Cast iron cookware is one of our absolute favorites, right? The food certainly tastes so much tastier when cooked in a cast iron dutch oven. Its amazing non-stick surface makes it so convenient to cook food and to keep it in there. You can then present and adorn your dining table with that oven, keeping your food warm and looking like a real treat!
However, for this all to happen, the dutch oven needs perfect seasoning. If your cast iron is rightly seasoned then the food will not stick. In addition to that, it will taste a lot better and tastier for sure. Who doesn’t want that, right?
But how to season a cast iron dutch oven is a real question. It does seem a tedious and strenuous task and who can invest such a long time?! Well, no more. This guide provides you with simple and uncomplicated steps which will lead to the perfect seasonings your oven has been longing for without taking much of your time. Sounds perfect, right? Dive in to know all about dutch oven seasonings!
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How Durable is Cast Iron?
Cast iron has exceptional durability. With its superb longevity and high reliability, it is quite common cookware. Food can be cooked in the same pans from generation to generation. However, it requires great care and proper maintenance. Make your cast iron dutch oven beloved cookware by properly seasoning it.
Methods to Season a Cast Iron Dutch Oven
One of the perplexing choices which you have to make when you plan on seasoning the oven is what oil you should take. You have a plethora of options to choose from. With a wide variety of oils, you can choose any cooking oil. This can be based on availability. In addition to that, it also depends upon how effective it is for seasoning. However, don’t forget the cost considerations.
It is highly advised that you should go for vegetable oil. This is due to the fact that its smoke point is very high. A high smoke point is highly desired so to make the oven heated rightly when cooking the food. People use multiple oils which include olive oil, peanut oil, and soybean oil.
Once you have decided on the right kind of oil, the next is to ensure you have the right cloth to wipe the excess oil away. Moreover, you need the cloth to dry the oven perfectly. First, you need to to clean the cast iron oven perfectly. You can clean the pan using lukewarm water along with mild dishwashing soap. This will ensure complete and thorough cleaning.
However, if it has developed rust and has solid, thickened residue left, then you need to read our guide on how to clean the rust off the dutch oven. Always ensure that the dutch oven is cleaned and perfected before moving on to the seasoning part.
Once it is cleaned, you then have to apply a uniform, even, and a thin layer of oil. Make sure that the amount of oil is enough to cover the whole oven. Remove the excess oil using a paper towel. After you have completed that process, now is the time to move toward the final step.
Now, it is time to dry the oil seasonings. In order to accomplish this step, you need to take the cast iron dutch oven and place it upside down over the stove. Then you can turn on the stove and continue heating the pan for over 10 minutes on medium flame. This will dry the oven perfectly. Else, you can go for oven heating. For that, you can place the cast iron oven in the middle portion of the oven and bake it for an hour. The temperature should be set at 350 Fahrenheit or more for effective results. This will make the seasoning perfectly adhere to the cast iron dutch oven.
You are required to repeat the seasoning process again and again almost five times for effective seasoning results. This will definitely make your food taste yummier. Further, the food will not stick on the cast iron surface. Lastly, the cast iron dutch oven’s durability will be enhanced. Next, you are required to store this dutch oven in a cabinet that is dry and clean. In a wet environment exposure, the cast iron has a large risk of them developing rust. Therefore, you should always store them in a dry place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best oil for the season in a Dutch oven?
Any cooking oil can prove to be effective for seasoning iron dutch oven. However, the vegetable oil has proved to be the best for seasoning as it prevents rust formation for a long.
How often do you season a cast-iron Dutch oven?
One should season a cast iron dutch oven at least twice or thrice annually. This will prevent the formation of rust and will keep the food from sticking.
Can you leave the oil in cast iron?
One should not leave the oil in the cast iron dutch oven as it can have adverse effects on the surface of cast iron. It can be a home to bacteria which is obviously undesirable.
