How to Care for Cast Iron

Campers know the best outdoor cookware is cast iron. Cast iron is extremely durable, can be placed directly in a flame and distributes heat evenly when cooking. Another great perk to using cast iron is the iron supplement that is added to the foods cooked in the pan. The following tips will make owning and caring for cast iron easier.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Season the Cast Iron Before Using it for the First Time

1. Wash the cookware in very hot water to completely remove the wax coating that is placed on new cast iron products. Dry thoroughly.

2. Smear cookware with vegetable shortening. Make sure to cover the entire pan.

3. Heat your oven to 300 degrees. Place the pan in the oven for an hour. Turn off the oven, leaving cast iron inside to cool slowly. When completely cooled, wash cookware again to remove remaining shortening.

4. Apply cooking oil to some towels and wipe cookware inside and out. It is now ready to be stored.

Cast Iron Maintenance

5. Continue to season cookware on a regular schedule.

6. Clean cookware completely if used to cook anything acidic like tomatoes or recipes containing vinegar. The acid will eat away the protective layer the seasoning provides.

7. Remove food residue by soaking pan in very hot water. Sprinkle baking soda in water if food is tough to remove.

8. Dry cast iron by placing on a hot stove burner. This method dries the cookware completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Using soap to clean your seasoned cast iron cookware will cause the cookware to no longer be seasoned.
• Be very careful when touching hot cast iron. Cast iron conducts heat very well so always use an oven mitt to avoid severe burns.