Seasoning Cast Iron Skillets

 

If you are new to cast iron skillets you may not be aware of the process known as "seasoning". Seasoning is done to create a non-stick surface, protect your skillet from rust, and keep food from interacting with the metal. You can buy pre-seasoned skillets but if your new cast iron skillet did not come pre-seasoned, don't worry, you can season it yourself.

 

Seasoning is a simple process that takes just three steps. First, you need to thoroughly clean your skillet and remove any protective layer that may have come from the factory. Second, apply a layer of animal fat or vegatable oil to the skillet. Third, heat your skillet to bond the layer of fat or oil to the metal of the pan. You can repeat the process several times to try and improve the non-stick properties of your new skillet. A cast iron skillet that has been seasoned several times or used over a long period of time often appear black and glossy.