The Quick And Easy Way To Seasoning New Cooking Utensils

Dec 23
22:52

2006

Trevor Sadowski

Trevor Sadowski

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Discover the taste and longevity benefits of seasoning your cookware with this simple, quick and handy guide.

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Why is seasoning new cooking utensils necessary?

If you ever take the opportunity to examine your kitchen utensils under a microscope you would discover that instead of being all shiny and smooth as it feels to the touch,The Quick And Easy Way To Seasoning New Cooking Utensils Articles the surfaces are actually pitted.

These pitted areas are where food gets trapped and sticks to the surface of your pans.  Seasoning new cooking utensils prevents this build up of food and also makes your cooking utensils easier to clean and prolongs their life.

A quick guide to seasoning new cooking utensils

Metallic cookware

First wash metallic cookware in warm soapy water to clean off any residue or grime picked up in transit and any protective coating applied at the factory. After that, dry off with a clean towel and place it on a hot plate on top of a range or in an oven at a temperature of around 250 to 300 degrees for five minutes or so. This ensures that your cookware is fully dried off and prevents moisture build up. 

Following that, remove the utensil and apply cooking oil or fat with a cloth or paper towel. A word of caution though, be careful to use an oil or fat that has a high tolerance to burning like lard or peanut oil. 

Return your pan or utensil to the heat for another two to three hours. Wipe off any excess of fat when the time is up and then wash the utensil in soap and water and dry thoroughly.

Seasoning new cooking utensils is pointless if you do not store your pans in a dry atmosphere. Remember not to place the lids on them as this can cause moisture to build up encouraging rust.

Seasoning new cooking utensils like cast-iron and aluminum and steel pots helps to protect them from damage by moisture and rust. In addition, it helps prevent your cookware from imparting a metallic taste into your food.

Cast iron cookware

You just need to follow the instructions for seasoning new cooking utensils made out of metallic materials, but omit the final step of cleaning with soapy water. Just finish off with a wipe round with a damp cloth.

Wooden Utensils

If you take the trouble seasoning new cooking utensils made of wood then you will protect them from cracking, warping and drying.

As always recommended, wash your utensil in warm water applying a very small amount of soap to clean off factory residues etc. Dry your utensils immediately as this will help to prevent premature drying and subsequent warping.

Following that apply about one teaspoon of food-grade mineral oil, rubbing it in evenly. Let the utensil stand for a little while, then wipe off any excess oil with a dry cloth or paper towel to finish seasoning new cooking utensils made from wood.

If you follow the simple guide above then you will enjoy the longevity and superior performance imparted by seasoning new cooking utensils.