How to Season New Cast Iron Cookware

New cast iron cookware needs to be seasoned properly before using to prevent food from sticking. Once properly seasoned, it will last for generations.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cast iron cookware
• Bacon fat or lard
• Oven

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.

2. Coat the cookware liberally with the bacon fat or lard. Using vegetable oil will leave the surface of the cookware sticky and will not season the cookware properly.

3. Place the cookware in the oven and, after 15 minutes, pour out the excess grease. Place the cookware back in the oven for 2 hours.

4. To continue to properly care for your cookware:
   
   Clean the cookware after using, while it is still hot. Wipe clean with a paper towel. Dampen towel, if necessary. DO NOT USE SOAP OR SCRUB PAN, AS YOU WILL REMOVE THE SEASONING.
   
   Store your cast iron with the lid off, as moisture can collect in the cookware, causing it to rust.
   
   If rust should appear in the cookware or food should start to stick, the cast iron needs to be reseasoned.

Tips & Warnings

• When first using your cookware, cook something high in fat, such as bacon, or use to cookware to deep fry something like french fries.
• Of course, pan will be extremely hot when you remove it from the oven. Cast iron retains heat for a long time, so it will remain hot long after being removed from the oven.