If you are a cooking enthusiast and an equally keen environmentalist, you probably already know all about pure clay cookware and all the accolades it has received over the years. So much so that it’s actually hard to believe there could be any downside to using pots and pans that pretty much guarantee a healthy meal every time.
Pros of pure clay pots
Well, let’s start with the healthy eating aspect. Pure clay is inert, meaning it will not react with food. Even if that wasn’t the case, clay is full of nutrients like magnesium and calcium, unlike toxins and chemicals like metal cookware. None of that will seep into your food if you use crock pots. They are also unglazed, the pure clay ones, which is another health benefit. Also, the lid on the pot doesn’t allow the steam to evaporate, so all the essential vitamins and nutrients in the food you’re cooking are lost. Instead, all of the steam is returned to the food, making it not only much more delicious, but also richer in nutrients.
In addition to cooking with clay being healthier for us, it is also healthier for the environment. First of all, the clay is not mined, so the earth is not stripped or damaged in any way. Second, making clay pots comes down to hard-working potters throwing them on the wheel, so not a lot of energy or resources are wasted in the process. Last but not least, they can last a lifetime, but even if they don’t, they are 100% biodegradable.
Cooking in clay also involves using little or no fat or oil. The pans are non-stick because all the steam stays inside and the food releases its own natural juices. It works great for vegans, but anyone should enjoy food without fats and oils.
Now, as far as convenience goes, clay cookware is pretty versatile. This means you can use the same pot to make tons of dishes, whether they’re cooked in the oven or on the stovetop. You can bake, roast, fry, stew, whatever you want with the same clay pot.
Pros of clay pots
So, is something wrong with them? Well, barely. The only downside, if you can call it that, to clay cookware is that it can be a bit pricey. If you’re going for the 100% pure, unglazed, real clay, which you definitely should, then you can expect to pay a hefty price. The good news is, and offset the downside, that you get your money’s worth. You can use these pots for decades as long as, of course, you take care of them properly. They really are the best cookware on the market!