Can You Use Crisco to Season Blackstone Griddle?
Yes, you can use Crisco to season a Blackstone Griddle.
Crisco is a vegetable shortening with a smoke point suitable for cooking on a cast iron griddle.
It is important to avoid fats containing trans fats, but Crisco’s original formula has been changed to remove all trans fats.
To season the griddle with Crisco, clean it thoroughly with soap and water, then spread three tablespoons of Crisco oil evenly across the griddle surface.
Let the oil cook until it smokes, and repeat this process multiple times.
Seasoning the griddle with Crisco enhances the taste of the food and helps prevent sticking, uneven cooking, and rusting.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. Contrary to popular belief, Crisco can indeed be used to season a Blackstone griddle! The vegetable shortening acts as a protective layer, preventing rust and providing a non-stick surface.
2. Crisco, invented in 1911, was the first-ever shortening made entirely of vegetable oil. It revolutionized cooking as it was cheaper and healthier than the animal fat and lard commonly used at the time.
3. Crisco was initially marketed as a soap substitute during World War I when fats were scarce. Eventually, people realized its potential as a cooking ingredient due to its versatility and long shelf life.
4. One of Crisco’s first major marketing campaigns included publishing cookbooks that promoted the use of the product in a variety of recipes, thus helping it gain immense popularity and establishing it as a household name.
5. Crisco was famously used to season cast iron skillets and bakeware long before its application on griddles. Its high smoke point allows it to polymerize, creating a natural non-stick layer through repeated use and heat exposure.
Using Crisco To Season A Blackstone Griddle
When it comes to seasoning a griddle, Crisco can be a great choice. Crisco is a popular brand of vegetable shortening made from cottonseed, and it contains no trans fats. Trans fats are known to be harmful to health and can increase the risk of heart disease. Therefore, it is important to avoid cooking with fats that contain trans fats.
Crisco has a smoke point of 490 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it suitable for cooking on a cast iron griddle like the Blackstone. The smoke point is the temperature at which an oil starts to break down and produce smoke. Cooking at or below the smoke point ensures that the oil retains its quality and taste.
To use Crisco to season your Blackstone griddle, it is recommended to:
- Clean the griddle thoroughly with soap and water before applying the oil. This removes any dirt or residue that may be present on the surface.
- Once the griddle is clean, you can proceed to season it with Crisco.
Importance Of Avoiding Trans Fats In Cooking
Trans fats are a type of unsaturated fat that have undergone a process called hydrogenation. This process converts liquid oils into solid fats, making them more stable and increasing their shelf life. However, trans fats have been found to raise bad cholesterol levels, lower good cholesterol levels, and increase the risk of heart disease.
Luckily, Crisco has taken steps to remove all trans fats from their original formula. This means that when you use Crisco to season your Blackstone griddle, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are not adding any harmful trans fats to your food.
By choosing to cook with oils that are free of trans fats, you can prioritize your health and reduce the risk of developing heart-related issues. Crisco is a great option as it allows you to season and cook on your griddle without any concerns about trans fats.
- Trans fats are unsaturated fats that have undergone hydrogenation process.
- Hydrogenation converts liquid oils into solid fats.
- Trans fats raise bad cholesterol levels and lower good cholesterol levels.
- They increase the risk of heart disease.
- Crisco has removed all trans fats from its original formula.
- Using Crisco for seasoning your Blackstone griddle ensures no harmful trans fats are added.
- Cooking with oils that are free of trans fats reduces the risk of heart-related issues.
- Crisco allows you to season and cook on your griddle without any concerns about trans fats.
Steps To Properly Season A Blackstone Griddle With Crisco
To properly season your Blackstone griddle with Crisco, follow these simple steps:
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Begin by cleaning the griddle with soap and water. This step is crucial as it ensures that any dirt or debris is removed from the surface.
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Once the griddle is clean and dry, take three tablespoons of Crisco oil and spread it evenly across the griddle surface. Use a cloth or paper towel to ensure that the oil is spread evenly.
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Turn on the griddle and let it heat up until the oil starts to smoke. This indicates that the oil has reached its smoke point and is ready for seasoning.
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Allow the oil to cook and smoke for about 15-20 minutes. This process creates a protective layer on the griddle’s surface.
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After the first seasoning, it is recommended to repeat the process multiple times to ensure a well-seasoned griddle. Each time, clean the griddle with soap and water before applying the oil and following the same steps.
By following these steps, you can effectively season your Blackstone griddle with Crisco and enhance the cooking experience. Seasoning creates a non-stick surface and helps prevent rusting, sticking, and uneven cooking.
Other Recommended Oils For Griddle Seasoning
While Crisco is a great choice for seasoning a Blackstone griddle, there are other oils that you can use as well. Here are some recommended oils for griddle seasoning:
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Blackstone Griddle Seasoning Conditioner: This is a specially designed conditioner that is made specifically for griddle seasoning. It is formulated without any chemicals or artificial ingredients, ensuring a natural and safe option for seasoning your griddle.
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Canola Oil: Canola oil is a popular choice for griddle seasoning. It has a high smoke point and a neutral taste, making it versatile for various cooking needs.
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Flax Oil: Flax oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and is known for its health benefits. It also has a high smoke point, making it suitable for griddle seasoning.
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Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is another common choice for griddle seasoning. It has a mild flavor and a high smoke point.
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Shortening: Besides Crisco, other brands of vegetable shortening can also be used for griddle seasoning. Make sure to choose a brand that does not contain trans fats.
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Olive Oil: While olive oil has a lower smoke point compared to the previously mentioned oils, it can still be used for light seasoning on a Blackstone griddle. It adds a unique flavor to the food.
The Benefits Of Seasoning A Blackstone Griddle
Seasoning a Blackstone griddle before its first use is essential to prevent sticking, uneven cooking, and rusting. Without proper seasoning, the griddle may become susceptible to rust and damage. Seasoning after each use helps maintain a non-stick surface and prevents rust formation.
Seasoning a griddle, whether with Crisco or other oils, enhances the taste of the food. The seasoning process creates a barrier between the food and the griddle, reducing the risk of sticking and allowing the natural flavors to shine through.
A well-seasoned griddle also allows for easy cleaning. By properly maintaining and seasoning the griddle, you can avoid food residues sticking to the surface and ensure a smoother cooking experience.
Tips For Proper Griddle Maintenance And Cleaning
Proper maintenance and cleaning of your Blackstone griddle are crucial to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
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Clean the griddle thoroughly after each use to prevent pests and bacteria. Use warm, soapy water and a griddle scraper to remove any food debris. Rinse thoroughly and dry the griddle completely to avoid rust formation.
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Avoid using excessive amounts of oil when cooking. While seasoning with oil is necessary, using excessive amounts can lead to a buildup of oil residue, resulting in sticky surfaces.
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Use soft materials, such as wooden or silicone utensils, to cook on the griddle. Metal utensils can scratch the surface, compromising its non-stick properties.
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Clean the griddle thoroughly to remove any taste left by certain foods, such as hot peppers. This helps prevent flavors from transferring to other dishes during future cooking sessions.
It is important to follow proper maintenance and cleaning procedures to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Blackstone griddle. By cleaning the griddle thoroughly after each use, you can prevent pests and bacteria. Avoiding excessive oil usage helps maintain a non-stick surface, while using soft utensils prevents scratching. Finally, cleaning the griddle thoroughly removes any residual flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What oil can I use to season my Blackstone?
When seasoning your Blackstone griddle, you have several options for oil to use. The Blackstone Cast Iron Conditioner is specifically made for this purpose and works well to season the surface. Alternatively, you can use flaxseed oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, avocado oil, or extra virgin olive oil. Spread the oil evenly with a paper towel, then heat the griddle until it begins to smoke. This process will help create a protective layer and enhance the performance of your Blackstone griddle.
Can you season a Blackstone with lard?
When it comes to seasoning a Blackstone griddle, the key is to select an oil that contains a high amount of fatty acids to create a strong bond with the griddle’s surface. While vegetable shortening, flax oil, extra virgin olive oil, and coconut oil are all excellent choices, it is worth noting that lard can also be used for seasoning the griddle. With its rich fatty content, lard can help form a protective layer on the griddle, ensuring a well-seasoned surface and enhancing the flavor of your cooking.
What is the smoke point of Crisco?
The smoke point of Crisco, a solid shortening, is 490 degrees. This makes it a desirable choice for cast iron seasoning, as it can withstand high temperatures without producing smoke or burning. Its affordability and easy accessibility in grocery stores add to its popularity among home cooks.
Is Crisco good for high heat?
While Crisco does not have a smoke point suitable for high-heat cooking, it can still be used for frying to achieve crispy results. Its medium smoke point at 360 degrees makes it ideal for raw, low-heat, and medium-heat cooking methods. Crisco’s popularity in frying can be attributed to its ability to create a crispy texture, even though it may not be specifically recommended for high-heat cooking. Overall, it is important to consider the smoke point when choosing a cooking oil for high-heat applications.