Marianne Martinez
Seasoning a cast-iron pan is a process of building up a finish on the pan that aids in cooking, creates a semi-nonstick surface, and protects the pan from rust. While there are many theories on the best way to season cast iron, from complex rounds of heating and oiling with different types of vegetable and animal fats, to doing nothing at all, using flaxseed oil is a popular method that has gained traction in recent years. In this article, we will explore the process of seasoning a cast iron pan with flaxseed oil, the benefits, and potential drawbacks of this method, and compare it to other popular seasoning techniques.
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What You'll Learn
The process of seasoning cast iron pans
"Seasoning" cast iron refers to a process of building up some amount of material, which creates a semi-nonstick surface on the pan and protects the cast iron pan against any possible rust.
To season a cast iron pan with flaxseed oil, follow these steps:
Step 1: Strip the pan of its previous seasoning
According to Cook’s Illustrated, the easiest way to strip a cast iron pan of its seasoning is to run it through your oven’s self-cleaning cycle. Place the pan upside down on the bottom rack and set the oven to a three-hour cleaning cycle. When the cycle is complete, the pan will be very hot and smoky. Let it cool down, then scrub it vigorously with soap and hot water. Finally, set it on a low flame to dry it out completely.
Step 2: Prepare the flaxseed oil
Buy a bottle of organic flaxseed oil from a health food store or organic grocery store. Flaxseed oil is sold as an omega-3 supplement and can be found in the refrigeration section. Make sure to check the expiration date to ensure it is not rancid.
Step 3: Apply the flaxseed oil to the pan
Pour a small amount of flaxseed oil into the pan, starting with a teaspoon and adding more as needed. Use a paper towel, rag, or your hands to spread the oil evenly throughout all surfaces of the pan, including the bottom, sides, and handle. The pan should have a slight sheen, but no standing puddles or thick areas of buildup.
Step 4: Bake the pan in the oven
Place the pan upside down in a cold oven. Most instructions recommend putting aluminum foil under it to catch any drips, but if your oil coating is thin enough, this should not be necessary. Turn the oven to a baking temperature of 500°F (or as high as your oven goes) and let the pan preheat with the oven. Bake the pan for at least 30 minutes, then remove it and let it cool down.
Step 5: Repeat the oil application and baking process
Once the pan is cool enough to touch, reapply a thin coat of oil using the same method as before. Put the pan back into the oven and bake it for another 30 minutes. Repeat this process for a total of six cycles. With each successive seasoning, the pan’s finish will become smoother and more sleek.
Step 6: Finalize the seasoning
After the final cycle, the pan should have a semi-gloss, tough, black finish and be ready for use. Note that you won't have to repeat the seasoning process very often; properly seasoned cast iron pans can maintain their finish for several months.
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Sheryl Canter's method
Yes, you can season a cast-iron pan with flaxseed oil, and one popular method is Sheryl Canter's method. This method involves a three-step process that includes cleaning, seasoning, and curing the pan. Here is a detailed guide to Sheryl Canter's method:
Cleaning the Pan
Before seasoning, it is essential to clean the cast-iron pan thoroughly. Start by scrubbing the pan with hot, soapy water and a steel wool soap pad to remove any old seasoning, residue, or gunk. Then, rinse the pan with clean water and dry it completely. After that, place the pan in an oven preheated to 200°F (93°C) for 15 minutes to ensure it is entirely dry and free of any moisture.
Applying Flaxseed Oil
Once the pan is clean and dry, it's time to apply the flaxseed oil. Take a small amount of flaxseed oil and rub it onto the surface of the pan, using a soft cloth or paper towel. Ensure that the oil is evenly distributed across the entire surface, creating a thin, smooth layer. It is crucial to use only a small amount of oil to avoid creating a sticky or gummy surface.
Curing the Pan
After applying the flaxseed oil, place the pan upside down in an oven preheated to 500°F (260°C). Place a large piece of aluminium foil on the oven's bottom rack to catch any oil drips. Leave the pan in the oven for one hour. The high temperature will cause the oil to bond with the metal, creating a durable, non-stick surface. After an hour, turn off the oven and let the pan cool down completely inside the oven.
Additional Tips
- It is recommended to repeat the seasoning process two or three times to build a more durable and long-lasting seasoning layer.
- To maintain the seasoning, avoid using soap when cleaning the pan. Instead, use hot water and a gentle scrub brush or sponge to remove any residue or food particles. Dry the pan completely after each use.
- Sheryl Canter's method is suitable for seasoning cast-iron cookware, grills, and even carbon steel pans.
- Flaxseed oil is an excellent choice for seasoning due to its ability to polymerize at lower temperatures, creating a hard, smooth surface.
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Stripping a cast iron pan
Stripping a cast-iron pan is necessary when the seasoning is uneven, sticky, or has become patchy. There are several methods to strip a cast-iron pan, each varying in complexity and risk.
One of the simplest methods is to scrub the pan with hot water and an abrasive sponge or scouring pad. This method may not remove all the seasoning, but it is effective in removing gunk and residue. For more intensive cleaning, boiling soapy water in the pan can help remove the seasoning, but this method can be messy and produce an unpleasant smell.
Another method is to use a lye bath, which involves caution due to the caustic nature of lye. It is crucial to wear protective gear, including heavy-duty gloves and eye protection, when handling lye. The pan can be soaked in a lye bath overnight, effectively stripping away all the seasoning.
A more heavy-duty approach is to use electrolysis, which is particularly useful for heavily seasoned and crusted pans. This method requires submerging the cast iron in an electrolysis tank and ensuring it does not contact the anodes. Power tools and sandblasting can also be used, but they may damage the surface of the cast iron, altering its appearance and performance.
For those seeking a more cost-effective solution, using fire or hot coals can be an option, but it carries a risk of permanent damage. The pan can be heated over hot coals or in a fire, causing the seasoning to flake off. However, it is important to avoid shocking the pan with cold water, as it may crack.
Finally, the oven's self-cleaning cycle is a popular method, but it should be approached with caution. The pan is placed upside down in the oven during the cleaning cycle, which reaches extremely high temperatures. This method can produce a lot of smoke and may not be suitable for pans with thick seasoning, as it can smoke out the house.
Each method has its advantages and considerations, and it is essential to choose the one that best suits the condition of the pan and the level of effort one is willing to invest.
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The best type of flaxseed oil
Seasoning cast iron pans refers to the process of building up a finish on the pan that aids in cooking, creates a semi-nonstick surface, and protects the cast iron pan against rust. Flaxseed oil is considered the best oil for seasoning cast iron pans because it forms a sheer, stick-resistant veneer that bonds effectively to skillets. It is a drying oil that is 57% alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid. The more drying the oil, the harder the polymer formed.
When choosing flaxseed oil, it is important to select a food-grade, organic variety that is sold as an omega-3 supplement in health food stores or organic groceries. Check the expiration date to ensure that the oil is not rancid, as flaxseed oil goes rancid easily and has a low smoke point of 225 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also recommended to shake the bottle before use. A 16-ounce bottle typically costs around $13 to $25.
One popular brand is Barlean's Organic Flax Oil, which costs $25 for a 16-ounce bottle. Another option is Whole Foods' 365 Unfiltered Organic Flax Oil, which costs $13 for the same amount.
To season a cast iron pan with flaxseed oil, pour a small amount of oil into the pan, starting with a teaspoon, and spread it evenly throughout all surfaces using a paper towel, rag, or your hands. The pan should have a slight sheen but no standing puddles or thick areas of buildup. Then, rub the oil off completely with paper towels or a cotton cloth until the pan looks dry. Place the pan upside down in a cold oven, preheat to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool before reapplying a thin coat of oil and repeating the process. It is recommended to do at least six coats, and each coat should be thin to avoid an uneven surface or baked-on drips.
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How to apply flaxseed oil
Step 1: Strip the Pan
Before seasoning your cast iron pan with flaxseed oil, it is important to strip the pan of its previous seasoning. This can be done by running it through your oven's self-cleaning cycle, with the pan placed upside down on the bottom rack. This method is smoky and can be scary, but it is effective. After stripping, scrub the pan vigorously with soap and hot water, then set it on a low flame to dry.
Step 2: Prepare the Flaxseed Oil
Purchase a bottle of organic flaxseed oil from a health food store or organic grocery store. Flaxseed oil is sold as an omega-3 supplement and can be found in the refrigeration section. Ensure the oil is food-grade and check the expiration date to make sure it is not rancid. As flaxseed oil goes rancid easily, use the oil soon after purchasing.
Step 3: Apply the Oil
Pour a small amount of flaxseed oil, starting with a teaspoon, into the pan. Using a paper towel, rag, or your bare hands, spread the oil evenly throughout all surfaces of the pan, including the bottom, sides, and handle. The pan should have a slight sheen, but no standing puddles or thick areas of buildup.
Step 4: Bake the Pan
Place the pan upside down in a cold oven. Most ovens should be set to 500°F, but if your oven does not go that high, set it to the maximum temperature. Let the pan preheat with the oven. Bake the pan for 30 minutes, then remove it and let it cool.
Step 5: Repeat the Process
Once the pan is cool enough to touch, reapply a thin coat of oil and bake for another 30 minutes. Repeat this process for a total of 4 to 7 cycles, or until you are happy with the finish. The final product should have a semi-gloss, smooth, tough, black finish.
Tips:
- It is important to use pure flaxseed oil with no additives. Avoid using spray oils.
- This process takes approximately 18 hours to complete, including cooling time.
- It is recommended to season all your cast iron pans at once, as it is an investment to heat the oven for several hours.
- Do not use soap on the pan when cleaning it after seasoning. Instead, use a mildly abrasive sponge.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can. Flaxseed oil is a drying oil with a low smoke point, making it a great option for seasoning cast iron pans. It forms a hard, slick, and lasting finish.
First, heat the pan in an oven at 200°F to open the pores of the iron. Then, rub flaxseed oil all over the pan, including the handle, with a paper towel or your hands. After that, rub off the oil with paper towels or a cotton cloth until there is barely any oil left on the surface. Finally, place the pan upside down in a cold oven and turn the temperature up to 500°F.
The whole process takes approximately 18 hours, including six hours of actual baking time and 12 hours of cooling time.
Flaxseed oil forms a sheer, stick-resistant veneer on the pan. It creates a semi-nonstick surface and protects the cast iron from rust. It is also a durable and straightforward process.
