The Best Way to Season Cast Iron

Cast iron can be an intimidating piece of cookware for many people. Like most great tools, it must be cared for in order to work well. If cast iron cookware is well-tended, it can be an heirloom piece you can passed down through the generations This is why the best way to season cast iron is with pure rendered tallow because of its high smoking point, fat content, and nourishing properties. 

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Why cast iron?

Cast iron is greatly valued for its durability, heat retention, and even cooking properties. It is incredibly resilient and can be passed down for generations. We have a beautiful cast iron pan that my husband’s great-great-grandparents used more than a century ago and it still functions like new. Unlike much modern cookware, cast iron is made of 100% heat-safe material so it can easily transfer from stove to oven. For this reason, I can make eggs, sourdough, cobbler, fried chicken, and so much more with the same pan. When you care to season cast iron well, it becomes practically non-stick, won’t rust, and can last for hundreds of years. 

Why tallow?

Tallow has a high smoking point which means it can be heated to very high temperatures before smoking or going rancid (unlike olive oil or flaxseed oil). This is beneficial because you will heat your cast iron to very high temperatures when cooking and baking and always want to avoid smoking and rancid oils. The fattiness of tallow is perfect to season cast iron and helps to keep food from sticking. Finally, tallow is a highly nourishing and healing substance which is how it holds its season for so long and protects your cast iron.

Where can I find tallow?

You can easily make or buy tallow. Online is a great place to start, but you can also find local farms selling pure rendered tallow. If you would like to learn how to render your own tallow, check out my tutorial here. 

How to care for cast iron

I am always careful when washing cast iron. If possible you want to avoid using soap on your pans which can strip the seasoning. I start by washing the cast iron with a dish brush (I don’t use steel wool which can be too abrasive). After the cast iron is squeaky clean, leave it wet and place it on your stovetop on medium heat. Once all the water is evaporated, which will take about 1-2 minutes, add a teaspoon of tallow to your cast iron. Turn off the heat. At this point, I like to use a small cloth to rub the melting tallow into the pot or pan until the cast iron is shiny and smooth. I don’t do this every time I wash my cast iron, but pretty frequently as we use them at almost every meal.

Supplies you will need:

Pure rendered tallow

Cast iron pan

Clean rag or dishcloth

Seasoning cast iron

Print Recipe

Equipment

• Teaspoon of pure rendered tallow
• Cast iron pan
• Small, clean rag

Instructions

• Wash your cast iron without using soap. Do not dry with a cloth or towel
• Heat the cast iron on medium for 1-2 minutes until hot
• Add a teaspoon of tallow to the pan and allow to melt
• Using a small clean rag, rub the tallow into the bottom and sides of the pan
• Cut of the heat and let the cast iron come to room temperature