Cleaning and Organization, Wholesome Recipes

How to care for cast iron pans

As I was writing my recipe for blueberry cobbler I realized there was so much to say about how to care for cast iron pans that it deserved it’s own blog post so here it is!

When it comes to kitchen essentials, a cast iron skillet is at the top of my list. Once you learn how to use cast iron you’ll find yourself using it for just about all your cooking and baking needs. Cast iron skillets last forever and unlike fancy alternatives, are budget friendly. I ordered a Lodge Cast Iron Skillet (comes with a silicone handle holder) and love it. Cast iron is heavy and gets really hot when cooking with it so be careful when taking in and out of the oven.

Cast iron skillets can be use to cook just about anything! Berry cobblers, scrambled eggs, and grilled chicken, fish, or beef is easy to cook in a cast iron skillet.

Nonstick

Once you season your skillet it will have a nice sheen, creating a surface that’s almost nonstick or at least one that will require less oil when cooking.

Chemical-Free

Cast iron skillets are free of chemicals, making them a great alternative to traditional nonstick pans that contain perfluorocarbons, a chemical linked to cancer, liver damage, and more.

Increases Iron Content Of Certain Foods

An added bonus! Cooking in cast iron can increase the iron content of certain foods. Acidic foods like spaghetti sauce apparently absorbs the most iron. Other foods like hamburger, corn tortillas, and onions didn’t absorb as much possibly due to a shorter cooking time. In the literature I read there doesn’t appear to be a toxicity issue with cast iron. Do your own research if you’d like! Here’s an article to read.

Use Stove Top And In The Oven

Cast iron skillets can go from stove top directly in to the oven. Cast iron gets really hot and is heavy so be careful when taking your pan in and out of the oven.

Simple To Clean

Cast iron is easy to clean and requires a good scrub brush and kosher salt. See more details below!

Less Expensive

Cast iron cookware is less expensive than fancy copper and stainless steel. If you’re looking to replace a pan, check out cast iron skillets. You’ll save money and see the many benefits of cooking in cast iron.

How to care for cast iron:

season

It’s important to season your skillet prior to using for cooking. This is super easy! Melt a 1/4 cup of Nutiva refined coconut oil . Rub the oil in and around the pan. Place your pan upside down on the middle oven rack at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour. It’s a good idea to place foil on the bottom of your oven to catch drips. Allow to cool in the oven and then it’s ready to cook with!

2. cleaning

After cooking eggs or something that leaves a mess on the bottom of the pan, use a spatula to scrape off what you can while the pan is still warm. If food is still there warm water and allow to sit for a few minutes. This should allow you to easily remove any remaining food particles.
Pour out remaining water and food particles and place your skillet in the sink to complete the cleaning process.
Add 2 tbsp kosher salt to your cast iron pan and just enough water to make a slush.
Use a saucepan brush to scrub remaining debris from your cast iron pan.
Dry your cast iron pan with an old towel or paper towels.
Place skillet on your stove and use a paper towel soaked with canola or Nutiva refined coconut oil to coat your pan. Make sure to use an oil with a high burn point. Don’t use olive oil as it will burn and get rancid. When you add the oil make sure to get the entire pan, top,sides, and bottom.

Watch how to clean your cast iron skillet!