Affordable cookware made from metals such as aluminium, copper, stainless steel, cast iron are all reactive and leach into the foods cooked in them. Cookware are also made from stable metals such as titanium, which is a stable metal and do not leach into foods. Unfortunately, cookware made from titanium is very pricy and not many people can afford it as a result the vast majority of the people are settled with these reactive cookware options.
In the quest to find safer tools , here is a safe alternative, Clay pots.
Clay pots are also referred to as Earthenware. Earthenware is porous which lets the food cook slowly and more evenly. It is because of its porous nature and slow cooking that makes the food so flavourful!
While cooking with clay pot these are the things to take into consideration
- To avoid crack on the Earthen Clay Pot, start off with low heat, and then gradually increase the flame.
- Use as little oil as possible as Clay Pots are heat resistant. This means food will retain moisture.
- Unlike reactive metals that continually leach into foods, foods can be stored in a clay pot without harmful leaching consequences. During warmer months, one can store water in clay pots, as yet again owing to its heat resistant nature, the water remains cool. During colder months you can store food in this Earthenware to preserve the warmth of the food.
How to Clean Clay Pots
Please note that one should never use soap or dishwasher liquids to clean the earthenware. As clay pots and pans are porous, tiny bits of soap could get stuck in them. This might cause contamination..
To clean Earthenware, pour in hot water and gently scrub it with a soft brush or sponge. In some cases, you might be left with some stubborn bits that get left behind, to get rid of them just thrown in some salt or baking soda and clean it with a brush or a sponge.
For tougher stains, pour some hot water and add 2-3 tablespoon of baking soda to it and let it overnight. Wash off the next day. The food remains will come off easily.
Seasoning
The unglazed Clay Pots and Pans will require seasoning from time to time, either you can get a new one or if you want to keep the existing one, you can soak it in clean water for 3-4 hours, and after drying the pot, rub it with garlic and then spread some olive oil all over the Earthenware
Once the pot or the pan is oiled up, fill it with water, place it in the middle rack of the oven (cold/non-pre heated) and set the temperature at 225 degrees for 2-3 hours. You can also heat up on a stove. With the tips above healthier culinary and dieting is assure.
Get a clay pot today and enjoy meals like never before.
