As earthenware cookware becomes increasingly popular due to its multiple benefits, both for taste and health, many people seem to equate earthenware pots and pans with terracotta cookware. While both are a type of earthenware, there are some essential differences between the two that make pure clay cookware truly unique. The reason why clay pots and pans have become more and more popular lately is that they provide a very healthy way of cooking, without the need for fats or liquids and preserving the nutrients of the food. Therefore, if you want to enjoy all the benefits of a 100% healthy kitchen, then you must know these differences so that you can choose and buy the right kitchen utensils.

Terracotta is usually glazed

Terracotta is simmered and, as a result, must be glazed to provide items with a protective coating when exposed to direct sources of heat, such as flames. It also helps make the glasses airtight. To that end, the entire benefit of having a clay pot is canceled because the enamel itself has lead and cadmium and all sorts of other toxins and chemicals. It is this type of toxin that makes common kitchen utensils harmful to begin with because they leach into food. Therefore, having terra cotta cookware that has been glazed is pointless and does not add any benefit to your kitchen. Pure clay cookware, on the other hand, is high-heat (up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit) and hand-polished, so you don’t need any glaze.

Unglazed terra cotta generally has additives.

Even if you find unglazed terra cotta pots and pans, chances are that many additives, such as extenders or plasticizers, were added to the compound during the clay processing. Other substances used when processing clay for terracotta cookware include dyes (terracotta pots have a red color), feldspar, talc, deflocculated, and mica. However, if you buy 100% pure clay cookware, you will benefit from pots and pans that have absolutely no additives, no toxins, and no chemicals that can leach into your food while cooking. In fact, to be absolutely sure that you are getting the best cookware, you should choose products made from proven pure clay. The orange-pink color of these pots is their own natural hue when fired.

Pure clay cookware retain excellent heat

Therefore, the main difference between clay and terracotta cookware is the rawness and purity of the material. Pure Clay pots and pans are made from pure raw material, while terra cotta pots are refined in one way or another. That’s why the former retain excellent heat, which means that you can cook all your food over medium heat. Not only that, but the food will stay warm for much longer without getting soggy.

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