Seasoning Cast Iron
Brand new Cast Iron cookware will have a gray tint. This cookware will need to be seasoned before use, and then will be dark black in color. Some cookware can be purchased pre-seasoned.
To season the Cast Iron piece pre-heat an oven to 300 degrees, coat the Cast Iron in vegetable shortening (or lard), and put it in the oven for 15 minutes. Pour out the excess grease (liquid) and then bake the piece for at least an additional hour. Turn off the oven, and let the pot cool slowly in the oven for a couple of hours (until cool to the touch). Repeat at necessary as desired.
The more often a piece is seasoned the darker and better the Cast Iron will perform. Seasoning fills the pores in the iron leaving a protective (generally) non-stick surface. Also note that smoke will be created by seasoning Cast Iron, and the first time a fan may be placed in the window to draw the smoke outside.
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October 22nd, 2008 at 2:21 am
You mean after buying the cookware we have to do all this? Cant we get seasoned utensils? Looks like a lot of effort for something you will use occasionally.
October 22nd, 2008 at 3:52 am
Yes, you can buy pre-seasoned Cast Iron. However, it will need to continue to be cared for over time and seasoning added as it is used from time to time.