Advantages and Disadvantages of Cooking in a Clay Pot is an essential consideration as it can help you decide better and know your cookware better. The use of Clay pots is not a new concept. Instead, it has been around since ancient times when a man just learned to cook. The use of mud or clay in various aspects of the life of the early men made its way. Not surprisingly, most vitals like cave, hut, and cookware was made of mud. Surprisingly, the clayware remained relevant as cookware even after all these centuries. The earthy flavour and aroma that the clay pots impart to the food turn it all the more delicious. Also, one might have realized the wonders of water stored in earthen pots that remain cool in hot summer months and is even used to date. Interestingly, it is the Urban population that has taken the fancy of earthen clayware for their cooking, storing, and serving purposes, as the Benefits of Cooking in a Clay Pot are plenty. So let us discuss the various aspects, features, pros, and cons of the clay pot.
Pottery, or rather the art of pottery, has been associated with ancient civilizations. The development of a certain civilization has been associated with how well developed their various arts were; pottery included. Some ancient methods are so advanced that the pottery from these eras has remained intact to date! These archaeological finds have been proved to be a treasure of knowledge and ideas about that specific period, civilization, and era.
The process involves using the Ceramic clay to ‘mould’ into the desired shape by heating it at high temperatures ranging from 600-1600 C. This is done either in a bonfire, Kiln, or the Pin. Thus, with exposure to fire, heat, and high temperatures, the shape of the clayware is found to sustain rigidity and durability that can survive the test of time in some cases. This is how the clay wares are formed and remain intact to tell their tale.
The Types of Clay Pot
Did you know that there are different types of Clay pots available as well:
The Earthenware: The pots prepared in this method involve special moulding along with the heating process. Though not exactly as durable as stoneware, it is a popular choice and low on cost, and easy to use.
Porcelain: This method comprises coating the cookware with a strong glass coating. This is one of the most attractive Clay cookware and is available in various patterns and colours.
Stoneware: This pottery type comprises having the cookware fired at a high temperature to make it resistant to liquids. This type is also long-lasting.
Advantages of Cooking in a Clay Pot
Let us take a look at the better-known benefits of cooking in clay pots:
1. Nutrition Retention
Other than the fact that the food simply tastes delicious in earthen cookware, the other great aspect is the fact that most nutrition is well retained within the food. This is because the heat travels easily and uniformly from the earthenware into the food ingredient hence cooking it in the process.
2. Good For the Heart
As we tend to use a lot of oil in the process of cooking, hence, this can disrupt your health. However, in the case of clay cookware, the easy heat transfer makes it easier to cook the moisture within. Hence, less oil can be an option. Did you know that besides keeping the water cool in Summers, the Earthen pots also help keep the body’s glucose in check, hence protecting the body from sunstroke and heatstroke?
3. The Ph Balance
Another important benefit of eating from the clay cookware. The Alkaline nature of clay makes it possible to maintain the pH levels of the food, thus, counteracting the acidity of the food. Hence, your overall pH is maintained at normal levels offering your health benefits.
4. Eco-Friendly
It is obvious that earthenware is one of the most environmentally friendly options. These tend to decompose without causing pollution or any form of damage to nature.
5. Mineral Source
The clay earthenware is a rich source of Iron, Phosphorus, Magnesium, and various other important minerals that are important for the healthy functioning of the human body. Hence, cooking in clay earthenware makes it possible to enrich your food with all the vital minerals back.
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Disadvantages of Cooking in a Clay Pot
Now, let us take a look at some of the not-so-great aspects of cooking in the clay pot:
1. Are Delicate
There is no denying the fact that the clay pots are delicate and can crack up if not handled right. Other than that, too much heat can easily tamper with the exterior of the clay pot, hence damaging it in the process.
2. Are Porous
This is one of the biggest flaws of the clay cookware. Being porous, these tend to lodge the food particles and also the soap from cleaning after cooking. The worst part is that the soap slowly dislodges during the future cooking process. Hence, can get mixed into the food and even smell the same way.
3. Change of Flavors
Despite all its earthiness, the clay cookware can cause a drastic change in the flavours and taste of the food thus, cooked. This is because the Spices added tend to seep into the pores of the clay ware hence, causing a drastic change of flavours and also smell different after some time.
4. Too Hot, Too Quick
The clay cookware tends to heat up quickly, leading to accidents and mishaps, especially for the kids. However, the best part about this cookware is that it can also cool down just as quickly.
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5. The Glazed Clay Pot Hazard
Yes, the glazed versions of the clay pot might make them more functional; however, these are known to cause some serious health concerns with time.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Cooking In A Clay Pot: The Conclusion
So, there you have it, people; these are the Pros and cons of cooking clay pots. There is no denying the fact that the earthen pots are ‘as close to nature as possible; however, there are some flip sides to it too. Nevertheless, there is no denying the fact that food cooked in clay cookware is simply delicious; try the classic dum Biryani in a ‘Mitti ka Matkaa,’ and you will know exactly what we are talking about.