Ask Chef Mom: How do I season cast iron cookware?
Do you have a question about cooking or planning meals for your family? Chef Mom is here to help! The question: Dear Chef Mom: I was given a cast iron skillet as a housewarming gift. I was told that it needed to be “seasoned.” I have only used stainless steel and aluminum cookware, and don’t really understand why this pan is so different. Is it worth doing? Chef Mom says: Congratulations on your great new gift! Cast iron cookware is considered pretty fabulous stuff by chefs and chef moms alike. It cooks evenly and lasts forever. “Seasoning” a cast iron pan (or skillet) isn’t hard – just a little time consuming. It serves the dual purpose of creating a non-stick surface and also prevents it from rusting. Most cast iron pans are dark gray when new, and as they are seasoned, become darker – even black. Here are some tips on properly seasoning your cast iron cookware: If your pan is new, the first thing you want to do is to wash it thoroughly. This will be its last bath with soap (well, di
