The Cookware HeadQuarters

Introduction to Cast Iron Cookware

• This is part 2 of 3 Part series on Cast Iron Cookware.

Kitchen Cookware has so many brands and type of materials, that sometimes it can be difficult to know which cookware to choose for your kitchen. We all want cookware that is long lasting and helps us with quick cooking.

Cast iron is one type of cookware material that is popular in cooking outdoor and indoor. Cast iron cookware are made of cast iron hence the name. It can retain high heat during the cooking process which is great for even cooking and retains the heat longer.

Most of the cast iron can used on stove top as well oven too as they are oven safe. They are not great for searing and sauteing food too. What I like best about using cast iron is that even when outside temperature fluctuates, cast iron pan or pot holds its heat well, making a great for camping cookware.

If you season the bare cast iron well, it will work almost as nonstick pan without the Teflon chemical peel and fear of peeling it away.

You can check out Cast Iron Advantages and Disadvantages: Part 1 of the Series

You can check out How to clean and Maintain your Cast Iron Cookware: Part 3 of the series.

How to Season Your Cast Iron Pan

Bare cast iron cookware is inexpensive and long lasting, if you season it properly and maintain it well. Seasoning cast iron cookware is necessary step to make sure it has non stick and shiny surface and will not rust.

If you season it well and maintain your cast iron cookware last you life time. There are a few simple steps to to ensure proper seasoning.

1. If it is new cast iron pan that you just bought, skip to step 2. If you already have a cast iron pan that you are using and want to season it, place the pan in self cleaning oven for 30 minutes to make sure all crud, rust and stuck food becomes loose. Take the pan out and allow to cool. Move to step 2.
2. Wash your cast iron pan with hot water and scouring pad, do not use soap. Some people use soap to clean it, if you do use soap, make sure to wipe it dry right away to avoid further rust and dryness.
3. Coat with oil spray or rub it with oil, crisco, Make sure cast iron is coated with fat from inside, outside both.
4. Place the Pan inside oven for at least 350 degree heated oven for an hour.
5. Take the cast iron out, cool it.
6. For best result repeat step 3 and 4 again
7. Occasionally, you want to season it briefly to maintain the seasoning and nonstick surface.

Conclusion:

The process of seasoning your cast iron cookware is simple however bit time consuming. For some cooks, it will be worth the effort. For those who wants to get benefit of cast iron without the seasoning can use enamel based cast iron cookware as it does not require seasoning before using it.

Cast Iron Dutch Oven

	Lodge Logic L8DOL3 Pre-Seasoned 5-Quart Dutch Oven with Loop Handles
	Lodge Logic 8-Quart Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Camp Dutch Oven
	Lodge Logic 5-Quart Double Dutch Oven and Casserole with Skillet Cover
	Lodge LCC3 Logic Pre-Seasoned Combo Cooker
	Universal Housewares Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Camping Dutch Oven

Also check out Cookware reviews and Cast Iron Cookware reviews

Image source: Lodge Cookware Logo