Are Clay Utensils Safe for Cooking?
Earthen kitchen utensils have recently
moved out of the realm of home décor to its original purpose in cooking. More
than just a mindfulness trend, it is gaining its recognition as the first
choice of civilization for the safe preparation of food.
Yes! Clay
utensils for cooking are safer as compared to the ceramic and metallic
utensils. In the light of growing concerns regarding the metallic or lead
content in modern cookware, the ancient method of food preparation is making a
comeback.
If you meet someone who regularly earthen utensils for
cooking, they would vouch for three primary value additions:
·
Looks
·
Flavor
·
Health Benefits
Clay utensils aka earthen
utensils for cooking not only provide the food with the right texture but
also adds to the flavor due to its capacity to lock moisture. A bread baked in
a clay pot will have the perfect crust and the vegetables will come out juicy
and full of flavor.
The health benefits of this ancient cooking style are
more pronounced because of its porous nature. Some of these fact-based benefits
are:
·
Clay pots provide enough moisture while cooking such that
extra oil and fat is not required.
·
Clay pots use a closed cooking method which helps the
food to retain all the nutrients and vitamins
·
Clay pots are alkaline and help neutralize acidic
property of some foods.
Along with its proven benefits, clay utensils also
demand maintenance and care. It begins with choosing the right clay pot. Depending
on the use, one can select among the range of clay kitchen products online. The ones used made for stove top
cooking can handle higher temperatures and cannot be replaced by the ones
specific for baking. Other than the purpose of use, an important criterion for
choice is glazed or non-glazed clay pot
cooking set.
Though glazed pots are easier to maintain and wash,
they diminish the purpose of earthen cooking by concealing the porous surface
of the clay pot. Hence, one must carefully choose the best unglazed clay pots for cooking.
In order to make the experience of cooking in
earthenware utensils wholesome, it is important to accept two additional steps
in cooking:
·
Season the clay pot: This will help in maintaining the
utensil in good condition. This can be done by soaking the pot in water and
rubbing the unglazed surface with clove. This is followed by filling the pot
with a little water and leaving it on stove and oven depending on the type of
pot. This practice will make the utensil much more durable and resistant to
cracking upon repeated use.
·
Cleaning the clay pot: Due to its porous nature, clay
pots can soak soap and detergent. Hence, the best way to clean a clay pot
required hot water and jute brush. Baking soda can be used for tough stains but
cleaning becomes easier with repeated usage.
Mrida earthen cookware offers a range of cookware and tableware products
with a seal of trust from our ancestors and a promise that with a little
effort, they can become the most rewarding kitchen equipment.
Comments