Today it is cold. Again there is snow. The electric bill is high enough already and the house is set to a low temp. What are we to do ? Of course! It’s a great day to season all the cast iron!
Seasoning simply a term used when oil coating on the cast iron which is naturally porous. It’s the first ‘non-stick’ cooking option people had and it happens to be the healthiest!
We like to use Grape seed Oil or Coconut Oil because they both have a very high smoking point. But many other oils can be used as well.
Some of our steps to seasoning the cast iron:
- Clean the cast iron item by scrubbing with very hot water and any type of scrubby surface but no soap because the pan will be ruined by absorbing the soap. Hot Water is all you need.
- Be sure your oven racks are set to give enough room no matter how many or how high the items are and preheat it to 35O 0 F.
- Now spread the oil all along the inside, outside and handle of the cast iron item. Some people prefer to use a napkin or a basting brushfor this step but I like to get my hands in there. By using my hands, I am able to feel if there is any food or residue on the cookware.
- Oil puddles are a no no! Be sure the oil is evenly coating the entire surface of the cast iron.
- Now each cast iron piece goes on the racks and turn off the oven. Some instructions will tell you to lay the item upside down, we don’t because I of the potential of oil dripping directly on the hot bottom coils of the oven and causing more smoke than needed.
- Once all are cooled, simply do one more rub to work in any pooled oils. Now your cast iron is seasoned for the next use!
Cast iron cook ware offer the a healthier option to the non-stick surfaces such as Teflon. They also add trace amounts of iron into your diet when you cook in them. Not to mention cast iron lasts for generations.
It may seem there are extra steps or work involved – but remember – in the winter, it also helps you to heat your home!
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Donna Miller is a teacher, author, sought-after speaker and trainer. She has been a both guest and host on internet and broadcast radio talk-shows and in television interviews.
She is the hostess of “Your Preparation Station” on Preparedness Radio Network. She and her husband are the Organizers of WNC Preparedness Group in Asheville, NC. She is an Adjunct Instructor for Frontier Christian University. She teaches local classes & ladies retreats for people to learn hands skills.
She and her husband are the founders of Millers Grain House and, Your Preparation Station and are on the board of PREPARE Magazine.
Joseph and Donna have been happily married for 27 years and have three adult children, and one daughter in-law.
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