Cast Iron Seasoning

Cast Iron Seasoning

Materials: oven preheated to 200º F, stripped cast iron pan, solid Crisco® vegetable shortening

Wash and scrub cast iron pan with soap and water.

Wash and Scrub

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Dry cast iron thoroughly with a towel.

Dry

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Immediately place cast iron in a 200º F (95º C) oven for 20 minutes.

Heat

Using gloves, take out the cast iron and coat with a liberal amount of Crisco® vegetable shortening. Use either an old t-shirt or a towel which you can discard.

Season

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Using gloves, take out cast iron and coat with a liberal amount of Crisco® vegetable shortening. Use either an old t-shirt or a towel which can be discarded.

Season

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Wipe out oil with a different t-shirt or towel. What is left over will be enough for the seasoning.

Wipe

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Return cast iron to oven, and raise temperature to 300º F (150º C). Once oven reaches 300º, take pan out and wipe down again.

Return to Heat

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Return cast iron to oven once more, and increase temperature to 450º F (230º C). Then bake for 60 minutes.

Return to Oven Again

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After the set hour, turn oven off and let cast iron cool completely inside if there's time to spare or if seasoning process is done.

Cool Down

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For a well-seasoned cast iron, complete steps 3-8 two or three more times.

Reseason

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Double Wipe

This is to ensure that you completed Step 5 very well.

Stripped vs. Washed

Start with a cast iron already stripped of its old seasoning. You can use the lye process, electrolysis, or vinegar.

Seeing Spots

If you check your pan before reseasoning and notice spots, it means Step 5 was inadequately done. You may scrub and wash the cast iron by starting the process back at Step 1 when you reseason.

200 Degrees

Remember that your cast iron is very warm! Protect yourself from injury.

Or Jump Ahead

If you wish to start another round of seasoning and are in a rush, skip to Step 9.

High Temperatures

The smoking point of Crisco® vegetable shortening is 440 F (227º C), so be sure to add ventilation to the room.

Wipe Out

Imagine that you spilled oil and have to clean the mess without leaving evidence behind. This will still be enough oil for the seasoning.

200 Degrees

Remember that your cast iron is very warm! Protect yourself from injury.

Bone Dry

This will help dry any damp spots in the pan.