Can I use flaxseed oil to season my cast iron?

If the cookware is stored for too long, lard and other animal-based fats can go rancid. Using flaxseed oil to season cast iron pans is a growing trend. Flaxseed oil has a very low smoke point—at just 225 degrees F—which means it’s quick to polymerize into a layer of seasoning.

Why is flaxseed good for cast iron?

You can read her post for the specific points on the science behind fat polymerization, but the gist is this: Vegetable oils and shortening leave cast iron soft and prone to scratching and wear and tear, but flaxseed oil — which is essentially the food-grade equivalent of linseed oil, the drying oil that painters and …

What is the best way to cure a cast iron skillet?

How To Season Your Cast-Iron Skillet:

1. Scrub skillet well in hot soapy water.
2. Dry thoroughly.
3. Spread a thin layer of melted shortening or vegetable oil over the skillet.
4. Place it upside down on a middle oven rack at 375°. (Place foil on a lower rack to catch drips.)
5. Bake 1 hour; let cool in the oven.

Is flaxseed oil toxic when heated?

Although you can cook with whole flaxseeds and flaxseed meal, using flaxseed oil is not recommended. In fact, Dr. Sears of AskDrSears.com states that oils high in essential fatty acids, such as flaxseed oil, should not be heated heated because heat can turn the healthy fats into harmful ones.

Why do you season a cast iron pan upside down?

You place the pan upside down so that any excess shortening drips off instead of pooling inside the pan. Bake for one hour. While the cast iron cooks, you may notice a slight smell and perhaps some smoke. Fortunately, the smell and smoke dissipate pretty quickly.

Why do you season cast iron upside down?

You place the pan upside down so that any excess shortening drips off instead of pooling inside the pan. Bake for one hour. While the cast iron cooks, you may notice a slight smell and perhaps some smoke. The cast iron is still baking while the oven cools, so you achieve a deeper cure.

Is Heating flaxseed oil bad?

How many times should you season cast iron?

Remember there’s no need to use your best premium brand for seasoning! How often should I season my skillet? — To get the best out of your cast iron skillet, it’s recommended that you oil it after each use. However, depending on how frequently you use it, 2-3 times a year is sufficient.

How long do you cure a cast iron skillet?

Put the oiled pan in a preheated 450°F oven, and leave it there for 30 minutes. It may get a little smoky, so keep your kitchen well ventilated. It’s during this time that the oil will polymerize and form the first of several hard, plastic-like coatings you’ll be laying down.

How do I use flaxseed oil in a cast iron skillet?

You can read the full instructions on Sheryl Canter’s website, but here’s the overview: 1 Pour flaxseed oil into the pan: A little goes a long way, so you can start with a teaspoon. 2 Rub the oil into the pan: This is best done with your hands. 3 Wipe off the oil: Wipe off the oil with a paper towel. 4 Place the skillet in a cold oven: Place…

How do you cure a cast iron skillet in the oven?

Turn off the oven and let your skillet cool in the oven for about 30 minutes. Remove the skillet and lightly wipe the surface with a clean paper towel to remove any excess oil. Use your skillet for all types of cooking now that is properly cured.

How do you use flaxseed oil to clean a frying pan?

Place 1 tablespoon flaxseed oil in the pan and, using tongs, rub the oil into the surface with paper towels. With fresh paper towels, thoroughly wipe out the pan to remove excess oil.

How do you strip a cast iron pan of seasoning?

The best way to strip a cast-iron pan of seasoning is to run the pan through your oven’s self-cleaning cycle. Remove the pan from the oven. Place 1 tablespoon flaxseed oil in the pan and, using tongs, rub the oil into the surface with paper towels. With fresh paper towels, thoroughly wipe out the pan to remove excess oil.