Terracotta is a term used interchangeably for pots and pans made of low-fire natural clay. Terracotta cooking pots have been used for centuries by different civilizations, not only because the raw material was readily available, but also because cooking with clay pots was considered the healthiest method of cooking food (consider: Ayurveda and Sidha, the ancient schools of plant-based medicine mandated cooking with clay for its many health benefits).
Terracotta pots were good for healthy cooking in those days, but with modernization, things changed dramatically. Industrialization gave rise to different types of pollutants that became common in air, water, and land. In addition, the manufacturing process aimed to make large-scale pots in the most convenient way possible … And with the availability of toxic chemicals and additives to make things faster, look prettier, their real health value is saw compromised.
Unfortunately, with the terra cotta cooking pots available today, the quality of the clay used is often questionable. It is mainly secondary or tertiary clay mixed with additives. Additives are chemicals that are added to clay to increase elasticity, evenness in firing, and to add color (glaze) to fired items. Certain chemicals are added to facilitate processing and also to increase manufacturing speed.
To make healthy crock pots today, it is essential to take all the necessary steps to make the healthiest cookware in the world. The manufacturer must consider the following to ensure the health of their cookware:
Use 100% primary clay, pure and free of natural contaminants. It must be collected from non-industrialized and uncultivated land (dating back 200 years).
1. To ensure purity, multiple samples must be tested in a state laboratory for contaminants such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, etc.
2. Chemicals or additives should not be used at any stage of production. As mechanized processes require the use of chemicals, it is best to follow the good old method of making pots by throwing the raw material (clay) on a potter’s wheel with skillful hands. The process can be a bit tedious, but it pays off when people’s health is at stake.
3. The use of enamels and enamels is a big NO! Any type of chemical and metal added to this pure material has the potential to leach into food during cooking. Therefore, it is better to avoid even glazing (a mixture of oxides and toxic chemicals). The natural color of fired clay is easy on the eye and when applied and polished with the same clay it also makes cookware naturally non-stick. Therefore, NO glazes or enamels are needed and should be avoided.
The clay pots made after following all these steps turn out to be the healthiest and make the most nutritious and delicious food.