If there’s one thing that healthy cooks have discovered through years of research for the healthiest cooking methods, it is the fact that the ancient practices were way ahead of their times. This is why, something as simple as clay cooking pots is giving our ‘modern’ cookware a run for their money and why not? The pots are made from natural clay and are unglazed. They are completely non-toxic unlike conventional pots made from reactive materials such as metals and ceramics.
If you are a healthy cook and are tired of finding out about the health hazards of cooking in modern materials, and are considering clay cookware then you are not alone. Here is valuable information you need before you shop:
3 Aspects to Keep in Mind when Choosing to Start Cooking in Clay
- Look for Primary Clay
Clay cookware makers want you to believe that just because it’s made from clay, it is healthy. But the fact is that clay comes in many varieties, the purest of which is primary clay, which is naturally non-toxic. Other varieties have toxic impurities that leach into your food during cooking. How can you find out if your pot is made from pure clay? Ask for test results for complete composition of clay from the maker. Primary clay is free from any and all metal or chemical toxins. Unable to find a maker that shares test results for their clay? There is one US-based company that does. We will discuss more about it at the end of this article.
- Additives and Glazes are a Big NO
Have you seen those glossy and colorful clay pots that look similar to an aesthetic showpiece? They are glazed using toxic chemicals and made with tons of reactive metal-based additives like iron oxide, petalite, lime, mica, deflocculants and black paint. A clay pot must look like a clay pot and nothing else – it should take a deep red hue of fired clay, and even a broken piece should be the same color through and through as shown below (taken from a clay pot by a company known for hand-crafting their pots without any additives or glazes).
- Pay Attention to the Design
In order to tap into all the healthy features a clay pot can potentially offer, it must be ergonomically designed. For example, the base shouldn’t be completely round as it would not sit on the counter, or too flat as it might crack because of excessive heat at the base. Moreover, the lid should be designed in a way that it can lock steam (which are water-soluble nutrients) – of course, it can not be a perfect fit like a metal pot. A pure clay cookware brand has a pot and lid designed to retain steam while cooking. Read on:
Miriams Earthen Cookware (MEC) is a US-based brand known for handcrafting unglazed pots and pans from all-natural primary clay without additives or glazes. Their raw material is tested in a state lab and potters individually create each piece that makes the perfect healthy cookware to cook your food non-toxic, healthy and nutrient-rich.
What’s more? You can cook different recipes in a single pot. This cookware can be used on gas stoves, on electric and glass cooktops and in the oven. Learn more about their many features and benefits here. Interested in experiencing this truly healthy form of cooking with Miriams pure clay pots? Head over to our website online store, order a cooking pot today and try your hand at clay pot cooking! Taste the difference with food cooked this way, rich in minerals and delicious.
People Also Ask: Are clay pots toxic?
Clay cooking pots made from primary clay are 100% non-toxic but there are several clay pots available in the market that are made from low quality secondary or tertiary clay that contain impurities which could leach into food. Even those that claimed they tested their clay we found out in our testing, seemed to be of low quality materials and contained additives. The best and sure way is always to purchase from an established, reputable brand, that truely cares for the well being of their customers and the planet.
Why Choose Healthy Cookware? 