How to use clay pots?

“Cooking in a micaceous clay pot is functional. It’s what our ancestors have always done.”

Clay pot cooking make wonderful slow cookers that are safe for all types of food (even acidic) as compared with stainless steel crock-pots or pressure cookers. Many of us want to use clay utensils but don’t know how to use. Some basic instructions to use clay utensils and benefits of clay utensils.

1. soak new clay pots in water for 12 hours before use. soaking helps to absorb extra water to clay pot how much it need and Clay pot is cleaned with all dust having at the time of manufacturing ( due to high heat ).
2. for first use pour some water in clay pots and put on the stove this helps for binding(optional).
3. Clay pots are not for deep frying.
4. when we are cooking in clay pots. Its good to use wooden spoon.
5. when we are boiling milk in clay pots. Boil milk in slow flame. We can curdle curd in the same pot. If it is winter we should put pot in little warm place. and in summer time milk will be curdle with in 2 hours.
6. we should not put clay pot in the refrigerator. clay pot will loss its values.
7. Clay pots are porous and therefore absorbs water. While cooking food, moisture is released, making the cooked food moist, juicy and tender. Another advantage is that the food does not burn easily.
8. The clay pot retains heat well so it can cook food quicker. Clay pots are ideal for slow-cooking. Cover the pot with lid and continue to slow cook.
9. Clay pots keeps the food warm, you can re-heat and serve the food in the clay pot right away.
10. Clay pots are environment friendly and perfect for healthy cooking.
    Seasoning the clay pot.
11. Don’t keep hot clay pot or crockery on cold surface as the clay pots will crack if there is sudden change in temperature.
12. Avoid hitting the pots with spoon after stirring while cooking.
13. Be careful while cooking in Clay pots as the items will cook quickly than normal utensils.
14. There are many methods for seasoning clays in various cultures. The below method used for seasoning of the clay pot is tested and tried and works perfect for me.
15. Use unpainted, unglazed clay pots. The terracotta ones work well and are less expensive.
16. Before washing clay pots good to soak in some water and use mild detergent to wash. Its good to  use with gowmatha dish wash powder made with cow dung.