You can use olive oil to season cast iron, but it's not the ideal choice. While olive oil is a good cooking oil, it has a lower smoke point than other options like flaxseed oil or grapeseed oil. This means it can burn at lower temperatures, leaving a sticky residue on your pan.
Here are some alternatives to olive oil for seasoning your cast iron:
- Flaxseed oil: This oil has a high smoke point and creates a durable, non-stick finish.
- Grapeseed oil: Another good option with a high smoke point and a neutral flavor.
- Canola oil: A widely available and affordable oil with a decent smoke point.
For the best results, choose an oil with a high smoke point and follow these steps:
- Clean your cast iron pan thoroughly.
- Heat the pan over medium heat.
- Apply a thin layer of oil to the entire surface.
- Wipe away any excess oil.
- Bake the pan in the oven at 450°F for an hour.
- Let the pan cool completely.
Repeat this process several times to build up a thick, durable seasoning layer.
