Use and Care

GEMMA  cast iron cookware for the first time involves a few steps to ensure it is properly seasoned and maintained for optimal performance. Here's a detailed guide to help you get started:

### Initial Preparation

  1. **Unpacking and Inspecting:**

   - Carefully unpack your GEMMA cast iron cookware.

   - Inspect it for any defects or damage. Ensure it is free from dust or residues.

  1. **Washing:**

   - Wash theGEMMA cookware with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap.

   - Use a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid harsh scrubbers which can damage the initial seasoning.

   - Rinse thoroughly and dry completely with a towel.

### First Use##

  1. **Preheating:**

   - Before cooking, preheat GEMMA cast iron cookware gradually. Start with low heat and then increase to the desired cooking temperature. This helps to prevent thermal shock and ensures even heating.

  1. **Cooking:**

   - Add a small amount of oil or fat to the preheated pan to enhance the non-stick properties.

   - Cook your food as desired. Cast iron is great for searing, frying, baking, and more.

  1. **Cooling:**

   - After cooking, allow GEMMA cookware to cool down naturally before washing. Do not pour cold water into a hot pan as it can cause warping or damage the seasoning.

### Cleaning and Maintenance

  1. **Cleaning:**

   - Avoid using soap if possible. Clean GEMMA cookware with warm water and a brush or scraper. For stubborn food residue, you can use coarse salt as an abrasive.

   - If you must use soap, ensure it’s mild and rinse thoroughly.

  1. **Drying:**

   - Dry GEMMA cookware immediately and completely with a towel.

   - To prevent rust, place GEMMA cookware on a stove burner over low heat for a few minutes to ensure it’s completely dry.

  1. **Re-seasoning:**

  

your Gemma cast iron cookware is pre-seasoned, you can preseason it for better non stick result and avoid rust.

**Clean the cookware**: Before seasoning, make sure your GEMMA Cast Iron Cookware is clean. Wash it with warm water and a mild detergent if needed, then dry it completely with a towel.

**Preheat the Tawa**: Place the clean Gemma Cast Iron Cookware on the stovetop over medium heat. Allow it to heat up gradually for about 5-10 minutes. This helps to open up the pores of the cast iron, allowing the oil to penetrate better.

 **Apply Oil**: Once the GEMMA Cast Iron Cookware is heated, turn off the heat. Take a paper towel or a lint-free cloth and pour a small amount of vegetable oil onto it. Spread the oil evenly across the surface of the tawa, including the edges.

 **Coat Evenly**: Use the paper towel or cloth to spread the oil across the entire surface of the tawa, making sure to cover both the cooking surface and the sides. You want a thin, even layer of oil.

**Heat and Repeat**: Turn the heat back on to medium-low and let the GEMMA Cast Iron Cookware heat up again. Allow the oil to "bake" into the cast iron for about 10-15 minutes. You may notice the tawa smoking slightly – this is normal.

 **Cool Down and Repeat**: Turn off the heat and let the tawa cool down completely. Once cooled, repeat the oil application and heating process 2-3 more times. This helps to build up multiple layers of seasoning, making the surface more non-stick and durable.

  1. **Storage:**

 - Wipe out food residue with a paper towel or scrub with a brush and hot water.

- Dry thoroughly to prevent rust.

- Apply a light coat of oil after each use to maintain the seasoning.

Store your cast iron cookware in a dry place. If stacking with other cookware, place a paper towel between pieces to protect the seasoning.

 

By following these steps, your GEMMA cast iron cookware will provide you with excellent cooking performance and last for many years. Enjoy your cooking! Thanks for purchase GEMMA cast iron cookware.