Treating Cast Iron Pans

Food cooked in cast iron pans tastes better, there is simply no contest, but if you do not take care of the pans, not only will your food taste bad, but also eventually; your pans will be ruined.

Treating cast iron pans will help protect them from water damage and helps develop a nonstick surface to prevent food from sticking. Treating and seasoning your pans will take less than an hour each time and should be done on a regular basis to keep your pans in good working condition.

In order to treat the pans you will need oil, paper towels, aluminum foil and an oven. You could also use an old dishrag or washcloth instead of paper towels if you like. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit before you get started.

Pour a generous amount of oil on to a paper towel. Use canola oil, sunflower oil or whatever cooking oil you have on hand, including shortening. Rub the saturated paper towel around the pan to cover it with the oil. Use more oil if necessary, but make sure to cover the entire pan with the oil or shortening.

Place a sheet of aluminum foil over the oven rack to prevent the oil from dripping in to the bottom of the oven. Position the cast iron pan face down over the sheet of aluminum foil. Allow it to heat in the oven for approximately 45 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and allow cooling. Season your cast iron pans regularly to protect them from damage and rust.

To further prevent damage to your cast iron pans, do not put them in cold water, and quickly rinse them clean. Never use dish soap on your cast iron pans and always dry them thoroughly before putting them away.

Source
What's Cooking America: How to Season Cast Iron Pans
http://whatscookingamerica.net/Information/CastIronPans.htm