Just as you have to season certain cookware to maintain the finish, you must also season cast iron skillets. You can cook a variety of different foods in a cast iron skillet, whether on the stovetop or in the oven. It is extremely durable, long lasting and evenly distributes heat. Cast iron has a natural non-stick surface and if food sticks to your pan, it needs to be seasoned. The surface of cast iron is porous and by seasoning it, you are filling and smoothing the surface of the skillet. The more times you season your cookware, the more stick resistant it becomes. To season a cast iron skillet, you must first wash, rinse and then dry it with paper towel. Wash the skillet in hot, soapy water. Do not let the skillet sit in the dishwater. Next, grease the inside surface with either a light coat of vegetable oil or solid shortening. Then, place the greased skillet in a preheated oven at 350ºF for an hour. Remove the skillet and let it cool before storing it. Never put your cast iron skillet in the dishwasher or store it without drying it thoroughly because it will rust. If you plan on cooking foods that have high acid content such as tomatoes, make sure the skillet has been seasoned several times beforehand or the skillet will corrode. By caring for your cast iron skillet properly, it will provide you with a lifetime of great cooking.