A Guide to Care for Cast Iron Skillets

A CARE GUIDE FOR CAST IRON SKILLETS "Tis the Season-ing Before seasoning, the skillet is gray. Today many cast iron skillets are factory-seasoned, and are already black. HOW TO SEASON A CAST IRON SKILLET MATERIALS Paper towels or clean cloths Cast iron Kosher Cooking oil skillet salt INSTRUCTIONS STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 4 Use a ball of Carefully discard the salt and oil. Couer the bottom Heat on of the pan with a thick layer of kosher salt and high until the oil paper towels or cloths to rub the inside of the pan until it is smooth. starts to a half-inch of cooking oil. smoke. Cleaning Cast Iron MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT Cast iron skillet Stove Sponge or stiff brush [optional] Vegetable oil or shortening Cloth or Kosher salt paper towels [optional] INSTRUCTIONS STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 Clean skillet immediately after use, while still hot To remove stuck-on food, scrub with a paste of coarse kosher salt and Wash the skillet by hand using hot water and a sponge or stiff brush. To auoid stripping seasoning, do not use the water. For stubborn food residue, loosen by boiling or warm. dishwasher, soap, or steel wool. water in skillet. STEP 4 STEP 5 STEP 6 Towel-dry the skillet or dry Use a cloth or Store skillet in a dry place. paper towel to apply a light coat of vegetable oil or melted shortening to the inside of skillet. ouer stove on low heat. Health Benefits of Cast Iron USES LESS OIL COOKING A sheen on cast iron is a sign of a well-seasoned pan. A seasoned pan is virtually nonstick so lots of oil is not needed for cooking. CHEMICAL-FREE ALTERNATIVE TO NONSTICK PANS Many harmful chemicals are found in non-stick pans. These chemicals are linked to liver damage, cancer, developmental problems, and early menopause. FORTIFIES FOOD WITH IRON Cooking with a cast iron skillet can increase Iron deficiency is fairly common worldwide, especially in women. 10% of American iron in food by as much as 20 times. women are iron-deficient. With seasoning and proper maintenance, a cast iron skillet can be passed down through generations. Start a cast iron legacy in your family by caring for your skillet using these tips. eatingwell.com • thekitchn.com Brought to you by: In Partnership with: P PartSelect GHERGICH&Co. liii iii