Cast Iron Care 101
Turning Rust into Rustic, Lifelong Cooking Partner
Hey there, fellow kitchen adventurers! If you’re the proud owner of a cast iron skillet, you’re already on your way to culinary greatness. If you’re new to it, head over first to my post detailing how to season it. Cast iron is like the reliable workhorse of the kitchen – versatile, durable, and it just gets better with age.
But, like any trusty sidekick, it does need a little TLC from time to time. Fear not, I’ve got your back! Here are some simple steps to keep your cast iron in tip-top shape:
- Seasoning is Key 🌿🔑
If your cast iron is a bit lackluster, it might be time for a re-seasoning. Coat it with a thin layer of avocado oil* (inside and out), then bake it upside down in a 350°F (175°C) oven for an hour. Voilà! You’ve just given it a spa day.
* I used to use canola oil, but after reading a lot of the concerning studies regarding seed oils, I have switched out what oils are okay to use in my kitchen. So, seed oils are now out. This is going to include grapeseed, flaxseed, canola and vegetable oil. My kitchen now operates off of olive and avocado oil.
- Just Say No to Soap 🚫
Skip the soap when cleaning your cast iron. Instead, use warm water, a cast iron chainmail scrubber or sponge, and a dash of elbow grease. The seasoned surface is tougher than you think.
- Dry it, Dry it Good! ☀️
After washing, give it a good shake to get rid of excess water, then pop it on the stove over low heat for a few minutes to ensure it’s thoroughly dry.
- Avoid the Acid Wash 🍋🚫
Acidic foods like tomatoes and lemon can be a cast iron’s kryptonite, stripping away the seasoning. Save those for your stainless steel pals. If you are adding lemon just at the end of the cooking process as a garnish, that’s fine. Just don’t cook something throughout with overly acidic foods.
- Stuck On Food? No Problem! 🍳
Stubborn food bits clinging to your skillet? A little kosher salt and a scrub with a paper towel should do the trick. Another trick that I found is using a cast iron chainmail scrubber; these work fantastic and can get into every corner.
- Cool Down Slowly 🏔️❄️
Rapid temperature changes can cause cast iron to crack. Let it cool naturally or slowly if it’s been heating up.
Remember, cast iron is a bit like a fine wine – it gets better with age. So, don’t be surprised if your great-grandkids inherit a kitchen treasure that’s seen its fair share of pancakes, steaks, and more. Happy cooking! ✨