How to Treat a New Cast Iron Pan
Cast iron pans have been popular cookware for generations. They conduct heat exceptionally well, heat evenly and last virtually forever. They are versatile because they can be used on the stove top or in the oven. Foods don't stick to properly seasoned cast iron pans, which means you don't need to use non-stick sprays or oil. However, they do need special care to keep them in good condition. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Dish soap
- Dish cloth
- Dish towel
- Oven
- Shortening or lard
- Aluminum foil
- Hot pad
Instructions
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1
Wash a new cast iron pan to remove its protective coating. The coating protects the iron from rust during the shipping process. According to Superior Cast Iron Cookware, you should wash it in hot, soapy water. Rinse the pan with clean water.
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2
Wipe the the new cast iron pan off with a dish towel. It's important to dry the pan so there is no moisture left in the tiny pores of the iron. Let the pan air-dry overnight or place the cook ware in a preheated oven at 125 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.
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3
Season a new cast iron pan before you use it for the first time. Seasoning the pan will seal the pores in the iron. Wipe the inside and outside of the pan with a light coating of shortening or lard. Coat the lid too, if there is one.
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4
Place a piece of aluminum foil over the bottom rack of your oven to protect it. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the cookware upside down in the oven for an hour. Check the new cast iron pan after 15 minutes in the oven. If there's too much shortening or lard on it, wipe off any that has pooled. Place the cookware back in the oven to finish the seasoning process.
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5
Remove the cast iron pan from the oven with a hot pad. Allow it to cool down. Then, wipe it with an absorbent towel until the iron has a dull shine. Repeat the seasoning process a few more times if you want to give the cookware a better sealing.
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Tips & Warnings
Only wash your cast iron pan lightly with sudsy water when needed after the initial cleaning. Rinse it with clean water and dry it thoroughly.
