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Seasoning
What is Seasoning?
Seasoning involves baking oil onto cast iron and is a simple yet effective process that prevents rust and provides a natural finish on cookware that will last over many uses. This process coats the cookware with a thin layer of hardened oil before cooking, protecting the cast iron from air and food grease. Even a droplet of water can leave a rust spot on premium cookware, making seasoning an essential part of caring for a cast iron pan. Seasoning creates a stick-resistant coat and ensures an easy-release cooking surface, simplifying the cooking process and guaranteeing durability.
How is Seasoning used?
The first step to seasoning is to ensure the cast iron cookware is thoroughly cleaned beforehand, removing old seasoning or past residue. Oil is then added onto the cooking surface and heated until the fat polymerizes. Any cooking oil can be used for seasoning; however, vegetable oil is typically recommended. This step is repeated until a protective coat is formed and the pan is ready to be used.
Seasoning bonds the oil to the pan using high temperature heat, creating an easy-release cooking surface. This technique blocks out any moisture, preventing the cast iron cookware from rusting over time. Seasoning can be done a few times a year and is ideal for restoring a rusty cast iron pan. This method is not necessary with le Creuset’s enamelled cast iron cookware as the material is designed to create an ideal environment for food for years to come.
Benefits of Seasoning
Seasoning is an essential component to caring for cast iron cookware and extends its usability for years to come. By creating a stick-resistant surface and protecting the cookware from rusting, seasoning is a simple way to maintain a slick, black surface on your favourite cast iron pans. This step makes the cast iron impermeable to water by creating a protective layer. Seasoning is relatively easy to do and can even help restore old pans. This natural process is built over time as the more you cook in cast iron, the more the seasoning accrues.
