Cast iron skillets are a true workhorse for any kitchen due to their versatile uses. But, you need to season those skillets to keep their top-notch performance. Otherwise, you will notice that it easily collects food particles, cleaning will be hard, and even rust will build up.
So, it is necessary to season a cast-iron skillet. But, there are several options available for seasoning cast iron. In the article, I will notify you whether you can use avocado oil for seasoning cast iron pan or not.
Can you season a cast iron pan with avocado oil?
Yes, you can. Avocado oil is one of the best oils to season cast iron because avocado oil has a high smoking point. It can season cast iron very well. While other oil smoking points range from 350* F to 450* F, on the other hand, Avocado Oil’s smoking point is 570* F. Due to this high smoking. You will get better results.
Pros
- Due to the high smoking point, the season is very good and creates a hard lear.
- It is not easily damaged and can be used for a long time.
- Its smoking point is 570*F.
Cons
- It is much more expensive than other oils.
What Temp Should I Season Cast Iron with Avocado Oil?
You can season your cast iron pan at about 400 – 450oF. One reason why Avocado oil is ideal for seasoning is its high smoking point. The smoking point of an oil is the temperature that it will begin to smoke. Although the smoking point of Avocado oil is 520oF, you don’t have to heat your pan at a temperature close to its smoke point. You’re good with a temperature of 450oF or a little lower.
7 Tips:
Seasoning your cast iron pan will not only prevent food from sticking to it, but it will also make your pan last much longer. You need to season your cast iron pan at least 3 times are year. And to get the best result, you need to follow the tips below.
- Preheat your oven to about 400 – 450o
- You may want to place a baking sheet under the pan to catch drips, if any.
- Wash your pan clean with an abrasive scrubber and dish soap. This will help to remove its factory coating. However, never wash your bakeware with an abrasive scrubber after seasoning it. The scrubber may peel off the layer of seasoning.
- Dry the pan with a towel before you turn on your stovetop. You could also follow it up by heating the pan to remove all the tiny, invisible water molecules left in it.
- Now, you can apply a thin layer of Avocado oil to the entire pan, including its interior, sides, handle, and bottom.
- Bake the pan in the oven for an hour. It is a good idea to place the pan in the oven upside down to prevent oil from converging in the pan.
- Let it cool for half an hour and you’re done. You can now start cooking with it.
Does Avocado Oil Go Rancid When Heated?
Naturally, Avocado oil and other types of oil go rancid with time whether it is heated or not. Generally, the shelf life of unopened Avocado oil is 2 years, while it is likely to go rancid 6 months after opening it.
Of course, its expiry date will be written on the oil, but it sometimes goes rancid even before the expiry date. What may facilitate the problem is exposure to too much air, heat, and light. That’s why you need to store Avocado oil in a cool and dark place. Store it away from heat and sunlight.
What Oils Should Not Be Used on Cast Iron?
It is not advisable to season your cast iron pan with oils that have a low smoke point. Such oils cannot be heated, because they’ll smoke and get burned. And the burned oil is likely to take its toll on the flavor and taste of the food you cook in the pan. This is why you need to find the smoke point of any oil before you season your cast iron pan with it.
Avoid oils that have low smoke points, like walnut oil, wheat germ oil, and flaxseed oil. Instead, you could opt for Avocado oil or coconut oil.
How to season a cast-iron skillet using avocado oil?
Proper cast iron seasoning creates a nice nonstick surface that is very easy to clean. Heating the oil in the pan creates a coating that prevents the food from sticking to the pan.
There are two methods to seasoning a cast-iron skillet.
- Stove method
- Oven method
STOVE METHOD
- Make sure your pan is clean. If not, rinse well with warm water and soap. ( this is the only time you can use soap in the pan)
- The inside of the plane should be well oiled using a soft cloth or brush.
- Place your pan on the stove and turn on the low temperature.
- Gradually raise the temperature to the smoking point.
- And put it down from the oven.
- Let the pan cool slowly.
- Wipe off excess oil with a clean cloth or towel.
OVEN METHOD
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees for 10 minutes.
- Make sure your pan is clean. If not, rinse well with warm water and soap.
- The inside of the plane should be well oiled using a soft cloth or brush.
- Place your cast iron pan oven in the middle rack so that if any oil leaks from it, it can be collected below.
- Continue heating for an hour.
- And put it down from the oven.
- Let the pan cool slowly.
- Wipe off excess oil with a clean cloth or towel.
How Often to season cast iron?
Depending on how frequently you use your pants, seasoning 2 or 3 times a year is enough. So if you want you can weigh more than that, there is no problem. But every time you do the season, you have to make sure that the season is good. But every time you season, make sure that the nonstick coating does not come into the pan unless the season is well seasoned.
What is the best oil to season cast iron?
You can season your cast iron pan using any cooking oils and fat. There isn’t any single type of oil which is best. However, it is better to use oil that has high smoking points. According to Lodge, Vegetable oil, avocado oil, canola oil, or melted shortening will perform well.
Final Word
Here are the takeaways from this piece. You need to wash off the factory coating of your pan before seasoning it. Remember, the seasoning will prevent sticking and rusting, and it makes for a longer lifespan. You may want to choose Avocado oil because it has a high smoke point.
However, the oil has its expiry date. Since its shelf life is about 6 months to 2 years, ensure you use it within 2 years after purchasing it and finish the oil within 6 months after opening it. Most importantly, season your pan at least three times a year.
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