349739 Sat Dec 09 18:35:49 -0800 2006 8 31 Home Cooking 0 2084982 Can I use olive oil to season cast iron cookware? Or which oil is best? Sat Dec 09 18:35:49 -0800 2006 42278 Displaced California Foodie 1 2084991 Don't waste olive oil for that; also you only want to use a vegetable oil with no discernable flavor (safflower, soy or grapeseed). Avoid canola for high heat. Sat Dec 09 18:38:21 -0800 2006 2084982 13819 Karl S 1 2084992 I think that any veg. oil is ok. I usually use corn or peanut as it's cheaper than olive oil. I've used lard from the local carniceria too. Sat Dec 09 18:38:22 -0800 2006 2084982 10864 sel 1 2085057 Shortening or lard. It will not leave that sticky residue that liquid oils can. It is all I will use. Sat Dec 09 19:16:04 -0800 2006 2084982 11259 Becca Porter 2 2085247 Ditto! No oil at all. Use something that is solid at room temp like lard or crisco. Sat Dec 09 21:12:52 -0800 2006 2085057 10285 Candy 1 2085095 If you heat the oil hot enough and long enough to season a pan, your oil has turned to carbon, (which is good in this case) so don't use anything expensive, just edible. Sat Dec 09 19:44:06 -0800 2006 2084982 42470 blue room 1 2085508 Bacon is not a bad seasoner. I have four iron pans, three of which seasoned easily and one of which just never will, for some reason. Sat Dec 09 23:23:19 -0800 2006 2084982 19727 kayandallie 1 2085654 I'd use grapeseed myself because it has the highest smoke point. Sun Dec 10 00:32:04 -0800 2006 2084982 57154 Lex 1 2086693 According to Harold McGee, highly unsaturated oils such as soy and corn are especilly prone to oxidation and polymerizing (the process that helps form the hard dry layer you want in a seasoned pan) and are therefore ideal for seasoning cast iron. Sun Dec 10 17:12:35 -0800 2006 2084982 11407 JoanN