It is very important to season a cast iron pan before using it, if you do not season it on time, then whether you cook in it or not, it will rust automatically in a short time.
On the other hand, if you season a cast iron pan from time to time, then it will not only remain safe from rusting, but it also enhances the taste of the food cooked in it. But the question is, how to do it?
To be honest, it is not that difficult; all you need is to follow the right way, and in today’s blog, we are going to tell you about this in detail and in a very easy to follow method.
1. What Does It Mean to Season a Cast Iron Pan?
Before knowing how to season a cast-iron pan, let’s get to know what is meant by seasoning a cast-iron pan.
Seasoning a cast iron pan means applying a layer of oil on it so that it is protected from rusting and food does not stick to it; in simple words, a non-stick coating is applied on it.
2. Why You Should Season a Cast Iron Pan Regularly
Why does a cast-iron pan need to be seasoned regularly, and what if you don’t do it?
I. It adds a non-stick layer:
Seasoning a cast iron pan forms a natural non-stick layer on it so that food does not stick while cooking anything in it.
II. protection from rust:
If the cast iron pan is not seasoned in time, it will rust easily, even if not used for a long period. This can cause significant damage.
III. Add a flavour to the food:
Seasoning a cast iron pan enhances the taste of the food cooked in it, which makes the food taste that much better.
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Seasoning a Cast Iron Pan
Now let’s know how to season a cast iron pan step-by-step.
Step 1 – Clean the Cast Iron Pan
The first and most important step is to clean the pan thoroughly. If the pan is new or has rust on it, then clean it thoroughly with the help of hot water and dishwashing detergent and wipe it with a dry cloth.
Step 2 – Apply a Thin Layer of Oil
In step 2, first heat the pan well and then apply oil (canola or vegetable oil) on both the inside and outside of the pan.
Step 3 – Bake It at High Temperature
In step 3, place the pan upside down in the oven and put a file paper underneath it so that the oil drops do not spread inside, bake it at 450°F or 230°C for at least 1 hour.
After 1 hour, let it cool in the oven. Seasoning once is enough, but if you want a deeper layer of seasoning, you can repeat it two to three times.
4. Mistakes to Avoid When You Season a Cast Iron Pan
Common mistakes that you should avoid while seasoning.
I. Placing the pan upright:
This is a common mistake that almost everyone makes. You should not keep the pan upright while heating it in the oven. If you do this, all the oil applied to it will collect on its bottom.
II. Not to cook acidic food:
You should not cook acidic food like tomatoes in a freshly seasoned pan.
III. cleaning in a Dishwasher:
You should never leave a cast-iron pan submerged in water or wash it in a dishwasher.
5. How Often Should You Season a Cast-Iron Pan?
Whenever you feel that the non-stick layer is coming off or the food is sticking to the pan, it is the right time to season it again.
conclusion
Seasoning and maintaining a cast-iron pan is very easy. You just need to follow the right method and avoid the common mistakes.
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