Season the Carbon Steel Skillet With Oil and Potato Peels
Like cast iron , a carbon steel skillet must be seasoned before using it for the first time. Oil is essential for this process, but Cook’s Illustrated recommends another amazing ingredient for a skillet: potato skins.
According to the link below (which also has great tips for caring for your pan), peeling two potatoes will help remove production wax or grease from your new pan. Start by rinsing the pan thoroughly with hot water, soap and a bristle brush. Dry with a towel and finish drying over low heat. Then add “1/3 cup butter, 2/3 cup salt, and two potato skins” to the skillet and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. (The pan will turn brown; this is normal.) Stir in the salted crusts, let the pan cool, wipe it off with paper towels and start cooking.