Benefits of a cleaned/seasoned cast iron

I just started using a cast iron that I got from a friend (I don't believe it has ever been cleaned/seasoned/any special treatment). So far, everything I've cooked in it (steak, fish) has come out really good, even though the typical traits of a good cast iron are definitely not there (rust, uneven surface, no shine, etc.) In what ways would food cooked in a well kept cast iron differ from a poorly kept one?

cast-iron

Best Answer

I would say that rust, an uneven surface, and no shine are the traits of cast iron that has not been cared for. It sounds like you are using a seasoned cast iron pan. You do need to maintain it, or it will not stay that way. (There are lots of questions and answers on the site about cast iron. Just use the search bar.) The benefit of cast iron is heat retention, and the even conduction of heat. A well-maintained pan will also develop a virtually non-stick surface. In addition to having to deal with rust, a poorly maintained pan would lead to more sticking.

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Quick Answer about "Benefits of a cleaned/seasoned cast iron"

Cleaning cast iron after each use is ideal to prevent rust and maintain a nonstick coating. Because cast iron tends to absorb flavors easily, it also helps ensure that the next dish you make won't taste like the one prior.

Do you have to season cast iron every time you clean it?

After you clean a cast iron pan, it's essential to season your pan immediately after, but you can also do a more intensive reseasoning process in the oven. This is just a longer version of the quick seasoning that follows every cleaning.

Does seasoning cast iron do anything?

Cast iron seasoning is a layer of carbonized oil. It gives your cookware that classic black patina. Seasoning forms a natural, easy-release cooking surface and helps prevent your pan from rusting. It may take a little extra care, but a well-seasoned cast iron pan will last for generations.

Why you should never clean a cast iron skillet?

"You can't clean cast-iron the same way you clean stainless steel," kitchen expert and author of "Kitchen Matters," Pamela Salzman says. "It's very porous," Rach adds. "That flavor will stay in there and literally bake into the pan."

Do you need to clean pre seasoned cast iron?

Buy pre-seasoned, but don't cook with it right away. Druckman says: \u201cYou still want to give it a little bit of care when it first comes out of the box. You can just rinse it and dry it, but it's nice to give it a few coatings of a quick seasoning before you use it to build up a nice little base.

The Best Way To Clean and Season a Cast Iron Skillet | Epicurious

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Erik Mclean, Erik Mclean, Milan, Magda Ehlers