No modern kitchen appliance can ever come close to replicating the warmth that emanates from an earthenware pot sitting contentedly over a low flame. For generations, Indian kitchens cooked in clay as instinctively as they breathed, and not because they didn’t have a choice, but because clay cooked food the way food was meant to be cooked. Today, with an increasing number of home chefs tracing the roots of traditional cooking, the search for handmade clay cookware online in India has become one of the most sought-after phrases.

At Craftsman India Online, we are of the opinion that cooking is not only a household activity but also an art that requires the best natural utensils. We will help you understand why Handmade clay cookware online in India is the best option for the modern Indian kitchen and why it is so special.

The Nature of Clay

Natural clay is full of rich minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium, which we have formed into cooking vessels that are fired at high temperatures which creates a high mineral, breathable material which simply cannot be created in a factory setting. This form of cooking vessel has been made in India throughout centuries, not only for cooking but to store water or other foods, or for fermentation. 

The porosity of the clay cookware is what makes it functional. The micro-pores in the cooking vessel allows steam to circulate slowly as it cooks, keeping the food’s moisture locked without making it mushy and making it without adding more water or oil. Heat that conducts through the clay while cooking is a different way than any other metal. The clay doesn’t have hot spots that burn the food like in thin-layered aluminum or other coated cookware. Whatever you may be cooking, be it biryani or tadka, the slow cooking process is worth the wait for the deliciousness that comes after. 

Quality and Craftsmanship

There is a difference between mass-produced ceramic cookware and handmade clay cookware. Clay cookware will have the imperfections of the craftsman, slight differences in shape, natural variations in color of the clay material, and textures that vary from one piece to another. These are not defects, these are the hallmarks of craftsmanship. Not all clay cookware is the same. Earthenware clay cookware is highly dependent on the type of clay used and the firing process. At Craftsman India, we are experts in "Deep Burned" or Black Pottery. This is an ancient method of making pottery where the pieces are fired twice. The second firing is done at temperatures that reach almost 1200°C, using wood and hay as fuel.

The high temperature makes the cookware extremely hardy and gives it the natural black color without the need for any artificial dyes or chemicals. When looking for handmade clay cookware online in India, it is essential to look for cookware that is robust enough to withstand the demands of a modern gas stove. Our deep-burned cookware is made for this purpose, marrying the best of the old with the needs of the new.

The Alkaline Advantage

One of the main reasons for the resurgence of earthenware pots is the rising concern about the leaching of chemicals from modern cookware. Teflon and low-quality aluminum have been associated with several health problems over the years. However, clay is 100% non-toxic.

More importantly, clay is an alkaline material. Indian cuisine is known for the use of acidic ingredients such as tomatoes, tamarind, and lime juice. When these acidic foods come into contact with the alkaline properties of the clay pot, it has the ability to neutralize the pH levels. This not only makes the food easier to digest, thereby reducing the chances of acidity and bloating, but also brings out the natural sweetness of the ingredients. By opting for handmade clay cookware online in India, you are making an investment in a chemical-free lifestyle that values your family’s internal health. 

Cooking for Vitality

In a typical metal cooking vessel, high temperatures can easily destroy sensitive vitamins and minerals. Clay pots, on the other hand, are experts at retaining heat. They take time to heat up and retain this heat for a long period of time, even after switching off the flame.

Research has indicated that cooking in earthenware is an effective way to retain vital minerals such as Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, and Phosphorus. These minerals are found in the clay and are released in minute quantities during the cooking process. Additionally, the cooking process retains Vitamin B12 and other heat-sensitive nutrients that are normally destroyed in pressure cookers or thin-bottomed vessels.

Sustainability: A Gift to the Earth

In a world of "throwaway" culture, clay is the epitome of sustainability. Handmade clay cookware online in India is biodegradable and eco-friendly. When a clay pot finally reaches the end of its life cycle, it goes back to where it came from, without any toxic residue or microplastics.

When you choose handmade pottery, you are also supporting the sustainability of the local artisans. These artisans have the skill sets that have been passed down through generations to transform simple mud into functional art. Your choice of clay is a vote for a different lifestyle.

Apart from the main meal, the use of clay pots is legendary in the Indian dairy culture, especially for preparing curd. The use of a "Matka" is scientifically more advanced than glass or steel because the porous nature of the clay absorbs excess whey, making it thick, creamy, and sweet. Moreover, the natural insulation of the earthenware protects the fermentation process from outside temperature variations, ensuring that the result is always consistent. 

This is the essence of the "Slow Food" movement, which encourages us to resist the cult of speed. The "low and slow" method allows the spices to develop and the textures to soften in a way that simply cannot be achieved by high-pressure cooking, which promotes a sense of calm and ritual in the kitchen.

The care of these pots is a thoughtful process that starts with “seasoning,” a method of soaking the pot in water and applying rice starch or oil to enhance the material. Because clay has the potential to absorb chemicals, it is essential to point out that these pots should never be cleaned using chemicals, but a mixture of hot water and baking soda, lime, or lemon will keep the surface spotless.

By opting to buy handmade clay cookware online in India, you are making an investment in your life for a chemical-free lifestyle that values you and your family’s health and well-being. These pots are more than just cookware: they are biodegradable, sustainable connections to our heritage that ensure every meal is filled with the best natural flavors and essential nutrients.

The return to clay 

The return to clay is the return to a harmonious and earth-friendly lifestyle that values the best health through alkaline neutralization and improved "Mitti" flavors. By incorporating these deep-burning and artisanally crafted cooking pots in your kitchen, you are making a statement about a sustainable alternative to synthetic cookware that will benefit not only the health of your family but also the planet. 

At Craftsman India Online, we are able to connect ancient knowledge to contemporary needs, providing high-quality handmade clay cookware online in India that is ideal for everything from setting a creamy curd to a healthy Sunday lunch. Move away from the synthetic and connect with the heart of the Indian kitchen to bring home the eternal magic of clay.