Cast Iron FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions.

¿POR QUÉ USAMOS ACEITE DE LINAZA PARA EL CURADO?

Probamos más de una docena de aceites y grasas diferentes para obtener el mejor rendimiento desde el primer momento. El aceite de linaza, cuando se aplica correctamente, siempre ha demostrado ser el mejor aceite para las capas base. Esto se debe a varios factores:

1. Polimerización: El aceite de linaza es un aceite secante, lo que significa que experimenta la polimerización más fácilmente que los aceites no secantes como el de semilla de uva, otro aceite de curado popular. Esta propiedad le permite formar una capa de curado duradera, dura y antiadherente sobre el hierro fundido.
2. Punto de humo: El aceite de linaza tiene un punto de humo más bajo (alrededor de 225°F o 107°C). Aunque esto puede ser una desventaja para cocinar, en realidad es beneficioso para el proceso de curado. El punto de humo más bajo permite que el aceite se polimerice a temperaturas más bajas, creando un enlace fuerte con la superficie de hierro fundido.
3. Composición de grasas: El aceite de linaza es rico en ácido alfa-linolénico (ALA), un ácido graso omega-3, que es relativamente estable en comparación con las grasas poliinsaturadas que se encuentran en el aceite de semilla de uva y otros aceites de curado populares. Esta estabilidad puede resultar en un curado más duradero y resistente en sus utensilios de cocina de hierro fundido.
4. Seguridad alimentaria: El aceite de linaza, cuando se polimeriza correctamente, forma una superficie estable y segura para cocinar. La capa polimerizada reduce el riesgo de oxidación y la formación de radicales libres dañinos durante la cocción, garantizando una experiencia culinaria más saludable.

Our seasoned cast iron is seasoned at high temperatures and ready to cook. Here’s what we suggest:

- Hand wash and dry completely before first use.
- It is normal for food to stick to the surface of cast iron cookware during the first few uses. To prevent this, we suggest using a small amount of cooking oil or fat until the seasoning becomes strong and settled. You can use any edible fat, including vegetable oil, nut oil, lard, or butter.
- When cooking with cast iron, it is important to use the appropriate heat to avoid sticking. Cast iron retains heat very well, so we recommend using low to medium-low heat for most foods. Delicate foods like proteins are best cooked on low heat.
- To protect the seasoning, we also recommend avoiding acidic foods such as tomatoes, vinegar, and citrus fruits until the seasoning has had a chance to build up.
- If you want to give your cast iron cookware an extra layer of seasoning, some people choose to season it once or more before using it. This is not necessary if you take good care of your cookware, but it can help to create a thicker layer of seasoning faster. Ultimately, the decision is up to you.

Si bien puede ser emocionante comenzar a usar sus nuevos utensilios de cocina,
es importante evitar errores comunes que pueden dañar el curado y causar problemas al cocinar.

Para evitar estos errores, recomendamos:

- Si comete errores y causa oxidación o que la comida se pegue a la sartén, no se preocupe: sus utensilios de hierro fundido son tolerantes y pueden restaurarse con el cuidado y mantenimiento adecuados. Para obtener más información sobre cómo volver a curar sus utensilios, puede consultar las instrucciones proporcionadas en su empaque o en este sitio web.

- Recuerde, mientras sus utensilios de hierro fundido no estén rotos, siempre pueden salvarse y restaurarse a su condición original.

- Con el cuidado y la atención adecuados, sus utensilios de hierro fundido le brindarán muchas décadas de uso confiable.

Estamos trabajando en ello y pronto haremos el lanzamiento. Mientras tanto, haznos saber qué prefieres: ¿Vidrio o Hierro?

If your cast iron cookware has developed rust, it is important to take steps to remove the rust and re-season the cookware to restore it to its original condition.

To do this, you can refer to the care and maintenance instructions provided in the packaging, or on this site.

According to our lab tests, the best oil for setting in a nice, tough base of seasoning is flaxseed oil. For this reason, we use 100% flaxseed oil to season our pans before they make their way to your home.

But 100% flaxseed oil is not the best for daily maintenance as too many layers of flaxseed can cause peeling.

For daily maintenance, you can use filtered coconut oil, vegetable oil (rapeseed, canola, corn, etc.), Crisco or other edible fats.

Make sure to wipe off any excess oil with a natural cotton rag or towel (do not use polyester or other synthetics as it may melt onto your pan ).

Note that some oils will smoke more once you turn up the heat. Always research smoking points for oils you wish to use for seasoning, and prepare your kitchen for ventilation.

Our cast iron and handle inserts are proudly made in Medellin, Colombia – in the same neighborhood where our story started about 80 years ago after 16-year-old Raul Mejia decided to buy a small casting operation. We cast all of our iron in-house.

Our flaxseed oil is made in Europe.

Our USA office is in Miami, FL.

We only use Kosher Certified Non-GMO Flaxseed oil.

VICTORIA LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY

Victoria warrants its authentic cookware to be free of craftsmanship defects for life from the date of purchase. Warranty does not cover damage due to misuse (including improper heating, use, alterations, cleaning, rust) or commercial use.

This warranty does not cover staining, discoloration, rust, scratching or other signs of wear and tear (such as the wear, neglect, or mistreatment of seasoning). If, upon inspection, Victoria determines that a product has a manufacturing defect, Victoria will repair or replace the product, at Victoria's option, without charge to the customer.
This warranty is limited to the original consumer with proof of purchase and is not transferable. If the product was not purchased new from an authorized dealer, distributor, or representative of the manufacturer, this warranty is null and void. Any warranty replacement will be shipped only to country of purchase.

To begin a warranty claim, please contact us using the contact form.

Contact us using our contact form to let us know what you need.