The Viking wok is made of carbon steel, an alloy that is a combination of iron and carbon. The "Blue" in "Blue carbon steel" references a heat treatment process to help resist rust and corrosion, a nuisance that can plague traditional cast iron pans. "Seasoning" refers to the process of coating the base of the pan with a thin layer of oil that imparts a flavorful taste to your foods while also protecting foods from sticking. There are plenty of methods to seasoning your pan, but if this is your first time seasoning the pan, we recommend using very hot water and dish soap to first scrub the pan, then wipe dry and place it on the burner at low heat to finish drying. Add some oil to the pan and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Then, let the pan cool and wipe with paper towels and your pan is ready for use. For future maintenance, simply rinse the pan with water after use and scrub gently with a soft-bristled brush or sponge if necessary (No need for soap). Season with vegetable oil periodically to maintain its smooth cooking surface and nonstick properties. It is not recommended to put these pans into the dishwasher as it will remove the seasoning, reduction the natural nonstick and making the pan more susceptible to rust. Should you find rust on the pan, like natural cast iron, this can be normal. Just clean the rust off with a scrubby sponge and season the area with vegetable oil. Color: Black.