because it is faster at creating a more durable seasoning. Sunflower and soybean oil (Lodge uses soybean on its cookware) are good, affordable options. If you prefer to use lard, Burn cautions to ...

shortening or lard. Plus, unsaturated fats tend to build up seasoning faster. Canola, corn, soybean, sunflower and flaxseed (be sure to get culinary-grade) are accessible and affordable.

It's hard to imagine now a world in which lard was a sought-after ingredient. But that's exactly what it was during the Second World War, when, along with other fats and oils, it was rationed in both ...