Season a cast iron skillet

From OpenTutorial

The physical properties of cast iron make it excellent for cookware. This tutorial will explain How to season a cast iron skillet

1 Materials needed
2 Throughly clean the skillet
3 Coat the skillet
4 Bake the skillet
5 Storage
6 Bibliography
7 See also

[edit] Materials needed

Dish soap
Steel Wool
Vegetable Oil
Paper towels (high quality tough towels work the best)

[edit] Throughly clean the skillet

New cast Iron skillets come with a protective coating that must be completely removed before you season it. Steel wool soap and water do a great job of removing the coating.

If you are seasoning an old skillet it is still important to thououghly clean it, again steel wool, soap and water.

[edit] Coat the skillet

Use a paper towel to spread a generous coating of vegetable oil over the entire skillet.

[edit] Bake the skillet

Preheat your oven to 350 F (180 C)
Place the skillet on the center rack upside down in the oven, you may want to place a cookie sheet on the bottom rack to catch any oil drippings.
Bake for 1 hour at 350 F (180 C)
Using oven mits, carefully remove the skillet from the oven and rub with a clean paper towel to evenly re-distribute the oil.
Bake the skillet for another hour at F (180 C)

[edit] Storage

Store cast iron skillets in a cool, dry place with paper towels underneath and inside them.

[edit] Bibliography

( ISBN 1570614253 ) The Cast Iron Skillet Cookbook: Recipes for the Best Pan in Your Kitchen) "The Cast Iron Skillet Cookbook : Recipes for the Best Pan in Your Kitchen" by Sharon Kramis,
( ISBN 0764537148 ) Cast Iron Cooking for Dummies) "Cast Iron Cooking for Dummies" by Tracy Barr
( ISBN 0895380587 ) Griswold Cast Iron Vol. #2) "Griswold Cast Iron Vol. #2" by L-W Books