Seasoning cast iron pots prevents rust from destroying the cookware.
Seasoning a cast iron pot is a task that sounds like it involves salt and pepper. However, this form of seasoning requires baking on a layer of grease. Seasoning adds a protective coating to the surface of the cast iron. Maintain your cast iron to give your pot a nonstick finish. Add a distinguished flavor to foods cooked in the seasoned pot. Newly purchased cast iron pots are often preseasoned. However, you need to reseason the pot if you ever wash the cookware with hot, soapy water, which removes the oily coating.
Instructions
1. Wash the entire cast iron pot with hot, soapy water. Rinse well and dry thoroughly with a clean towel. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Soak several layers of paper towels with vegetable oil, or scoop out a small handful of lard using several paper towels. Rub the entire cast iron surface, on the inside and outside of the pot, with the grease. Massage in small circles, and fill every crevice and crack with the grease; more is better than not enough.
3. Set the coated cast iron pot upside down directly on a rack in the center of the oven. Situate the baking sheet beneath the overturned pot to catch any drips from the cooking oil. Bake the pot at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour.
4. Leave the pot in the oven with the heat turned off for at least two hours, until the pot cools. Let the cast iron pot sit in the oven overnight to cure and harden, if possible, for best results.
5. Clean a seasoned pot with only hot water when necessary. For most cleaning situations, a simple wipe of the seasoned pot with a dry cloth will remove food debris. Do not worry about excess grease left in the pan, as this will continue to protect and season the surface.
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