There are so many things to learn about seasoning, cleaning and maintaining a cast iron utensil. So, before making it a part of your kitchen, let’s take a look at how you can keep your cast iron cookware perfect for ages. Talk about the best surface to cook on – cast-iron ranks first. But to maintain a cast iron pan is a whole new story. What makes steel utensils super convenient is the easy soap washing and drying, but it is not as simple with cast iron. Even though you might feel a tad bit intimidated at first, once you get hold of the basics, you can make the best pizzas and baked goods. Here are some guidelines to follow before cooking with cast iron utensils. Seasoning is super important The rugged and shiny black layer on the surface is called the seasoning. It is formed by the oxidation of fats which helps them bond with each other to form a dense and dry layer. The seasoning fills the surface of the super porous metal and seals it, making it a natural non-stick. Seasoning the surface is a must before you start cooking. Not all oils are equal Technically, you can use almost any oil to season your cookware. Butter and coconut oil work perfectly fine, but some oils provide a better result than others. Research on cast iron found that flaxseed oil provides the best non-stick surface. The drying oil forms a challenging film through polymerization that enables the best patina. The process of seasoning can consume a whole day. It involves coating the utensil with oil, heating it in the oven, letting it cool and then repeating the process repeatedly. The more you do it, the better the patina gets. It will emerge shinier and thicker each time. After coating it with a thin layer of oil, place it upward down and place a sheet underneath to catch the dripping. The Process Of Washing The durability of cast iron is unquestionable. The seasoning process is delicate, and you have to be careful while washing it. Avoid cleaning it with soap or in a dishwasher. Do not use steel wool or abrasive cleaners. Make sure you dry the utensil immediately to avoid rusting. After finishing with your cooking, do not let the food crumbs sit on the pan. Clean while the pan is still warm. A quick wipe with a towel is all that is needed to clean the utensil. Use Salt For Scrubbing Instead of scrubbing with steel wool, use kosher salt. Sprinkle the salt on the warm pan and add water to make a paste. Scrub with a towel and brush it away.
