SEASONING AND MAINTENANCE
Seasoning
Soapstone needs to be seasoned before its first use. This is a simple treatment that has to be done only once and does not need to be repeated.
Follow these simple steps:
- Using a brush or paper towel, coat the entire surface of the pan, inside and out, with vegetable oil. Apply oil to both sides of the stone lid as well. Allow to sit overnight.
- The next day, fill the pot with hot or lukewarm water and place it on the stove, covered, on the lowest heat setting. Bring to a boil and simmer for about two hours.
- Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool naturally to room temperature. Then wash it to remove any excess oil.
Your pan is now ready for use.
- To cure a pizza grill or pan, grease both sides with vegetable oil and bake at 180º for 40 minutes. Allow to cool naturally to room temperature, then wash to remove any excess oil.
Once the treatment has been completed, the stone will change its hue from grey to charcoal black, still showing the beautiful natural patterns of the stone. You may grease and heat the cookware once again if you prefer a deeper hue. Daily use and contact with food will eventually darken the stone. If you choose to preserve the original grey color, sand it with a fine grade sandpaper after use.
Use and Maintenance
Seasoning the stone will help condition it for its first use on the flame, but is no guarantee against subsequent damage due to improper use. To prevent the stone from possible cracks due to expansion and contraction, it is imperative to avoid exposing the cookware to extreme temperature changes.
The durability and integrity of soapstone depends on one simple precaution: AVOID THERMAL SHOCK. Always heat the pan over a low flame, allow it to cool before washing, and do not place a hot pan on a cold surface. DO NOT USE IT FOR FRYING THE FIRST TIME YOU USE IT.
Soapstone cookware can be easily washed by hand or in the dishwasher. Despite its natural non-stick property, soapstone is not like Teflon. If food does stick to the bottom, simply soak it in water for ten minutes and it will come off easily.
Avoid using sharp tools to mix and serve food; use wooden, plastic or silicone spoons instead. If the stone gets scratched, or if you want to keep its natural gray color, simply sand it with fine-grain sandpaper.
CLEANING COPPER HANDLES. Copper tarnishes easily, but there is a simple way to clean it with a paste you can make at home. Make a mixture of salt and vinegar, adding vinegar to the salt until you get a fairly thick paste. Rub the copper with a soft cloth soaked in the mixture until all stains of oxidation are removed, then rinse. You can use steel wool for stubborn stains and a toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas. Dry well with a soft cloth to remove all moisture in order to prevent new stains from forming.
