Curing Cast Iron
I rescued one of these pans, a 4 1/2 quart dutch oven with handle. It wasn’t in bad shape, but had never been seasoned properly.
I already have a newer “Lodge” mini cast iron (just right for frying a single egg). They are already seasoned for you, but I figured I’d give it another coat if I’m seasoning the dutch oven anyway.
Isn’t it fantastic? It’s amazing what some people don’t want. I sanded off the rusty spots and scrubbed the pot out with soapy water (this is the only time to use soap- before you season it).
Then I dried it over the stove top and covered the entire surface with bacon grease, both inside and out.
Put into a 350 degree oven for at least an hour. The house will get a slight metallic smell to it specific to curing pans, but once you make that association, it’s kind of a comforting smell. Turn off the oven and leave the cast iron in until completely cooled.