Let us be honest! Cast iron deserves all the love it gets, what with exceptional heat retention, naturally nonstick surface and unbeatable durability and value. It is indestructible; however, you need to treat it with love. Taking care of cast iron is like taking care of a car, service it regularly and it will last a lifetime; neglect it and it will need heavy duty repair work. This is where our care guidelines will come in handy and will help you maintain your cast iron in perfect condition or even bring a neglected pot back to life no matter how bad you have treated it.
What tools can I use while cooking?
Metal tools are usually not advisable for your cast iron cookware as they are likely to scrape away the seasoning or expose the bare metal that can lead to rust. Avoid plastic as well as it can melt easily. You can use wooden tools as well as silicon tools as they do not scrap the surface of the cookware and are not in danger of melting off.
Cleaning cast iron cookware
The cleaning of your cast iron cookware after every use is easy. Wipe the interior of your pan while it is still warm with a paper towel and remove excess food and oil. Now rinse the pan under hot water, simultaneously scrubbing it with a nonabrasive or nonmetal brush pad to remove any traces of food. (You can use a small amount of soap if needed; rinse well.)
Seasoning cast iron cookware
If you really want your cast iron to last a lifetime, then seasoning must become an integral part of your routine. In simple words, ‘season’ on your cast iron cookware is what makes your cast iron non- stick. Seasoning process creates multiple layers of oil bake on the cookware, creating a rust-resistant and nonstick surface.
Seasoning Method
- Wash and dry your pan well – Wash and scrub your pan well with warm soapy water and then dry it thoroughly.
- Rub it all over with oil- Once your pan is dry and, rub it all over with cooking oil – do not forget to include the handle.
- Heat It in the Oven - Preheat the oven to 450°F and put the oiled pan in it and leave it there for 30 minutes
- Repeat 3 to 4 Times – Take the pan out after half hour – be careful as the pan will be hot. Rub the pan once again with oil, again just like before. Then put it back in the oven for another 30-minute spell. Repeat this process 3 to 4 times
Restoring a rusted cast iron pan
Rust on your cast iron cookware is usually a result of neglect or moisture and is often called ‘profile rusting’. This type of rusting can be easily removed at home, all you need to do is follow the steps and you will be set.
Scrub the rust off - To remove all the rust from the pot or pan, use a fine steel wool. Scour your cookware until the area returns to raw cast iron
Wash the pan thoroughly - Once you have scrubbed the rust away, wash the pan thoroughly with a mild dish soap and warm water. You can even use a mesh sponge and bristle brush for those stubborn stains
Dry the pan immediately – This step is extremely important as moisture can really do heavy duty damage to your cast iron. Thoroughly dry your pan with a clean dish towel or paper towels
Season Your Cookware- This is also an extremely important step, in order to restore and maintain your cast iron cookware. Once you have dried off the pan, you season it using the technique given above.
In order to keep your cast iron looking spick and span, season it once every month.