Ask skp: How do you clean a cast iron skillet?

The cast iron skillet might be one of the most practical and beloved kitchen tools. You can use it on the range, over an open fire, in the oven, and for savory OR sweet dishes. You can even bake it one.

Seriously. You haven’t had cornbread until you’ve baked it in a cast iron skillet.

We work hard to maintain our skillet’s seasoning. And that can take years to cultivate. A cared for skillet can and should be cherished and shared for generations. But how do you strip the grime without stripping the seasoning? The answer is simple. Rock salt. And a potato.

So here’s the rub: After using your cast iron skillet, wait for it to cool down to safely handle. Fill a palm full of kosher or rock salt -whatever you have handy- and toss inside the slightly warmish skillet. No need to add water. Grab a potato and cut it in half and use the cut side down in the skillet in circular motions, moving the salt around the skillet until all the burned on bits and grime break loose.

See, the potato has enough natural water to break down the salt just enough to work as an organic cleansing solution. Rinse out the skillet, and dry immediately. This is important. Water + iron = rust. Personally I like to heat my skillet up again until all the water evaporates and add a bit of oil to bring my season back to life. The whole process is easy, economical and environmentally friendly.

Note: this is for cast iron only, and NOT for ceramic, non-stick or steel surfaces. Thank you Christiaan Choy for inspiring this week’s tip, and Food + Wine for backing this fashionable foodie up.