Easy Tips for Seasoning Cast Iron Cookware

Cooks have tended to shy away from purchasing cast iron cookware due to the seasoning cast iron requires. Seasoning cast iron cookware and keeping it seasoned is simple, I will give you 'how to' tips shortly, first I want to give the easiest tip of all for seasoning cast iron cookware: Don't buy new cast iron cookware, but buy old cast iron cookware that's well used and already seasoned; it's easy to find at local farmer's or flea markets. The older and more used the cast iron cookware is, the better it will be seasoned. Don't let a little rust deter you from buying used cast iron cookware either, that's an easy fix which I'll tell you later in this article.

When you buy cast iron cookware (new or used) prior to using it you must season it. There are several methods for seasoning cast iron, I will give you my tried and true method for seasoning cast iron, plus another seasoning method that other cooks swear by.

If the cast iron cookware is new, wash it in warm soapy water, dry thoroughly, then generously grease the interiors with salt-free shortening. Put the cast iron cookware in a oven set at 200 degrees for an hour. The heat opens up the 'pores' of the cast iron and allows the shortening to penetrate and be absorbed. After the cast iron has cooled, wipe out all the excess shortening and store the cookware in a moisture-free location until you're ready to use it. You may have to repeat this seasoning process after each use for a while until the cast iron cookware becomes totally stick-free. The more you use your cast iron cookware, the better it becomes. I've not had to season my old cast iron cookware in years, I use them daily and food never sticks to them.

If you buy used cast iron cookware that's not well seasoned or little rusty, take a piece of fine steel wool and remove any rust or build up, then follow the above mentioned seasoning tips.