To protect the integrity of the skillet, users should follow these fundamental rules:

A properly maintained cast iron skillet can last for generations, often outliving its original owners.

The story of cast iron cookware began in China during the Han Dynasty around 220 AD, where the technique of smelting iron was first perfected. However, it was not until the 18th century that the modern skillet began to take shape in Europe and the Americas.

To season a skillet, one must apply a very thin layer of neutral cooking oil (such as vegetable or grapeseed oil) to the entire surface of the pan. The pan is then placed upside down in an oven heated to 400°F to 450°F for about an hour. This causes the fats to undergo polymerization, creating a hard, plastic-like barrier bonded to the metal. Cleaning and Storage

Use warm water and a stiff brush. Contrary to popular myth, a drop of mild dish soap is perfectly safe and will not strip a well-bonded seasoning layer.