about the many benefits of cooking with cast iron, as well as see a list of all the different brands I use and recommend, you can learn more right here.
P.S. Are you striving to become more self-sufficient and looking for a little help, encouragement and inspiration to help guide you along on the journey? Subscribe to Modern Homesteading Magazine and get exclusive, seasonally-inspired modern homesteading information, recipes, expert interviews, advice and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox! Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get your first issue free!
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For many, wood heat and wood burning stoves conjure up nostalgia and cozy feelings. But more importantly, wood heat is reliable, affordable and gives us the ability to heat our homes without relying on the grid or on other types of energy, which are currently in short supply.
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โNot eating mushrooms is like not eating an entire food groupโฆ And a healthy one.โ
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When I first started growing my own food at home, the gardening world seemed pretty black and white to me: plants grow in the dirt, outdoors, in the spring and summer. Thatโs what us city kids always learned in school anyway.โฃ
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Living a slow, simple life isnโt easy in this fast-paced world.
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So while I still struggle with this daily, and I donโt have any easy answers for how to overcome this, I wanted to share that today Iโm choosing slow; Today Iโm choosing to be present in the here and now rather than worrying about yesterday or tomorrow; Today Iโm choosing snuggles with my baby boy over emails and deadlines, and while I still feel that guilt rising up inside me, Iโm making a conscious effort to remind myself that the world wonโt end because I chose to slow down today, and at the end of my life I wonโt regret taking this time with my son, but I might regret NOT slowing down to enjoy it.
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In the dark, bitter cold days of midwinter when weโve been deprived of quality time in the sunshine and the trees are all bare, it can be easy for almost anyone to feel depressed and to overlook the tiny miracles that are happening all around us.โฃ
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Signs of life abound, even in the dead of winter! โฃ
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Connect with nature and enjoy the little things to help beat the winter blues. Go for a walk in the woods or the park and really pay attention to the natural world around you. Watch the songbirds flitting back and forth, gathering winter berries. Look for signs of greenery and new growth; Maybe even some snowdrops or crocuses have begun to emerge from the ground where you live. โฃ
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When it comes to citrus fruits, if you live in a place where you can grow them yourself, then youโll probably have more than you can handle fresh when theyโre in season. Knowing how to preserve them will help ensure nothing gets wasted.โฃ
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Whether you're a seasoned homesteader or this is your first season preserving, I've got a hearty list of ideas of how to get the most out of your citrus fruits for the year to come! Visit the full list here https://thehouseandhomestead.com/12-ways-use-preserve-citrus-fruits/ or check out the link in my bio. โฃ
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What do you usually do with your extra citrus fruits? Have you tried any of these preservation methods?โฃ
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Iโve tried my hand at many skills and tackled my share of adventurous projects over the years. Along my homesteading and journey Iโve tried everything from candle-making to cheesemaking, sourdough bread to fermented vegetables, canning and dehydrating to rendering lard and more. When it comes to home medicine, Iโve learned how to make may useful concoctions, from herbal teas, tinctures and syrups to poultices, salves, ciders and more. But encapsulating my own placenta after the birth of our son was definitely a first, and by far my most adventurous โkitchen projectโ and foray into home medicine so far.
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A few of the possible benefits of consuming placenta after birth include:
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So tell me, whatโs the most adventurous thing YOUโVE tried in the name of homesteading and/or natural health? Comment below and let me know!
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๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐'๐ ๐๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฑ: โฃ
Breakfastsโฃ
Soupsโฃ
Homemade Breadsโฃ
Main Dishesโฃ
Snacks & Sidesโฃ
Sweets & Treatsโฃ
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So whether youโre trying to save a little extra money on your grocery bill, or prioritizing rest this season these 35 frugal recipes will help you get good, wholesome, delicious homemade food on the table every day, which means you have one less thing to stress about. โฃ
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Check out the full list at https://thehouseandhomestead.com/frugal-recipes-roundup/ or visit the link in my bio. โฃ
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Eat well friends:)
I hope you had a wonderful and restful end of holidays, and are also feeling ready to get back on track with your daily schedule here in the new year. It can sometimes feel like a lot to get going, but those "regular days" help us to regulate our rhythms, and in turn help us slowly, gear up for the Spring season ahead. โฃ
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In our Winter Issue of Modern Homesteading Magazine, my friend and fellow homesteader, Ashley Constance of @alittleselfreliant wrote "Breaking Your Cabin Fever" a list of ideas for staying productive over the winter months. โฃ
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If you're feeling a bit restless and up to it, this list of ideas is a perfect way to get back into a daily routine. โฃ
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From making and creating, to preparing, planning and organizing you'll be feeling ready for Spring in no time. โฃ
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Homesteading is a year-round lifestyle, andโฃ
for whatever reason, homesteading is most often thought of as a three-season โactivity.โ โฃ
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1. ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ต๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ด๐ฆ๐ข๐ด๐ฐ๐ฏ ๐ฃ๐ฆ๐จ๐ช๐ฏ๐ด ๐ช๐ฏ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ด๐ฑ๐ณ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ. โฃ
2. ๐๐ข๐ณ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ง๐ข๐ณ๐ฎ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ด๐ฆ๐ข๐ด๐ฐ๐ฏ ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฏ๐ด ๐ง๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฎ ๐ด๐ฑ๐ณ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ณ๐ฐ๐ถ๐จ๐ฉ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ด๐ถ๐ฎ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ณ.โฃ
3. ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐ฏ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ฑ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ด๐ฆ๐ณ๐ท๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ด๐ฆ๐ข๐ด๐ฐ๐ฏ ๐ต๐ข๐ฌ๐ฆ๐ด ๐ถ๐ด ๐ง๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฎ ๐ด๐ถ๐ฎ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ณ ๐ช๐ฏ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ญ. โฃ
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So much of homesteading centers around preparing for winter. But what happens when winter finally arrives?โฃ
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Sure, we could just hunker down and relax, enjoy the fruits of our labour and rest until spring returns and the really busy seasons begin again. But the very nature of most homesteaders is that we tend to enjoy keeping busy. In other words, we tend to go a bit stir crazy sitting around on the couch for too long.โฃ
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Now, let me just make this clear before we continue: I think itโs VERY important to take time to rest whenever possible so that you can feel rejuvenated and be more productive when you really need to be, but if youโre looking for some (mostly relaxing) homesteading activities that you can do throughout the winter months to help keep you occupied, Iโve got a few suggestions for you:) โฃ
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My full list of winter homesteading activities can be found here https://thehouseandhomestead.com/winter-homesteading-activities/ โฃ
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Happy homesteading!
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