As with all Mermaid products, there are no seasoning instructions given with their products, although their website does give instructions for seasoning their hard anodised bakeware. However, the seasoning of this 'Little Gem' (and indeed, it is a gem) is completely ignored by Mermaid.

All is not lost, however. On the Delia Online forum, I discovered the perfect way to season these pans and this is how I managed to season it perfectly

1. Wash the pan in warm soapy water and dry it thoroughly.
2. Cover the base of the pan with coarse rock or sea salt.
3. Then you half-fill the pan with vegetable oil with a high smoke point, such as rapeseed or sunflower oil.
4. Place the pan on the hob over a low-medium heat until it just starts to smoke - this should take several hours, so choose a time when you don't have to go out.
5. From time to time, brush oil on the top half of the pan.
6. Remove the pan from the heat and carefully dispose of the oil.
7. Finally, wipe the pan clean with kitchen towel.
8. After seasoning, NEVER wash the pan and use it only for omelettes.
9. When you have used it, throw some coarse salt in the bottom and again, wipe clean with kitchen towel.

For further information, see http://juliabalbilla.blogspot.com/2010/12/mermaid-little-gem-omelette-pans.html where there is also a link to Delia Online.

They are wonderful pans and great value for money.
(Posted on 26/12/2010)