Cast Iron Seasoning
Cast Iron Seasoning
Find out what it is, why it's important and how to preserve your favorite Lodge cast iron cookware for decades of cooking.
Find out what it is, why it's important and how to preserve your favorite Lodge cast iron cookware for decades of cooking.
Seasoning is a layer of oil on the cast iron pan.
Seasoning is the process in which the cast iron cookware is baked with vegetable oil, obtaining a 100% natural non-stick finish, unlike most cookware on the market that has an artificial non-stick finish that wears easily and can become harmful to health , seasoned cast iron cookware is the healthiest choice. The more often you use a seasoned cast iron utensil, the more you strengthen its seasoning, while if you follow the correct instructions for cleaning and caring for it, it will last for generations. Lodge applies the seasoning process to all its cast iron cookware, using only soybean oil.
Lodge cast iron is ready to use.
Each Lodge utensil is seasoned and ready to use, as soon as you take it out of the box. The easiest way to maintain the seasoning layer is to use your cast iron pan as often as possible. Every time you poach an egg, grill a steak or a pie, you're adding layers of cooking fat and oil that enhance your seasoning for a natural, non-stick finish that improves over time.
How to season your Lodge Cast Iron pan.
There are two ways to preserve seasoning in your cast iron skillet. The easiest way is to cook with it. Every time you cook with oil, you potentially add another layer of seasoning.
Certain types of cooking can remove some seasoning, such as cooking acidic foods, excessive heat, or rubbing with abrasive utensils or metal sponges. cleaning. That's why our simple cleaning steps help your cast iron cookware to remain quality for every cooking.
You can also season your cast iron cookware in the oven. This method adds a more complete layer of armor to the entire pan, enhancing the seasoning with the cast iron. It can be beneficial to season your cast iron ovenware a few times a year. We recommend seasoning in the oven when restoring a rusted cast iron cookware.
Step 1: Scrape your pan
Wipe the pan with warm, soapy water. It's okay to use soap if you're going to re-season cookware. Rinse and dry well by hand.
Step 2: Oil
Apply a very thin, even layer of cooking oil to the pan (inside and out). If you use too much oil, your cookware may become sticky.
Step 3: Bake for 1 hour
Place the dish upside down in the oven. Place a large baking sheet or aluminum foil on the lower rack. Bake at 450-500 degrees F for one hour. Let it cool.
What oils can I use in seasoning?
All cooking oils and fats can be used for seasoning, but based on availability, affordability, effectiveness and having a high smoke point, Lodge recommends vegetable oil, rendered fat or canola oil, such as our spray for seasoning.
What oil does Lodge use to season their cookware?
Lodge began seasoning cast iron cookware in our foundries in 2002. In the final step before packaging, we spray a thin layer of soy-based vegetable oil onto traditional cast iron and carbon steel cookware and then bake in a large oven. No synthetic chemicals are added. The oil is highly refined and all allergy-causing proteins associated with soy are eliminated. The oil is kosher and does not contain animal fat, peanut oil or colors. Some cookware may have slight variations in the seasoning finish. These variations do not affect cooking performance and usually smooth out with use.
Frequently asked questions about Seasoning
Is the oil used by Lodge Kosher?
Is the oil genetically modified?
Will cooking acidic foods in cast iron damage the seasoning?
While drying my cast iron cookware, a dark residue appeared on my towel. Is normal;
My new Lodge seasoned cast iron cookware has a bubble in the cookware. What is this?
The seasoning in my new pan doesn't seem uniform. Is normal;
Why is the surface of my cast iron cookware rough?
Black skins from the seasoning are coming out of my pan. What happens;