Hi Pantry Magic family, how are you doing? I hope you guys are doing very well.

Today I would like to talk about seasoning your cast iron cookware. In Indonesia, cast iron pan has been very popular in the recent years, especially during the pandemic, when many of us were exploring our newfound hobbies. However, some of our customers are still unsure how to season and to maintain their newly owned treasure.

So I would like to share our way of seasoning cast iron. By the way, all raw cast iron products in Pantry Magic, such as Lodge and Stargazer have been pre-seasoned in the factory, so you don’t really need to do it again. But hey…. it is always useful to know more about seasoning.

For you who are not familiar with seasoning, it is an important step to ensure that your cast iron cookware is non-stick and will last for a long time.

In general there are three methods to season your pan, using oven, or on stovetop or combination of both. In Pantry Magic we usually use stovetop method because it is more convenient, gives better control and generally faster than oven method. But in the end, it depends on your personal preference.

To season cast iron pan on stovetop, you can follow these steps:

1. Wash the pan with warm water and soap.
2. Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean towel.

3. Apply a thin even layer of vegetable oil to the entire surface of the pan.
4. Heat the skillet on a stove burner over medium-high heat for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until the oil starts to smoke.
5. Turn off the heat and let the pan cool down completely before removing it.
6. Repeat steps 3-5, if necessary, until the pan has a smooth, dark coating that is completely non-stick.

Here are some tips that will help you to season your cast iron pan to perfection:

1. Avoid using too much oil or shortening, as this can create a sticky or uneven surface.
2. Always use a clean towel to apply and wipe off the oil.
3. Store the pan in a dry place to prevent rust.
4. After washing the pan, do not leave it to dry. Dry the pan thoroughly with towel or heat it in on the stove (medium heat) until completely dry.

If you follow these steps and tips, your cast iron will last you a lifetime, literally! Happy seasoning.

For further info on cast iron, we share more on what oil is best for seasoning your cast iron pan and whether it is ok to use soap to wash the cast iron pan.