Cast Iron pots and pans...

**guest000** · 06-29-2005, 04:44 PM

I don't know if this is in the right place, but I really would like to know how to "season" cast iron pots and pans. I have had a few over the years and they've all rusted and I threw them in the trash.

Is there a special method? Thanks!

**YankeeMom** · 06-29-2005, 04:53 PM

I don't have any, but growing up my mom had a cast iron skillet. She would season it by rubbing it with vegetable oil (I think?) then putting it in the oven at a low temp, like 200-250*

Here's a good link:
http://whatscookingamerica.net/Infor...stIronPans.htm

**guest000** · 06-29-2005, 05:02 PM

Thanks! I'll go check that link out now.

**bridge** · 06-29-2005, 06:29 PM

That is right!! I only use Cast Iron skillets.
Season them, then after using I wash them, then coat with oil.

These are the best in my opinion!!
They Last forever, no toxic non-stick coating, if I get mad they are a great weapon!! Just kidding.

I got fed up with buying new non-stick ( wasted$$$) when they got scratched so I bought 3 at a 2nd hand shop. They are the best!!!

Plus you can bake in them also, yum cornbread!!

**patches** · 06-29-2005, 06:55 PM

Oh my goodness, I cringe when people throw perfectly good cast iron away.

Cast Iron cookware will rust if it isn't seasoned properly and allowed to air dry.

It cleans up real well with steel wool or those copper pot scrubbers.

After you get it seasoned, make sure you dry them on the stove after washing them.

Usually, I don't have to season my skillets if I remember to allow the pan to heat up before putting oil, fat or margerine in them. That allows them to soak up some of the oil and they will pretty much stay seasoned when cooking that way.

Tomatoes are really bad about stripping the seasoning out of your pans/pots. If you cook anything with tomatoes in it, empty it as soon as possible after you are done cooking and rinse or wash it out.

Also, never leave your cast iron in water soaking unless it is absolutely necessary. Usually good hot water will get everything out. If you are having to soak it, it probably stuck because it needed seasoned.

**daddys3chicks** · 06-29-2005, 06:57 PM

When I bought my cast iron skillet at the Lodge Outlet the lady told me to season it on high oven heat. I'll see if I can find the directions she gave me. I LOVE my cast iron skillet!

**lacyj** · 06-29-2005, 10:00 PM

This is what I do with rusty, cruddy and sticky yard sale finds. I usually get cast iron for about 2 or 3 dollars each. These go into the burn pile when it's down to coals. They are left in until a grey/white ash covers them. Then they are moved to the side until they are cool. They are then washed and seasoned with oil or shortening in an oven.

**KatieInLa2** · 06-30-2005, 10:21 AM

LacyJ, thats what my skillets need. Maybe this fall but not today. The heat index is going to be 110 degrees.

I always dry mine on the stove after I wash them. Just turn the burner on until they are dry and then put a little cooking oil on them.

**patches** · 06-30-2005, 12:40 PM

Yeah, I've needed to do that for awhile now. Ibought some used and need to get them straightened out.

We've had such a drought here that we've been afraid to burn anything. Hopefully, that will be changing.

Originally posted by lacyj
This is what I do with rusty, cruddy and sticky yard sale finds. I usually get cast iron for about 2 or 3 dollars each. These go into the burn pile when it's down to coals. They are left in until a grey/white ash covers them. Then they are moved to the side until they are cool. They are then washed and seasoned with oil or shortening in an oven.

**forestdale** · 06-30-2005, 03:10 PM

I use the French brand Le Creuset. It's enamel coated cast iron. They never chip, you can cook anything in them and they last forever. The added bonus is that you don't have to season them and they are easy to clean.

**dndylfe** · 06-30-2005, 03:41 PM

Where do you find Le Creuset?

**forestdale** · 06-30-2005, 03:58 PM

We have them in department stores and cooking stores here (australia). Here is their site, you might be able to find a distributer close by. http://www.lecreuset.com/

**bamamomto4** · 06-30-2005, 04:02 PM

I do as KatieinLa2 does....thats how my mom always did,so I do to.Sometimes if I'm in a hurry,I just towel dry it and coat it with oil or crisco...and if the oven has been on..I stick in there overnight.

I would love,love,love to have a set of Le Creuset!