🔧 How to Season Cast Iron Cookware

Take care of your cast iron, and it will take care of your cooking—for generations.

There are two simple ways to maintain the seasoning on your cast iron cookware:

• Use it regularly — Every time you cook with oil, you naturally reinforce the seasoning layer. This is the easiest and most effective method to build and maintain a nonstick surface.
• Oven season it occasionally — For a more thorough refresh, seasoning your cast iron in the oven ensures a strong, even coating over the entire surface.

🔄 When Should You Re-Season?

Seasoning can wear down over time, especially after:

• Cooking acidic foods (like tomatoes or vinegar-based sauces)
• Scrubbing too hard with steel pads or abrasives
• Leaving the pan to soak in water
• Not drying it thoroughly after washing

Re-seasoning restores the smooth, black finish and protects the pan from rust. If your cast iron looks dull, sticky, or slightly rusty, it’s time to season it in the oven.

🔥 3 Easy Steps to Oven Seasoning

✅ Step 1: Scrub

Wash your pan with warm, soapy water and a scrub brush. Dry it completely with a towel.

💡 Soap is okay here because you're about to re-season the pan.

✅ Step 2: Apply Oil

Rub a very thin, even layer of cooking oil over the entire pan—inside, outside, and handle too. Avoid over-oiling; excess oil can cause a sticky surface.

💃 Recommended oils: Canola, flaxseed, vegetable, or grapeseed oil.

✅ Step 3: Bake

Place the pan upside down on the middle rack of your oven. Put a baking sheet or foil underneath to catch drips. Bake at 450–500°F (230–260°C) for 1 hour, then turn the oven off and let the pan cool inside.

🧠 What Is Cast Iron Seasoning?

Seasoning is simply oil baked onto cast iron, creating a black, protective finish that:

• Prevents rust
• Builds a natural nonstick layer
• Improves the more you use it

This process is called polymerization, and it’s what gives your cast iron that signature smooth sheen.

🍳 Crovora Cast Iron Is Pre-Seasoned and Ready to Use

Every piece of Crovora cast iron cookware comes pre-seasoned and ready for action right out of the box. No need to season before the first use!

The easiest way to maintain this natural seasoning is simply to cook with it. Whether you’re frying eggs, grilling steak, or baking bread, every use adds a thin layer of baked-on oil that deepens the nonstick surface and flavor over time.

To help you get started, we’ve put together a collection of beginner-friendly recipes perfect for your first few cooks with Crovora.

🌟 Why Is There a Spot or Discoloration on My New Pan?

Small brown or light marks may appear on new cast iron. They happen during the factory seasoning process when pans hang to dry. This spot will disappear over time with regular use and care. It’s not rust, and it’s completely safe!

🪃 Which Oils Work Best?

You can use most cooking oils for seasoning, but high-smoke-point oils work best:

• 🟡 Canola oil (recommended)
• 🌻 Sunflower oil
• 🦒 Grapeseed oil
• 🧈 Melted shortening

Avoid: butter, margarine, or low-smoke oils like extra virgin olive oil for oven seasoning.

💡 Pro Tips

• Always dry your cast iron immediately after washing.
• Rub it with oil after every use to maintain seasoning.
• Store in a dry place, uncovered if possible.