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Given the amount of tools and gadgets available, it may seem impossible to have all Essential kitchen items You need to sink without blowing your budget. But most of the chefs would be suitable for a cast iron stove is an element that deserves to be invested, thanks to their affordable and their versatility. However, before you can start whipping meals, it is important to know how to season a cast iron pan to get the best results. Read the rest for the best advice from experts in cooking on how to start and keep your utensil to the prison over time.

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What is a cast iron pan?

The timeless tool has maintained the relevance for a good reason: there is not much of a cast iron pan cannot do. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"Fonte has been used for generations and returns to popularity," explains Jessica Robinson , twice of cooking books and founder of A farm kitchen . "People cook and cook at home more regularly and are looking for alternatives to non -stick kitchen utensils."

As its name suggests, a cast iron pan is a cast iron pan. And although it may seem out of date, this traditional material has many advantages.

"The cast iron stoves are known for their excellent heat retention and even heating," explains Jessica Chan , former professional chief and current culinary blogger at Jecca Chantilly . "They are heavy, durable and versatile."

She says that cooks love them because they are ideal for various cooking methods, including frying, frying, jumps and even cooking.

"When they are seasoned and maintained properly, cast iron stoves even offer non -stick capabilities," adds Chan.

Why is it important to season a cast iron?

Unlike your non -stick pots and pots, the cast iron kitchen utensils are not ready to shoot as soon as you get out of the box: you will have to prepare it first.

"The seasoning is a crucial component to keep the work in cast iron properly," explains Robinson. "The regular use of your pan or your cooking plants in cast iron over time will leave a thin layer of residue of cooking oil which creates a natural non -stick surface. In addition, it also helps the kitchen utensils rust. "

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How to season a cast iron cast iron pan

Ready to start cooking? Fortunately, it won't take you too much time to prepare everything. Here's how to season a cast iron pan, according to the experts.

Clean the pan

The first part of the seasoning process should be to wash the non -seasonal cast iron pan in hand with lukewarm water and a few drops of dish soap, explains Chan.

"Then dry the pan immediately with a paper towel or a Cricoth to avoid rust," she said.

Coat

Once the pan is wiped, Chan says he rubs a thin covering of vegetable oil over the entire surface, including the cooking surface. You can also choose to use high quality extra virgin olive oil, linseed oil, canola oil, peanut oil or other cooking oils with a high smoke point .

"Use a paper towel to spread it evenly and wipe out any excess oil," she suggests.

Place it backwards in a hot oven

Your next step is to place the saucepan upside down on the central rack of an oven which was preheated to 400 degrees. Chan then says to cook the pan for at least an hour, then turn off the heat and let the pan completely cool in the oven.

"This process links oil to me and forms a protective coating layer," explains Chan.

Robinson also suggests making an additional step to help cleanse, placing a piece of aluminum foil on the lower rack of your oven to catch oil drops.

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Cook with often

Follow the above process - and repeat it, if necessary, is not the only way to prepare your iron stove or cast iron pots.

"The second best way to season the cast iron is simply cooking with it," said Chan. "Regular cooking with oil in a cast iron pan will develop an additional sealing layer that you cannot get cooking oil alone."

How often should you season a cast iron?

The cast iron seasoning is not something you do once, then forget, however. You will have to repeat the process over time.

"A cast iron pan must be completely reassured in the oven every three to four months for optimal performance," said Chan. "But cooking with oil in the cast iron pan can regularly help maintain the seasoning."

The re-knowing process follows the same steps as that initial, including cleaning and wiping the pan before covering it in the cooking oil of your choice and sending it by another tower in the oven .

How to clean a seasoned cast iron pan

Once you will assist a cast iron saucepan, you will also have to take special considerations to maintain it.

"You should clean a cast iron pan in hand with hot water and a sponge," said Jeff Leitman , CEO of Hell's Kitchen Cook Ustandies . "Foods should be scratched, using rude salt, a rigid brush or steel wool to remove stubborn food stains. After each cleaning, it is recommended to apply a layer of light oil to keep the seasoning in the cast iron pan. "

Robinson always suggests to wiping and always drying your clean cast iron pan, or even considering putting it back on the stove over low heat to make sure that all the water evaporates. However, there is still a debate on the advisability of or not to use traditional dishwasher methods.

"I discovered that I use soap mainly outside my stoves," explains Robinson. "If you use too much soap inside, it can easily eliminate the seasoning you have worked hard to maintain. Cast iron pans are parts that are intended to last a lifetime and be transmitted for generations. ""

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What can you cook in a cast iron?

Most of the cooks should be worth seasoning a cast iron pan simply due to the quantity of the simple tool that the tool can perform in the kitchen.

"Since the melting keeps heat well and distributes heat more uniformly, it helps cakes and pastries to increase better and cook more uniformly," explains Robinson. "But it is not only ideal for cooking: it is perfect for homemade pizzas, dinner breads, bread, corn bread, cookies, quiche, and more. In addition, the cast iron is Excellent on the stove, the oven, the grill or for cooking the campfire. "

It is also the optimization of kitchen utensils for certain techniques. "Cast iron stoves are ideal for many recipes because they can withstand high heat," says Leitman. "Pan -fried foods, such as steaks and vegetables, are particularly large."

Food to avoid with melting

Although this is a versatile wonder, not all dishes belong to a cast iron pan.

"Failure is a reactive material, so it is important to avoid cooking very acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus," explains Chan. "Acidity can eliminate the seasoning and make food metalize."

It is preferable to use non-reactive pans such as stainless steel when cooking with very acidic foods, she suggests. However, time can also play a factor.

"I also noticed that if you cook a cast iron pie, remove it as soon as it is completely cooled, or if this will remove all the seasoning," warns Robinson.

Conclusion

The best way from your cast iron kitchen utensils comes down to knowing how to season it correctly. The process is to clean the new pan and dry it completely before wiping all surfaces with high heat cooking oil. Then place it in a hot oven for an hour before turning off the heat and let it cool.

Over time and you cook with your pan, you will have to repeat the process and reinforce it. Experts say that you should also avoid using too much soap on your kitchen utensils, rather using steel wool and rigid brushes to eliminate leftover food before wiping the pan and reassembling slightly with A little oil on the stove.