When referring to cast iron skillets the word “seasoning” can be used as either an noun, or a verb.  Most skillets you buy in stores come pre-seasoned, but if you find an old skillet, need to revitalize your own, or buy a brand new unseasoned skillet, you’ll need to season it before using.  The seasoning process is important because (if done properly) involves a chemical change called polymerization in which the liquid oil coats the iron and forms a hard, and most importantly non-stick, layer.  Some say the seasoning retains flavor from previous meals, but If you clean your skillet after each use you’re not going to end up tasting last nights salmon when you bite into your morning omelette and no one wants that.

I’ve teamed up with one of our favorite cast iron skillet companies, Stargazer Cast Iron, to bring you a quick and handy post on how to season your cast iron skillet whether it be new, old, or simply in need of a little TLC.

Here are a few simple steps to follow when seasoning your cast iron skillet:

• If it’s a brand new skillet wash with warm soapy water. This is the only time you should wash your skillet with soap.

• If it’s an old skillet that hasn’t been used in a while or just a periodic re-seasoning (every 6 months), scrub away any rust or stuck on food. This may require steel wool or other abrasive pad.

• Pre-heat your oven to 200°F, thoroughly dry your skillet, and place it in the oven for 10 minutes.

• Remove the warm skillet from the oven and turn the heat up to 450°F. Then use a clean rag or paper towel to apply a thin layer of oil (my personal preference is flax oil, but any heat stable cooking oil will suffice) all over the skillet (and by all over I mean it… Top, Bottom, Handle, the whole thing)

• Allow it to soak into the iron and wipe away the excess, if you don’t get it wiped away it’s going to fill your kitchen with lots of smoke.

• Place the skillet upside down in the 450°F oven for an hour.

• After the hour is up, pull the skillet out of the oven and allow it to cool off for a few minutes on the stove top or other heat safe surface. Then repeat the process 2-3 more times until you are satisfied with the final result.

It really is that simple. With good care and maintenance there’s no reason a cast iron skillet shouldn’t last you a lifetime. If you’re in the market for your first skillet or another to add to your growing collection I’d urge you to check out Stargazer Cast Iron, they’re skillet is the best skillet I’ve used so far and I’ve tried quite a few. This skillet is the smoothest skillet straight out of the box and has even gotten better and better as I’ve used it (as most cast iron does, this one’s just extremely great). It’s also made in the USA, lighter than your typical skillet, and not to mention the aesthetic is great as well.

Take a look at the skillet in action!

WIN A STARGAZER SKILLET

We’re hosting a giveaway on Facebook and Instagram so be sure to check out those channels to enter! The giveaway will end on October 5th, 2018 at 5:00pm EST.