Cast Iron Skillet Seasoning - A Detailed How-To Video: Grapeseed vs Flaxseed Oils + the “Egg Test”!

Cast Iron is one of the best (and safest!) cookware choices for your healthy, non-toxic kitchen. Caring for your cast iron skillet is very important to keep it looking good and to maintain that virtually non-stick surface. In this video I go through the cast iron seasoning process from start to finish. We explore cast iron skillet seasoning with grapeseed oil vs flaxseed oil - two of the most popular oils for cast iron skillet seasoning. I will use grapeseed oil to season a Staub cast iron pan and flaxseed oil to season an Artisanal skillet. By the end of the video you will see the final verdict on how seasoning a cast iron skillet with flaxseed oil looks compared to seasoning a cast iron skillet with grapeseed oil as I perform the all-important “egg test”!. Join me in my kitchen now and let’s get started!
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[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Have you seasoned your cast iron skillet? What's your favorite oil for seasoning?

[@Invisible_Hermit]

A very thorough and intelligently done video. Thank you so much for taking the time to create and provide this very helpful information. Anybody complaining about the length of this video needs to stop and appreciate the fact that it took you DAYS to complete it. Somehow, I don't think they would have found the cure for cancer had they not taken the time to watch this video. Wsy too much impatience and self importance out there. We have several cast iron pans that need to be re-seasoned, and this looks like the definite way to do it, especially since you watched and read so much information out there beforehand and were able to distill it for us. PLUS, you then cooked an egg on the pans, which really revealed whether any of the seasoning process even worked. You have a great energy, and your enthusiasm and desire to help are very apparent. Stay well, and thanks again.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Thanks so much Mike! I am so glad you found the video helpful. I appreciate you stopping by! And do let me know how your seasoning goes. 😉

[@charmainebostwick8005]

Great video Zenana! I've always wondered how to season a cast-iron skillet and I've put off using cast iron because of that. This is so helpful and now I'm looking forward to building a cast iron set! Thanks for the tips!

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

You're welcome! I'm so glad you found it helpful. Cast iron is so great to cook with but it does take some practice getting used to it. Let me know when you get your first skillet!

[@jimglatthaar4053]

There are many people who noticed the Flaxseed oil seasoning chipping off and leaving black spots in their food. One explanation is that Flaxseed oil creates a brittle polymerization while other products, such a Grapeseed oil create a stronger seasoning which adheres better to cast iron.

[@ronjenkins4257]

"The moment we've all been waiting for . . . ." at 26:25. "I didn't really see much of a difference between the two." at 28.35. Saved you 1/2 hour.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Thanks for summarizing Ron! I appreciate that and I am sure others will too if they don't want to see the process. I'm working on getting more concise too. Glad you stopped by!

[@terminalpsychosis8022]

Very helpful. Super in depth but easy to follow. Thank you.

[@deantucker1464]

Seasoning with Flax Seed oil at 500 degrees makes the seasoning brittle. Smoke point of flax seed oil is 225 so 255 should be enough to polymerase the oil. Grapeseed oil's smoke point BBC is 420 degrees and 450 is sufficient. I've seasoned hundreds of pieces and frankly due to the ease of acquiring Grapeseed oil, it is my choice!

[@rocheyb1]

I bought a new cast iron griddle pan yesterday from a posh 🇬🇧 high street shop (while those are still a thing) but I didn’t even know that cast iron pans required seasoning - I had to learn that the hard way! So, having scraped off last night’s stuck-on sausage meat and cleaned the whole thing with warm water, I’m ready to get to work with the Grapeseed Oil, following your expertly explained method. I’ve read that it’s best to repeat the process several times before attempting to cook fish on it, so in the meantime I’ll perfect my chicken, mini Bockwurst and mixed vegetables.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Oh darn! Well at least you are on the right track now. Let us know how the seasoning went!

[@candywong4697]

thanks for your sharing and I from Hong Kong

[@frankroper3274]

450 with flaxseed or Crisco is what i use cause when you use it then that is when the best seasoning starts!😊

[@cindybarry5338]

Great research! Took a heck of a lot of time

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Thanks! So true! Good thing I don't have to do it often.

[@khrisdavis1944]

This best ever cast iron video

[@Bucky1836]

Salt and a fresh cut potato is how we did it at deer camp to clean our irons , dad argued with me on seasoning but i can get em slick as glass he never could 🤣 use to piss him off 🤣

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Very interesting Justin! I have never heard of this method. I will have to try it sometime. Any more details you can share would be greatly appreciated.

[@Bucky1836]

@@NaturalLivingwithZenana heat and layers it took 6 coats before i noticed a non stick finish 😄

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Good to know. Thank you!

[@darcylockhart]

Awesome video, I use grape seed oil as well, and watched this video for vindication. Your video is great, but get a Mic. I use the iRig, but whatever works for you!

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Good to know Darcy! Grapeseed oil seems to work well for me too. 😉 And I must report, I got a new mic! It's a Boya lavelier mic and the sound is much better. Take a listen to one of my newer videos and you will see. 🎤🔊😁 Thanks so much for stopping by!

[@Distorted-Vision]

Is there any advantage of using cold pressed grapeseed for seasoning instead of cheaper ones?

[@KK-pf1ye]

but grapeseed oil has a smoke temp of 485. wouldnt 500 be too hot?

[@priestlygarments4004]

I Have A Question! I just bought a new lodge 12 inch cast iron that is already pre seasoned. Should I wash it first with soap? Basically what should I do first? It’s brand new! Also is grape seeds oil good for seasoning? I’m just starring at my new skillet not knowing what to do.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Hello! Yes, I would say wash with warm water and a little mild soap just to get any dust & dirt off from manufacture and packaging, etc. After that I would just wash with hot water and salt. I have been trying that out lately and it seems to be working better than using soap. Also, refrain from using an abrasive tool to clean it with. A soft brush or natural scrubby sponge works fine. When you have washed it and rinsed it be sure to dry it and then put it on the stove on medium heat until it gets warm but not hot. Then put a tiny bit of oil (grapeseed is just fine) and rub it in to the pan so it just has a light coating. Leave it on the stove to cool & for the oil to soak in. If you do that every time it should keep your pan in great shape! Also, remember to heat up your pan on medium before you get ready to use it. Use a generous amount of oil or butter and don't start cooking until the pan has warmed up. This will prevent any sticking. Sticking occurs with not enough oil and if the pan is too hot. Hope that helps! Let us know how it goes and have fun with your new cast iron! 😉😁

[@priestlygarments4004]

@@NaturalLivingwithZenana wow you’re the best! I’m soooo excited! I’m honored that you took the time to provide a detailed response. I’m in awww.... also is vegetable oil better than grape seed? Which one is recommended? I’m not a fan of processed oils. I only cook with avocado oil and olive oil. However the lodge website says use vegetable oil or canola oil. Which oil would you recommend for seasoning?

[@priestlygarments4004]

@@NaturalLivingwithZenana Also is Pompein grape seed oil good for seasoning?

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

My pleasure! I'm always happy to help. My take is that vegetable oil is ANY oil that comes from a vegetable. So I think you could technically use olive oil or avocado oil if you want to. However, there are some schools of though that say that oils like flaxseed oil actually work better at creating the type of coating you want on your pan without being sticky. It's also generally recommended that oils with higher smoke points are best for this. There are some technical articles out there that talk in more detail about this and I could find them for you if you want. Really it's best to experiment and see what you like best. Just make sure the oil is a very thin coating regardless of the type.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Yes, Pompein Grapeseed oil is just fine.

[@whoc4r3s117]

200 degrees put in pans 10-15 minutes. Then remove pans add oil turn oven to 300 degrees after applying oil pans go back into oven. After ten to fifteen remove pans add another layer of oil. Set oven to 450 after applying the oil put pans back into oven for a hour then turn off oven and let it naturally cool off. Repeat as necessary. Didn’t see any mention of temps or anything in the description. Some people like to see information without going through the video for a second and third time. Myself included.

[@EnriqueMaxx]

God thank you. this video is so long

[@CruelSun69]

@@EnriqueMaxx for grapeseed the final hour is best at 400. For avocado oil 450-475 is good.

[@triadexteriorservicesllc]

I'm seasoning mine right now! House is a bit smokey. I don't like that but I've been putting this off for awhile. 6 seasonings you say?!?! Ok, I'll try.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

That's awesome Ruben! I know that's how it was for me too. I had put off the seasoning for so long. The smoke gets so bad! Definitely one of the drawbacks of this type of seasoning. Be sure too keep fans on and windows open all the while. I think the smoke is one of the reasons that I decided to take extra good care of my cast iron on a daily basis. That way I can do this type of seasoning less and less. I heat up my pan after I wash it and then apply a thin layer of oil. It's like a mini seasoning. You can even do it after each use. That seems to keep them in really good shape if you do it every time you use it or at least every 2-3 times. Did you get 6 seasonings in?? How does it look?

[@andrewr3403]

I have that flaxseed oil too, do I need to worry about the flaxseed particles?

[@kevinmael3862]

Cooking with 2 different oils\fsts helps with cast iron. A common is olive oil and butter.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Great tip! Thanks for sharing this Kevin! I love cooking with butter that's for sure!

[@miles267]

Great video! Have you ever tried a Crisbee Stik with beeswax? Any opinion?

[@alvint4944]

Can we use Now brand grapeseed oil to season our cast iron pans?

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Hi Alvin, Good question! The one I see when I google it says it is made for skincare. If it is food grade then I think it would be fine. Just check the label and see what it says or ask NOW foods directly. Hope that helps!

[@yanakabb]

All STAUB cast irons are coated with enamel inside and outside, just wash it and start using it. When you do the oven seasoning, I was like 😨😱

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Yeah, mine is pretty worn so maybe it helped but maybe it didn't. I'm using it more again and it seems to be working quite well despite the wear.

[@y.sangare1238]

Staub pans do not come seasoned. They have a black enamel! No need to season at all. And what you mistook for worn down seasoning is a patina.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Oh interesting! Can you tell me more about this?

[@y.sangare1238]

@@NaturalLivingwithZenana This is from their websites FAQ: Black matte interior enamel coating. Long-lasting and durable use. Does not discolour or rust. Scratch-resistant. The longer the Cocotte is in use, the tastier the dishes become! This is because the fat you use during cooking penetrates into the pores of the matte enamel creating a natural and smooth non-stick coating. You will find more info about it here www.staub-online.com/content/staub/uk/en/pages/faq_castiron.html In case you ever get a Le Creuset with a black interior it is the practically the same enamel. People often mistake it for raw cast iron because the enamel is not as smooth as the one on the outside. It is slightly rough, which is good for using it to sear at slightly higher temperatures than one would normally use with enameled cast iron. What you did was not wrong and won't do any harm, but it is important to know it is coated as to not wear the enamel down with metal utensils.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Thank you so much for sharing friend! I really appreciate this. I am going to check this out a little more. My new one is great and the enamel is staying on it just fine. I am cleaning differently and not cooking acidic sauces like tomato sauce in it either. I never used metal utensils so that isn't the issue. But it does seem the enamel has worn off. That's what I want to talk to Staub about. I'm not sure what the answer is for this. The seasoning I did in this video didn't stay on it so I am back to almost square one again with this pan. What to do, what to do....

[@y.sangare1238]

@@NaturalLivingwithZenana You are welcome! I love a good discussion about, well, stuff ;-) Acidic sauces are actually no problem. That's the beauty of enameled cast iron. As for cleaning, just soap and water and a soft sponge or rag. If you need to scrub it use a nylon bristled brush (Le Creuset sells one if you are in doubt and have money to burn. I don't and just use the normal El Cheapo brushes). You can use baking soda if you like to. Worn off enamel without doing anything harsh to it, is baffling. I wonder what could have caused it. Would love for you to share what Staub has to say about it.

[@n2skiing76]

I was thinking this also. I have Le Creuset and they the same. It has enamel not raw cast iron.

[@kungfuimaging_adamcrase]

Why buy cast iron, take the time to season it, then place a ton of oil in the pan?

[@bd1a210]

I thought that staub was enameled cast iron and therefore does not need seasoning

[@bustabass9025]

The Cowboy makes a living cooking with cast iron. Most of the tutorials here are from hobbyists posting videos just because they can. Take it all with a grain of salt.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Good to know. I appreciate your opinion.

[@bustabass9025]

@@NaturalLivingwithZenana Thanks, I admire the content of your channel. 👍🏿

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

@@bustabass9025 thank you!

[@garlandhill6718]

The real test is cooking with it, and also you should have compared the seasoning on like for like . This could be done with ANY oil, lard. etc. What did you really prove in this 35 plus minute video.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Hi Garland Hill. Thanks for stopping by and for your feedback. I agree. It would have been good to use the pans a few times and then show them after that. One thing that I did accomplish in this video is a season without the stickiness that can occur with too much oil during seasoning. I also proved that both oils work for seasoning. There are so many different ways to season a pan and I am glad I was able to share one of those methods with the viewers. If you have any other tips you would like to share please do! Sounds like you are an expert on Cast Iron. We love hearing from others in this community. Hope you have a great day!

[@Dev.01-v4x]

словестный понос

[@steelerzpensfan]

Blah blah blah how about cooking