Curing Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Wash the skillet with warm soapy water and a sponge or stiff brush cast iron should not normally be washed with soap but it s fine here since the pan is about to be seasoned.
Curing cast iron dutch oven. Sportsmen and wild game lovers everywhere know that the best way to cook a meal is with a cast iron dutch oven as long as you maintain it well and treat it with care. Cast iron skillets are incredibly versatile and a must have in the kitchen. You can also season your cast iron cookware in the oven. Curing or seasoning your skillet is the key to preventing rust and creating a natural nonstick finish.
Seasoning a dutch oven is the process of adhering oil to protect the cast iron material prevent rust and create a nonstick surface. This method adds a more thorough layer of seasoning onto the entire pan strengthening the bond to the iron. If properly cared for cast iron can last for generations. Let s look at the steps involved in curing a heavily used cast iron dutch oven and see how it can be brought back to life.
We recommend oven seasoning when restoring a rusty cast iron pan. Cast iron is great for dutch ovens because it withstands and retains heat very well. This post contains affiliate links. Whether at a campsite or at home our cast iron skillet is the first pan we reach for.
Gather your supplies and then preheat oven to 350 f. But it is also porous especially at high temperature which means that if it is not seasoned it will grab at your food making it stick. There s no need to waste this good performing cookware because it s not that difficult to cure a pan and a few care tips can also extend its seasoning cycle too. It can be beneficial to season your cast iron in the oven a few times a year.
It s important to season before the first use to remove any residual contaminants from the factory. According to cook s illustrated cast iron skillets can be used for frying searing or baking and they retain heat better than other types of cookware. Steps to cure a cast iron dutch oven first off you can start by cleaning the oven and getting all the accumulated food seasoning burnt food scraps rust and what not from the surface of the oven. Rinse and thoroughly dry the skillet with a clean dry cloth or paper towels.
As iron is reactive an unseasoned oven is.