Cast Iron Care

Prevent Cross-Contamination

January 18, 2019

How to: Care for your Cookware

January 23, 2019

Cast iron is one of the most versatile materials in cookware. You can use cast iron pans on electric, gas and ceramic cooktops, as well as in the oven or on a campfire. Cast iron is designed for high temperatures, however, if preheated properly medium to low heat is all you’ll ever need. Cast iron pans are easy to use, provide excellent cooking results, and will last a lifetime if cared for properly.

The process to clean cast iron is simple; although, if not followed correctly cast iron can rust and can cause food to stick to the pan. If you notice food is sticking or that rust is starting to appear, don’t panic! This doesn’t mean that the pan is ruined; it can always be restored with a little TLC.

Here are our tips to keep your pan in tip top shape:

Hand wash and dry the pan immediately before the first use.
Never place your cast iron pan in the dishwasher, always use a brush or cloth and be sure to fully dry it after scrubbing it down.
You do not need to use soap when washing a cast iron pan, however, if you feel more comfortable doing so use a small amount and as mentioned before make sure to fully wash and dry once you have done so.
After the pan is dry, rub a small amount of vegetable oil onto the pan. The size of your pan will determine how much oil you use, however, there should be just enough to create a sheen on the pan without it feeling sticky. Make sure to apply oil after each use, this will protect the pan and keep the moisture in.

Be aware that some foods may stick to your pan when you first use it, eggs especially, so use a little extra butter or oil until you’ve built up the seasoning. Try and avoid cooking highly acidic foods such as tomatoes until the seasoning is established. These kinds of foods can cause damage to the pan when cooked initially. Lastly, never use your cast iron pan in the microwave, stick to stovetop, oven or grill type cooking methods only.

Most cast iron pans come pre-seasoned so all you will need to do is maintain that coating. When a pan is ‘seasoned’ it means that vegetable oil has been baked onto the pan at a high temperature to create a natural non-stick surface. Therefore, the more you use the pan the better it gets.