Did you ever cook with a cast iron pot or pan and leave half of the meal stuck to the pan? This is because the pan has not been tended to properly. A well taken care of piece of cast iron cookware can last literally for generations. The problem is, some people really do not know how to best take care of their cast iron cookware. Here are some guidelines to follow if you want your cast iron pots and pans to last you a lifetime.
If you have brand new cast iron cookware then you need to clean it and oil it before using. Do not use soapy water to clean your cast iron pots and pans. The soap is not good for your cast iron pots and pans. Clean your cast iron pots and pans with plain water. Keep in mind that cast iron is easily cleaned when hot or warm.
To oil your cast iron pots and pans, take about a teaspoon of vegetable oil or lard and spread it over the pot or pan with a paper towel. Put it in the oven and let the pan bake to properly oil your pan. I usually put mine in the oven on about 250, then let it bake for an hour or so. Depending on the pan, I also sometimes put seasoning or garlic salt in the bottom of the pan to help season it.
Once you have actually used your cast iron pots and pans, you may be tempted to put them in the sink with the rest of the dirty dishes. Don’t do it. If you must actually submerse the cast iron pot or pan, then try to do so in clean water that has no soap in it. The pan should be heated before cleaning or you may use extremely hot water to clean it. If you use extremely hot water, the pan will dry faster, preventing the onset of corrosion. If you have not used extremely hot water to clean your cast iron pot or pan then dry it with a towel immediately after washing it.
Truth be told, the best scenario for a cast iron pot or pan is to use each one for specific dishes and wipe them out when they are still hot. This may sound odd, but actually most people usually cook similar items on a regular basis. For instance, I have a pan that I use only to cook eggs in. We have eggs almost every morning. After I get done cooking breakfast, I simply take a paper towel and wipe out the pan. And no, my eggs never stick to my pan.
You will find that if you properly tend your cast iron cookware then nothing will stick to them. They are easy to maintain and you never have to worry about what kind of utensils you use on them or if the handles are going to come off!
