Welcome, friends of cast iron pans, to another exciting adventure in the world of cast iron cooking! Today, we’ll be exploring the basics of seasoning your pan with avocado oil, as well as the steps involved in the process, and some important tips for successful seasoning. Let’s get started!
First, let’s start with the basics of cast iron seasoning with avocado oil. Cast iron pans are often thought of as journeymen among the cookware world—the humble yet reliable workhorse of the kitchen. In order to maintain its superb cooking qualities, the pan must be seasoned regularly. The seasoning process fills in the microscopic pores in the iron’s surface, creating a layer of non-stick protection. In addition to improving the pan’s ability to maintain heat and distribute it evenly, seasoning also prevents food from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Avocado oil has become a popular choice for seasoning as it is not only healthy, but it also imparts a lovely flavor to the food. It is important to note, though, that certain oils are not appropriate for the seasoning process. Oils that are considered “drying” or those with high smoking points should be avoided as they can actually damage the pan and ruin the seasoning.
Now that we’ve established the type of oil we’ll use for seasoning, let’s move to the step-by-step guide for seasoning your pan. The first step is to ensure that the pan is completely dry. Moisture on the pan will create a pockmarked surface that is difficult to season. If the pan has just been washed, leave it in a warm, dry area to allow it to air dry.
The next step is to generously coat the pan with oil. Gently rub the oil into all crevices and corners, ensuring that it penetrates the entire surface of the pan. Allow the oil to sit on the pan for a few minutes before wiping off any excess with a clean cloth or paper towel.
The following step is to place the pan in a preheated oven—this is the most important step of the process. Preheat the oven to 375-400 degrees (Fahrenheit) and place the pan in the center of the oven. Bake the pan in the oven for an hour and then turn off the heat and allow the pan to cool. Once cooled, repeat the previous oil-coating step two more times.
After you have completed the three rounds of oil-coating, your pan should now be seasoned. To maintain the pan’s non-stick quality, you should ensure that you use it only with utensils made from materials that won’t scratch the surface. In addition, you should never allow the pan to remain wet for extended periods of time as this can strip away the seasoning layer.
Now that we’ve gone through the basics of seasoning a pan with avocado oil, let’s take a look at some top tips for successful seasoning. First and foremost, always use a good quality avocado oil and make sure that you use enough oil to coat the pan, but not so much that it puddles on the bottoms. Be sure to rub the oil into all the crevices and corners to ensure full coverage.
Another important tip is to always preheat your oven before placing the pan inside. Failing to do so can cause an uneven bake and can possibly damage the pan. Finally, be sure to maintain your cast iron pan on a regular basis, as this will ensure a longer-lasting non-stick coating.
We hope that this guide has given you a better understanding of the basics of seasoning a cast iron pan with avocado oil. With a bit of patience and practice, your pan will stay in top condition for years to come. So don your apron and get seasoning!