Things You'll Need:
- Lard or bacon grease
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Step 1
For new cast iron pans, you will need to season them to create a non-stick cooking surface and protect the metal of the pan. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Using the lard or bacon grease, thoroughly coat the cast iron pan. Do not use a vegetable oil or any other liquid grease because it will not protect the metal and will actually leave a sticky residue on the surface of the pan.
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Step 2
Place the cast iron pan in the oven for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and pour out any excess grease. Place the cast iron pan back in the oven and bake for an additional two hours.
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Step 3
You may repeat this process several times to better strengthen the seasoning that protects the cast iron pan. Using the pan to cook high-fat foods also will help to strengthen the seasoning.
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Step 4
If your pan starts to show signs of rust or if food starts to stick to the surface, you will need to re-season the pan. Clean the pan first by removing any food residue. Thoroughly dry the cast iron pan with a dishtowel, then start the seasoning process.
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Step 5
Properly clean your cast iron pans by rinsing it while it is still hot but safe to touch. Use hot water and scrape the pan if necessary to remove any residue. Do not use soap or a scouring pad as this may destroy the pan's seasoning and damage the surface.
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Step 6
Do not store foods in cast iron pans. The natural acidity of foods will immediately start to break down the pan's seasoning and the food will also acquire a metallic flavor.
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Step 7
When you store cast iron pans, be sure to leave lids off. Leaving the lids on will result in an accumulation of moisture that can cause your cast iron pans to rust.
