cauldron question

[kcrys]

I have searched this board high and low for my answer thought didn't come up with anything. I know I read about this somewhere or heard it from someone but for the life of me I can't remember where or who...so I turn to everyone here. :) I thought this would be the best place to place this post, as I'm sure other people and "newbies" would like the answer to this too...or at least find it interesting...

I bought a cauldron today, a mini cast iron one. My question is how do you keep it from "rotting" or whatever? (can't think of the word I'm wanting) ..sorta the upkeep of a cauldron I guess to make it last for years and years. I think I heard or read somewhere that you have to wipe the entire thing with something to keep it from doing something...sorry that doesn't make much sense, but nothing I'm thinking today is making much sense. :)

Kcrys

[Cerulean]

If you're sure it's cast iron, perhaps you "season" it as you do a cast iron pot. This is what you do with a cast iron pot: If it is already black, then periodically coat it with oil, such as peanut oil and put it on medium heat (I don't know how with a cauldron) so the oil dries in place. You can do this more than once at a time if the coating is wearing thin. If the cauldron is not blackish, but is metal colored (typically a dull gray), it might have a temporary coating from the maker than you would wash off. Then dry thoroughly and immediately. Coat with peanut oil and a paper towel, put over medium heat to "dry" repeat about two or three times. Periodically re-season. People try not to wash cast iron pots, but I do, very quickly, careful NOT to scrape off the coating. Then I dry them thoroughly right away, usually on the stove on medium heat. Moisture rusts cast iron. The more you season a cast iron pot, the blacker it gets.

I don't have a cauldron, but I do have a forged iron wok that I use as one. It is seasoned and black. I also have a number of cast iron pots.

You should check with the place you bought it and other people.

[Theres]

i always dry mine as soon as possible after it has gotten wet.
and i don't really 'season' it, as Cerulean does (although that is a good idea). but i do coat it with a favorite essential oil, just to keep the moisture out.

[~*Ginger*~]

...also if it is cast iron & rusted, you can clean the rust off with a blazing fire.

*always practice your fire safety rules and precautions*

[Cerulean]

Please check on what I said because I don't have a cauldron.

[~*Ginger*~]

Cerulean, I've seen the old folks do that...