Saison skills is a key competency to be mastered by any cast iron chef.
When the oil is heated, it reacts with a cast-iron pan surface..
..and leaves behind a protective pan we call seasoning.
Seasoning helps protect a pot from rusting and provides a non-binding cooking surface.
However, various oils have various qualities and while some are great for seasoning,..
..others aren’t very good.
And you can check best oil for seasoning reviews here if you are looking for that.
We are often asked if it is a good idea to season cast iron with olive oil..
..and we will take a detailed look in today’s article!
before we start..
Let’s Hear Georgina Story!
I have always loved to cook…
… and it was something that I did with my family when I was younger.
It is just one of the things that has kept me sane over these last few years.
My husband had a heart attack two years ago…
… and it’s been hard for him to manage his diet because…
… he had such high cholesterol before the surgery.
But now we have found this great new product: olive oil!
We have switched all of our cooking oils out for olive oil…
… and we are so pleased with how much better everything tastes!”
Check this out!
What Is Seasoning?
Basically, seasoning is a coating.
If you pour into a cast iron bowl a very thin layer of oil..
..and heat it up, then the oil bonds to the metal.
Polymerization is the process.
The fat is becoming essentially a plastic-type.
The black layer that forms on the metal is known as assault..
..when you repeat this process and add it layer after layer.
The metal is protected during the cooking process.
It’s also nonstick that makes cooking great.
Why Do You Need to Season Cast Iron?
- One Lodge Pre-Seasoned 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet
- Unparalleled heat retention and even heating
- Pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil
- Use to sear, sauté, bake, broil, braise, fry, or grill
- Use in the oven, on the stove, on the grill, or over a campfire
- Great for induction cooktops
- Included Components: Lodge L8Sk3 10-1/4-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet
- Item Shape: Round
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- Cast iron cookware is less smoother than the Non-Stick cookware.
- Iron deficiency is fairly common worldwide especially among women so cooking food in a cast iron skillet can increase iron content by as much as 20%
- Hand wash even before first use and dry immediately; rub with a light coat of vegetable oil after every wash
- Allow cast iron skillet to cool completely before washing them in hot soapy water with a sponge using regular dishwashing liquid soap; it is not dishwasher safe
- Its superior heat retention will keep your mouth watering food warm for a long t
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- Item Shape: Rectangular
- Included Components: Measurement Guide
- Fits over two stovetop burners
- Dual handles for great control
- Unparalleled heat retention and even heating
- Pre-seasoned with 1% natural vegetable oil
- Use to sear, bake, broil, fry, or grill
- Use in the oven, on the stove, on the grill, or over a campfire
- Maximum Heating Temperature (Fahrenheit):
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The seasoning makes it easy for your pot to eat.
It prevents rusting and keeps your pot in top shape.
This provides a longer life and more time to cook in the kitchen.
It helps to clean and prevents bleeding as well.
Cast iron is not smooth, too, so that in its grating food can be lost.
It will prevent it from happening in the seasoning.
When asked, ‘Can you use olive oil for cast iron season,’ the answer is yes.
Can Olive Oil be Used to Season My Cast Iron Pan?
- Farmer-Crafted
- Robust flavor
- Imported, first cold pressed extra virgin olive oil
- Perfect for pasta, marinades and salad dressings. Can also be used for dipping
- Packaging May V
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Can you season olive oil cast iron? Yes.
The seasoning of cast iron cookware can be a popular choice..
..because it’s one of the best-known and widely available oils on the market.
Although it’s excellent for dressings in salads, olive oil isn’t really that great for cast iron..
..because it has a low smoke point.
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), the most representative component of this diet, seems to be relevant in lowering the incidence of cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and stroke.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Cardiovascular Diseases: Benefits for Human Health
However, what is the best cast iron seasoning oil?
The best seasoning oils have a high point of smoke.
This means that at higher temperatures they only start smoking (or burning).
For example, olive oil has a 350°F smoke range, while canola oil has a 400°F smoke rise.
But what is a cast iron skillet best for seasoning oil?
See this paper for more information..
..including herbal oil, on the best seasoning oils.
In fact, if you are using olive oil for seasoning..
..when you are in the pan (which deflects a protective, spiced layer!)..
..the seasoning can begin to degrade.
This stops savoring as long as other oils and adds a smoker flavor to your cooking.
The last but not least…
How to Clean and Season Cast Iron Skillet with Olive Oil?
Cast iron is a skill to be learned by any chef.
It helps to improve the longevity of your cast iron cookware..
..by protecting the cooking skin against rust.
More importantly, however, when it is seasoned, the pan becomes unstickable.
You need to sauté your pot regularly so that it works well.
It’s time to give the pan a good cleaning followed up by good seasoning..
..if the food starts sticking to the surface or if you notice any rust.
Learn how to Saison and regularly do cast iron.
- First of all, wash or scrub off any burnt food, rust, or remnants of the old layer of seasoning under hot water.
- Next, rub a thin layer of your chosen oil over the surface of your cast iron skillet.
- Preheat your oven to the given temperature (the exact temperature depends on the smoke point of the oil, but it’s usually between 300 and 400 °F), then bake your pan face down on the top shelf for at least one hour.
- Repeat this 3-4 times and then let it cool.
So yes, olive oil can be used in the cast iron season..
.. if not better, do work well!
Try a few out and find out what works best for you for your iron cast seasoning!
Find out other best oils for seasoning!
Sums Up
It is not the best choice to season cast iron with olive oil.
That doesn’t mean the oil is bad for you.
Cast iron is required to cook successfully since olive oil..
..does not have a high enough smoking point to produce the non-stick surface required..
..simply because its smoking point is not high enough to produce that surface.
Conclusion
Cast iron cookware is among the most practical and sought-after cookware in the world.
Cast-iron cookware has been used for hundreds of years by our ancestors.
As time goes by, some people seem to have a more difficult time choosing oils.
A lot of time and effort has been wasted on determining..
..which oils are healthy and which are not.
Water, humidity, and heat must be kept out of the cast-iron’s outer layer.
You will have a non-stick surface if you use oil with a high smoke point to protect it.
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Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
