tiwarisarita623

· 30 Dec 2021

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What is cast iron seasoning?

If you like to cook then you should know about cast iron seasoning and if you don’t know fret not, I’ll tell you all about it.

Seasoning is simply a layer of carbonized oil that is baked onto the cast iron pan. It creates a protective layer on the cookware and gives it a natural, easy-release finish, and makes your life a lot easier. You can cook whatever you want, wash the pan, and put it aside without worrying about it getting rusty. The best part of cast iron is that it does not vanish, as a matter of fact, the more you cook the more the layer of oil becomes and turns your pan into a smoother and better cooking utensil.

What is the science behind cast iron seasoning?

The process of cast iron seasoning is called Polymerization. When you use your pan to cook the oils or fats get heated in the pan and turn into a wet liquid into a hard surface which is known as polymerization. This layer is a molecular bond to the iron and without this layer, an iron pan will easily corrode and rust because of the oxygen and moisture in the air.

If you look at your iron pan under a microscope you will see that the surface of the pan is uneven and when oils are heated on the pan it creates a strong layer that fills in the texture and turns the pan into nonstick cookware. This pan now can be used for generations without getting damaged and you’ll be able to use it proudly and show it off to your children as your mom’s favorite cookware.

Can you season your pan at home?

Of course, you can. There are two ways of doing it. The easy way is to cook in it almost daily and every time you cook in it the fat or oil used in the food will add a layer to your pan turning it into a seasoning. You might see some patchy layers in the beginning but if you continue cooking in it, it will eventually become even and turn it into nonstick cookware.

Or you can season a cast iron skillet in your oven.

Start with washing your pan with warm soapy water and dry it with a paper towel. You can also put it on low flame for the water to evaporate from it. Now, add a thin layer of cooking oil on the inside and outside of the pan. You can use a cloth or a paper towel to apply oil evenly on the surface.  Make sure that the oil does not run or drip from the pan when you tilt it, it should be a very thin layer. Next, preheat the oven to 350-450 degrees F. Put aluminum foil on the bottom rack so that the oil can drip on it and place the pan upside down on the rack above it and bake for an hour. After an hour, turn the heat off and let the pan cool in the oven itself. The process of letting it cool in the oven is very important as it lets the seasoning adhere to the iron better and gives you a perfect finish.

Take it out and you have your very own cast iron seasoned pan.
#pan #cooking #castiron#seasoning #food #