Glazed Vs Unglazed Clay Pots For Cooking: What Are The Pros And Cons

on May 25, 2023

For ages, clay pots have been a mainstay in kitchens, providing a tried-and-true method of cooking. The choice between glazed and unglazed clay pots might be difficult when selecting the ideal clay pot for your culinary endeavours. Each option brings a distinct set of advantages and disadvantages to the table, with pros and cons for each.

Unglazed pots are a better option for several cooking tasks when compared to glazed pots due to a number of significant advantages. The following are unglazed pots’ key benefits over glazed pots:

The gradual release of moisture makes unglazed pots ideal for slow cooking techniques like braising or stewing.

Excellent Heat Retention: Unglazed pots have exceptional heat retention properties. Once heated, the clay absorbs and distributes heat evenly throughout the pot, providing consistent and gentle cooking. This is particularly beneficial for recipes that require slow and even cooking, resulting in tender and flavorful dishes.
Health Benefits: Unglazed clay pots are often chosen for their perceived health benefits. As natural materials, unglazed clay pots are free from potentially harmful chemicals or additives that could leach into the food. They are also believed to release small amounts of minerals into the food during cooking, contributing to a healthier and more nutritious meal.
Versatility: Unglazed pots are versatile and can be used for a variety of cooking methods. They are suitable for stovetop cooking, oven baking, and even open flame cooking. Whether you’re making stews, soups, rice dishes, or even bread, unglazed pots can handle a wide range of recipes.

Aesthetics and Tradition: Many people appreciate the rustic and natural appearance of unglazed clay pots. They showcase the raw beauty and craftsmanship of the clay itself, evoking a sense of tradition and cultural heritage. Unglazed pots can add a touch of authenticity and charm to the dining table.

It’s important to consider that unglazed pots require proper seasoning, care, and maintenance to prevent cracking and ensure longevity. Additionally, they may not be suitable for recipes that require a non-reactive cooking surface or specific moisture retention levels. For those looking for enhanced flavor, moisture control, and a connection to traditional cooking methods, unglazed pots are an excellent choice.

Do unglazed clay pots require any special care or seasoning before use?

Unglazed clay pots do require particular upkeep and seasoning prior to use. The following are important steps to take:

Soaking: The unglazed clay pot needs to be submerged in water for a minimum of 30 minutes and a maximum of several hours or overnight. As a result, there is less chance that the clay will naturally absorb moisture and get cracked while cooking.
After soaking, remove the pot from the water and allow it completely dry by the air. It’s essential to make sure that the inside and exterior surfaces are totally dry before continuing to the next step.
Seasoning: Seasoning helps the clay pot develop a protective coating, enhancing its performance and durability. Rub a little cooking oil, such as grapeseed or vegetable oil, on the pot’s inner and external surfaces. Make sure to evenly cover every surface, including the rim and handles, if necessary.

Place the clay pot in a cold oven to begin preheating. Bake it for about an hour at a temperature of about 300°F (150°C) after gradually raising it. This procedure aids in the clay’s subsequent curing and improves its resistance to thermal shocks during cooking.
Cleaning and Cooling: After seasoning is finished, let the pot cool completely inside the oven. Discard any extra oil or residue after cooling. Use a gentle sponge or towel and warm water to clean the pot. Avoid using abrasive or aggressive cleaning agents that can harm the seasoned surface.

It’s important to note that continuous use and ongoing seasoning throughout time are beneficial for unglazed clay pots. They become more seasoned and seasoned the more they are used, which improves their cooking performance and durability. Reseasoning the pot is advised every so often or anytime the seasoning seems to be fading.

These methods will help to maximise your unglazed clay pot’s potential and lengthen its longevity by ensuring that it has been thoroughly seasoned and is ready for usage.

Are there specific types of dishes that are better suited for glazed clay pots versus unglazed clay pots?

There are some foods that work better in glazed or unglazed clay pots than others. Here is an explanation:

Ceramic glazed pots:

Dishes Rich in Moisture: For meals that benefit from a moist cooking environment, glazed clay pots are the best choice because they are excellent at holding moisture. This covers dishes like casseroles, stews, soups, and braised meats.
Glazed pots are ideal for slow-cooked foods because they provide even heating and gentle cooking. This includes dishes like pot roasts, curries, and sauces that must be cooked or braised for an extended period of time.
Protective Flavours: A glazed pot is preferable if you’re cooking with acidic or alkaline components that could react with unglazed clay. To preserve the tastes and textures of foods like tomatoes, citrous fruits, and sauces made with vinegar, the glaze serves as a non-reactive barrier.

Clay pots without glaze:

Baking bread is best done in a clay baker or cloche, which are unglazed clay pots. Unglazed clay’s porous surface produces a humid atmosphere that aids in the development of a crisp outside and a moist interior.
Clay pots without glaze work well for roasting meat, poultry, and vegetables. The clay’s capacity to evenly retain and disperse heat facilitates the production of tender and succulent outcomes.

Rice Dishes Made in Clay Pots: Rice dishes like biryanis or pilaffs are frequently made in unglazed clay pots. The porous quality of the clay contributes to the flavour and aids in producing fluffy, aromatic rice.
Traditional and authentic recipes: Unglazed clay pots are frequently prefered for dishes that have historical or cultural importance if you wish to embrace the traditional and rustic cooking experience. This comprises conventional fare from several international cuisines.

It’s crucial to take into account the unique qualities of each pot and how they relate to the intended cooking result. You can learn which kind of clay pot best suits your culinary preferences and the dishes you enjoy cooking by experimenting with various pots and recipes.