To season cast iron cookware with coconut oil, follow these steps:
- Clean the cast iron surface with soap and water.
- Dry the cast iron completely.
- Apply a thin layer of coconut oil to the surface of the cast iron using a cloth or paper towel.
- Place the cast iron upside down in an oven preheated to 350°F.
- Bake for 1 hour.
- Turn off the oven and let the cast iron cool inside.
- Repeat this process several times to build up a good seasoning layer on the cast iron surface.
Note: It’s important to use a high-heat oil like coconut oil to season cast iron as it has a high smoke point. After seasoning, it’s important to maintain the seasoning layer on your cast iron cookware. Here’s how:
- Clean the cast iron with warm water only, avoiding soap and scrub brushes, as they can strip away the seasoning.
- Dry the cast iron completely.
- Rub a thin layer of oil onto the surface of the cast iron using a cloth or paper towel.
- Store the cast iron in a dry place, away from moisture and humidity, which can cause rust.
By following these steps, you can keep your cast iron cookware well-seasoned and ready to use for years to come.
How long to season cast iron with coconut oil?
When seasoning cast iron with coconut oil, the process typically takes 1 hour per layer. It’s recommended to repeat the seasoning process several times, usually between 3 to 5 times, to build up a good seasoning layer on the cast iron surface. The goal of seasoning cast iron is to create a non-stick surface on the cookware. The more you season the cast iron, the better the non-stick surface will become. Just remember to let the cast iron cool completely before applying another layer of oil, and to dry the cast iron completely before storing.
Does coconut oil have a high smoke point?
The smoke point of an oil is the temperature at which the oil starts to break down and produce smoke, which can affect the taste and quality of your food. By using an oil with a high smoke point for seasoning cast iron cookware, you can ensure that the oil does not break down and create any unwanted flavors or odors in your food.
What happens if coconut oil smokes?
Is coconut oil good to season a pan?
Coconut oil can be a good option for seasoning cast iron pans and other types of cookware. It has several properties that make it well-suited for this purpose:
- High smoke point: As mentioned, coconut oil has a high smoke point of around 350°F to 400°F, making it ideal for high-heat cooking.
- Long shelf life: Coconut oil is relatively stable and has a long shelf life, making it a good choice for seasoning cast iron pans that are used infrequently.
- Neutral flavor: Coconut oil has a mild, neutral flavor that will not overpower the taste of your food.
- Hydrophobic properties: Coconut oil is hydrophobic, meaning that it repels water. This can help to prevent rust from forming on the surface of your cast iron pans.
When using coconut oil to season your cast iron pans, make sure to use a high-quality, unrefined oil. Refined oils may have a lower smoke point and may not be as effective for seasoning.
Can you put too much oil when seasoning cast iron?
Yes, you can put too much oil when seasoning cast iron. If you apply too much oil, it can create a sticky and uneven surface on your cast iron cookware, which can attract food and dirt, and make it more difficult to clean. To avoid using too much oil, it’s recommended to use a thin, even layer of oil when seasoning your cast iron. Make sure to use a cloth or paper towel to spread the oil evenly over the surface of the cast iron, and to remove any excess oil before placing the cookware in the oven. Applying too much oil can also cause the cast iron to take longer to heat up, and it can lead to an accumulation of residue on the surface, which can negatively impact the non-stick properties of your cast iron cookware. If you’ve applied too much oil when seasoning your cast iron, you can try wiping off the excess oil with a cloth or paper towel, or you can try re-seasoning the cast iron with a lighter coat of oil.
What oils should not be used on cast iron?
There are some oils that are not recommended for seasoning cast iron cookware because they have a low smoke point, a strong flavor, or other properties that make them unsuitable for this use. Some oils to avoid when seasoning cast iron include:
- Olive oil: Olive oil has a low smoke point of around 325°F, which can cause it to break down and produce harmful smoke when used to season cast iron.
- Butter: Butter has a low smoke point and can burn easily, which can negatively impact the taste of your food. Additionally, it can leave behind a sticky residue on your cast iron.
- Flaxseed oil: Flaxseed oil has a very low smoke point and is not recommended for high-heat cooking, such as seasoning cast iron.
- Sesame oil: Sesame oil has a strong flavor that can overpower the taste of your food, and it also has a low smoke point of around 350°F.
It’s best to use oils with high smoke points, such as coconut oil, grapeseed oil, or vegetable oil, for seasoning cast iron cookware. These oils are more stable at high temperatures and will not break down or produce harmful smoke when used to season your cast iron.
