Is it possible to wash off the seasoning oils on pre-seasoned cast iron pans?
I’m thinking about gifting a cast iron pan to a friend, and I came across the brand Lodge, which comes pre-seasoned. However, my friend is allergic to canola oil, which their website mentions they use. I’m not sure if this is a silly question, but do the oils used for seasoning actually cook into the food, or can they be removed before the first use?
It’s definitely not a stupid question! Seasoning oils on pre-seasoned cast iron pans, like those from Lodge, are baked into the pan at high temperatures, which helps create a non-stick surface and protects the iron from rust. While you can’t completely wash off the seasoning, you can definitely remove some of it.
If your friend has a really sensitive allergy to canola oil, you might consider thoroughly scrubbing the pan with a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap before the first use. This could help remove some of the oil. However, keep in mind that this might affect the seasoning, and you might need to re-season the pan afterward to maintain its non-stick properties.
Alternatively, you could also consider purchasing a cast iron pan that is seasoned with an oil that your friend can tolerate, or look for options that are unseasoned. This way, your friend can season it with a suitable oil of their choice. Lodge also offers unseasoned versions that would allow for this!
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