Cast-iron cookware is a great kitchen tool for chefs everywhere. It’s sturdy, durable and gives out heat evenly. It can withstand heat from sources other than your oven and stovetop, like an open campfire, a charcoal grille or a Dutch oven. Before you can start using it, though, you’ll need to season it with oil, and to do that right, you’ll need to understand the importance of the temperature of your oil. If you’re looking to season your cast iron with avocado oil, look no further! This guide will provide you with all the details you need, including how to properly season cast iron with avocado oil, the importance of temperature in cast iron seasoning, common mistakes to avoid and how they all relate. Plus, we’ll also add in a few of our own funny and relatable tips so we can have a little fun while learning something new.
The Temperature for Seasoning Cast Iron with Avocado Oil
When seasoning cast iron with avocado oil, the temperature of the oil matters. You’ll want to make sure the avocado oil is heated up to about 350°F (177°C) before you begin. If the oil is too hot, then it can cause the metal to warp or bubble, and if it is too cold, it won’t adhere to the metal properly and won’t season your cookware as effectively. The temperature is also important when you’re cleaning your pan, as a cold pan can quickly break crack when you put it in hot water.
How to Properly Season Cast Iron with Avocado Oil
Once you’ve heated up the oil, it’s time to season your pan. Start by cooking up something that has a lot of fat such as bacon, lard or butter. This will help to form a sticky layer of seasoning on the surface of your pan. Once the fat has been cooked and the pan has cooled off, you’ll want to coat the entire surface with a thin layer of avocado oil. Make sure to spread it out evenly with a clean paper towel before putting it in the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (177°C) and bake for about an hour. This will cook the seasoning in and will help create a durable non-stick cookware surface that will last for years.
The Importance of Temperature in Cast Iron Seasoning
As we’ve already discussed, the temperature of the avocado oil is a critical step when seasoning your cast iron cookware. Too hot of an oil and it will cause the pan to warp or bubble, and too cold and it won’t adhere properly. The temperature of your oven also plays a role in how effective the seasoning is. Ovens that are too hot may cause the seasoning to burn, while ovens that are too cool may not give good results. Aiming for 350°F (177°C) set at the start of your seasoning session is the best bet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Seasoning Cast Iron
Though the process of seasoning your cast iron can be relatively straightforward, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. First, before heating up your avocado oil, make sure it’s actually avocado oil and that it is processed for cooking. Second, make sure you don’t mix avocado oil with other oils, as this can upsetting the balance of the seasoning. Also, avoid using abrasive materials when cleaning it as these can damage the seasoning. Finally, never put a cold cast iron pan into hot water, as this can cause it to crack.
Conclusion
With the right temperature and a few simple steps, seasoning your cast iron cookware with avocado oil is easy. Knowledge of the importance of temperature, how to properly season it, common mistakes to avoid and the right methods to adhere to will ensure your cast iron cookware provides you with years of service. Remember, be sure to heat up the avocado oil to 350°F (177°C), don’t mix it with other types of oils, use gentle cleaning methods and avoid putting a cold pan into hot water. Keep these in mind, and you’ll have a perfectly seasoned cast iron cookware in no time!