Terracotta is a term used interchangeably for pots and pans made from natural, slow-fired clay. Terracotta pots have been used for centuries by different civilizations, not only because the raw material was readily available, but also because cooking in clay pots was considered the healthiest method of cooking food (consider: Ayurveda and Sidha, the ancient schools of plant-based medicine require cooking with mud for its multiple health benefits).
Terracotta pots were good for healthy cooking in those days, but with modernization things changed drastically. Industrialization gave rise to different types of pollutants that became common in the air, water, and land. Also, the manufacturing process was aimed at making large-scale pots as convenient as 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 terracotta pots available today, the quality of the clay used is often questionable. It is mostly secondary or tertiary clay mixed with additives. Additives are chemicals added to clay to increase elasticity, uniformity in firing, and to add color (glaze) to fired items. Certain chemicals are added to make processing easier and also to increase the speed of manufacturing.
To make healthy clay pots today, it is crucial to take all necessary steps to make the healthiest cookware in the world. The manufacturer must take into account the following to guarantee the health of their pots:
Use 100% primary clay, pure and free of natural contaminants. It must be harvested from non-industrialized and uncultivated land (going back 200 years).
1. To ensure purity, multiple samples must be tested at a state laboratory for contaminants such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, etc.
2. No chemicals or additives should 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) onto a potter’s wheel with skillful hands. The process can be a bit tedious, but it’s worth it when people’s health is at stake.
3. The use of glazes and enamels is a big NO! Any type of chemical and metal added to this pure material has the potential to leach into food as it cooks. Therefore, it is better to avoid even glazing (a mixture of toxic chemicals and oxides). The natural color of fired clay is pleasing to the eye, and when applied and polished with the clay itself, it also makes cookware naturally non-stick. Therefore, glazes and glazes are NOT 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.