Curing of concrete is important to prevent rapid evaporation of water from the concrete surface. Several curing methods are discussed, including ponding, sprinkling, wet coverings like burlap or cotton mats, sealing the surface with waterproof sheets or liquid compounds, and steam curing. Steam curing allows for early strength gain and hydration, especially in cold weather, by applying live steam at atmospheric pressure within an enclosure or using high pressure steam autoclaves.