People swear by cast iron skillet cooking, with many claiming that the cookware makes all sorts of foods taste better. There are two verifiable reasons why this is, with the first being cast iron’s ability to retain and generate heat. Consistent, uniform heat is key to achieving a Maillard reaction, which is the chemical reaction that causes food to brown. This chemical reaction is why cast iron meatloaf has such a delectable crust.

The second reason why cast iron pans make food taste amazing has to do with the seasoning process. Unlike other types of cookware, cast iron must be regularly oiled, which builds up a protective layer on the surface. While other types of cookware have a tendency to rust and then impart some unpleasant flavors into your food, cast iron stays corrosion-free thanks to the seasoning process.