degummointi

Degummointi is a Finnish term that refers to the process of removing gum or gummy substances from something. It is most commonly associated with the cleaning of cooking equipment, particularly cast iron pans. Over time, cooking oils can polymerize and form a sticky, resinous layer on the surface of a cast iron pan, which is known as gumming. Degummointi is the method used to strip away this buildup, restoring the pan to its original condition for re-seasoning.

The process typically involves heating the cast iron pan to a high temperature, often in a self-cleaning oven cycle. The extreme heat causes the polymerized oil to break down and burn off. After the oven cycle is complete and the pan has cooled, any remaining residue can be scrubbed away, often with steel wool or a wire brush. Once degummointi is complete, the pan is usually immediately re-seasoned to prevent rust and create a fresh, non-stick surface.

While primarily used for cast iron cookware, the concept of degummointi can be applied to any situation where a gummy residue needs to be removed from a surface. However, the specific methods and temperatures used would vary depending on the material being cleaned and the nature of the gummy substance. The term is deeply ingrained in the culture of cast iron care within Finland and among enthusiasts of traditional cooking methods.