CAST IRON PANS

SOME TIPS ON HOW TO KEEP YOUR CAST IRON PANS IN TIP TOP SHAPE

MY CAST IRON PAN IS RUSTY

Yes, a cast iron pan can get rusty, but you can prevent this by drying it thoroughly with paper towel or a lint-free cloth once you have washed it, then rub in a light layer of cooking oil.  To get rid of existing rust build up, if it doesn't come off with a quick rinse, steel wool should do the trick.  Don't be afraid to scrub hard if necessary, just know that you must season the pan again.

MY CAST IRON PAN NEEDS TO BE RE-SEASONED

You will be led to believe that re-seasoning a cast iron pan is tricky, but it is not.  Using steel wool or any other scourer, scour any loose edges or flakey parts of the seasoning away, wash the pan thouroughly with soap and water.  Line the bottom of you oven with foil to catch any drips and pre-heat the oven to 230-260°C.  Whilst that is warming up, using a cloth or paper towel rub the entire surface with a neutral cooking oil, thin enough so that it doesn'y visibly run when you tilt it. Place the pan upside down on the centre rack and bake it for an hour.  Turn the oven off and let the pan cool naturally.

MY CAST IRON PAN IS STICKY

Wash the pan with hot, soapy water and dry it. If it is still sticky the pan may be over seasoned.  Just line the bottom of the oven with foil and heat it up to 230-260°C and let the oil drip off over the course of an hour.  Turn the oven off and let the pan cool down naturally. Repeat the process if necessary.

MY CAST IRON PAN HAS FOOD STUCK TO IT

Regular cooking with fat/oil will help keep the surface super slick.  A pan scraper or metal spatula will likely take care of it, but for stubborn foods add a little water to the pan, put it on the burner to boil for a few minutes and then try scraping it again.  The pan might require re-seasoning.

MY CAST IRON PAN HAS BLACK RESIDUE

This black residue on your cast iron pan does not look great, but it is just seasoning and is not harmful.  Keep cooking in that pan, washing it and drying it and oiling it meticulously and the issue will clear up.

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