<P> Seasoning is the process of treating the surface of a saucepan, wok, crepe griddle or other cooking vessel with a stick - resistant coating formed from polymerized fat and oil on the surface . </P> <P> Some form of post-manufacturing treatment or end - user seasoning is mandatory on cast - iron, which rusts rapidly when heated in the presence of available oxygen, notably from water, even small quantities such as drippings from dry meat . Food tends to stick to unseasoned iron and carbon steel cookware, both of which are seasoned for this reason as well . </P>

What does it mean to season cast iron