How often should BBQ meat be seasoned before cooking?

Seasoning meat just before cooking is encouraged for achieving optimal flavor. This timing allows the spices, herbs, and salt to enhance the meat's natural flavors without drawing out too much moisture, which can happen if seasoned too early. When you season right before cooking, the seasoning adheres to the surface and creates a flavorful crust during the cooking process.

While some cooks prefer marinating or seasoning meat in advance to allow flavors to penetrate deeper, this practice typically requires several hours or even overnight to be effective, which is not always necessary for every cut of meat. Seasoning right before cooking can be particularly effective for quick-cooking meats or when you're in a hurry, ensuring a vibrant taste without compromising the meat's texture.

The other options suggest practices that might not optimize flavor in the same way. For example, seasoning 24 hours prior may not be practical for every cooking scenario, and seasoning once during cooking could lead to uneven flavor distribution. Meanwhile, completely avoiding seasoning neglects the opportunity to enhance the taste of the meat.