La Chamba Clay Cookware

I love to cook and bake for my family, but worry about the dangers that might be lurking in my kitchen. Along with choosing organic and natural foods for health and environmental safety, it is important that you choose cookware that is eco-friendly and safe to use as well. Microwaving foods in Styrofoam containers, storing leftovers in plastic containers, and cooking or baking with nonstick pots, pans and dishes may pose hazards to your health and the environment.

Fortunately, there are many healthier, greener alternatives, including glass, cast iron, and clay. Having never worked with clay cookware, I was eager and enthusiastic to try out the Chamba Cookware roaster I received.

This striking black clay cookware is created just as it has been for hundreds of years, sustainably handmade by women in a small region of Columbia. The clay contains no lead or toxins and the artisans do not apply any glazes to this clay cookware. The artisans hand-polish the cookware with smooth river stones, resulting in a gorgeous, glossy finish.

If you look carefully, you can see the slightest imperfections. In my opinion, this adds to the appeal of the clay cookware. Rather than stow it away in a cupboard, I am inclined to leave it out on my table or counter when not in use as to me the roaster looks like a piece of art.

As with cast iron and other natural cookware, you must season your Chamba clay cookware before you use it. Do not let this intimidate you, though, because it could not be easier. All you have to do is fill it three-quarters full of water and place it in the oven, uncovered for half an hour to seal your clay cookware. As you use it over time, it attains an even stronger seal. You might want to avoid making foods that are highly likely to stick until you have used it a handful of times.

Cleaning is easy, too. It is not a good idea to put clay cookware in the dishwasher, because it could scratch or break. However, a quick wipe with a dishcloth or sponge is usually all that it takes to clean my roaster.

Clay cookware is more versatile than I imagined. Of course, you can use it in the oven. Did you know, though, that you could put clay cookware in the microwave or even on your stove top? The mica in the clay's surface helps it cook evenly. I have an electric stove - unfortunately, gas is not available in the small town where I live - so I got ahold of an inexpensive heat diffuser, such as you might use for a glass kettle, in order to use my clay roaster on the stove top.

The next time you are shopping for beautiful, safe cookware, I recommend that you give clay cookware a look. Find out where to buy La Chamba clay cookware at the Toque Blanche website.