Reliable and versatile, Dutch ovens are considered a kitchen powerhouse. They are a constant favorite for a reason. Not only that, they are excellent conductors of heat, but their strong iron construction usually lasts for years, leading them to become one of the most cherished family heirlooms. If you could receive a well-love cast iron Dutch oven from your grandma, a little TLC will help it look good as new and ready for delicious Dutch oven recipes. Here’s how to season cast iron Dutch oven so it will remain in perfect shape year after year.
Tips on How to Season Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Although most Dutch ovens are factory-seasoned, it does not hurt to season it yourself. Some manufacturers also apply wax, especially to new Dutch ovens, to prevent them from rusting before being purchased, which you will also want to remove before using. To do this, put an aluminum foil-covered baking sheet on the bottom rack of the oven, and place your Dutch oven upside down on the top rack. Bake it at 400 degrees for an hour, and once the wax has melted, you can start the seasoning process.
Prepare the Materials
The materials you need to disinfect your cutting board are easy to find in your kitchen or stock room. Once you completed this list below, you’re ready for the next stepRead on to know the steps on how to season cast iron Dutch oven.
Things you will need:
- Aluminum foil
- Stiff brush
- Baking sheet
- Clean towel
- Vegetable oil
- Hot, soapy water
- Paper towel
Steps on How to Season Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Step 1:
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, stick it on the bottom rack of your oven and then preheat the oven to 400°.
Step 2:
Scrub down the Dutch oven with a stiff brush and soapy water. Completely dry it with a towel.
Step 3:
Apply a layer or coating of vegetable oil using a paper towel to the entire Dutch oven and its lid. Make sure that you get into all the nooks and crannies of the pan.
Step 4:
Place the Dutch oven and the lid upside down on the oven’s upper rack and bake for one hour. You may see some smoke coming from the oil, so it will be a good idea to open your windows and have proper ventilation.
Step 5:
Turn off your oven and let your Dutch oven cool for about thirty minutes before removing it.
And that’s it! Those are the simple steps on how to season cast iron Dutch oven. If you happen to see some gaps in the shiny black sheen, you can repeat the process until you reach your desired finish.
Re-seasoning Your Cast-Iron Dutch Oven
As you use and cook with oil in your Dutch oven, its surface will improve after every use. But at times, the coating may deteriorate, rust, or lose its nonstick properties. Acidic foods, like tomatoes, are particularly very harsh on cast irons. You can clean your cast iron in between uses and re-season them.
If your Dutch oven has visible rust already, you may have to strip it entirely using a special cleaner and do the seasoning process from the start.
Otherwise, if your Dutch oven just requires a refresh, make sure that it’s free of any baked-on food by completely scrubbing it with hot water. If you require soap, you can use just a little mild dish soap. Then towel it dry, and follow Steps 1 and 3-5 again.
Your refreshed Dutch oven will soon be ready again for one of your quick and simple recipes. Know more about dutch ovens.
Conclusion
Because a cast iron is iron, it will easily rust if not taken care of properly. Seasoning, along with the proper care, will lessen the chance of rusting and bring out your dishes’ flavors. Not to mention, it will be easy to clean. Learning how to season cast iron Dutch oven is just easy, and when done rightly, it will be well-seasoned and will probably be one of your most beloved and used kitchen tool ever. Plus, it will produce a nonstick finish without Teflon’s harmful chemicals or coatings if you do this correctly.