For the ones that enjoy slow cooking recipes like broths, braises, or stews there is one type of utensils that you must try. Yes, we are talking about bare ceramic cookware. Actually, it is used for millennia, and it is well-known part of traditional kitchens around the world. In addition, pure ceramic cookware is completely made of natural clay.

If you are looking for a traditional and healthy way of cooking then this type of utensil is a great way to achieve such goals.

The unique taste of the food from non-glazed ceramics is something that you probably hear about, and maybe it is the right moment to give yourself a try with this special utensil. For me personally, it is a favorite way of preparing the dishes.

Here you can find one of my articles where I go more deeply into the field of ceramic cookware, its safety, and its unique properties.

There are not a lot of producers that offer hand-crafted pure ceramic utensils internationally, however, Miriams Earthen Cookware is one of the brands that do just that.

Looking from its roots the ceramics are produced from purely natural clay, and that is the tradition that his company is trying to cherish.

Additionally, the cookware they create is manufactured under strict safety standards. This includes testing the raw material composition and quality, at the Soil testing lab at the University of Massachusetts. Such a safety control system and compliance to the California 65 rule qualify this brand or Safetouseit cookware safety standards.

Finally, it is important to notice that bare ceramic cookware is more delicate to maintain than glazed pieces. However, that direct contact with food and ceramics gives it a really unique taste.

Pure ceramic cookware requires gentiles because it can be damaged under sudden temperature changes or mechanical crashes. Nevertheless, if you don’t mind spending little extra caution and gentleness, you will enjoy this cookware for a long time.

Here are a few simple tips on how to maintain your pure ceramic cookware. These are the same rules that I apply to my pure ceramic cookware successfully for years.  Even Miriam Earthen Cookware FaQ page explains details on how to use it cookware pieces, however, I would like to highlight some important points

Before first use- Seasoning

Unlike the seasoning of food which includes slat, paper, and other spices, cookware seasoning is the process of coating the by using oil and heat. This  Bare ceramic cookware requires seasoning just once when you buy it new.

Shortly saying, you need to clean your new pot, emerge it in the water overnight. After that you dry it, cover with oil and bake it in the oven. The process is quite simple, however, I made step by step video on how to do it, so take a look. Here you can find my tutorial on how to season any bare ceramic utensil, so maybe it can be helpful additionally.

Washing

 It is not suitable for dishwashers and like other bare ceramics, it should be washed just with water and a clean sponge/cleaning wire. Bare ceramic has pores, so if you use soap it can be soaked into the ceramic walls. If you need a deep cleaning you can use the pasta made from baking soda and vinegar.

It is good to use a new sponge for the cleaning of the ceramic cookware, and keep it away from the sink. Old sponges always contain certain levels of residues/soaps and it is good to avoid them. Also, when I left your sponge next to the sink somebody can take it and use it for soap(It have happened to me a few times at least)

Cooking temperatures

Avoid sudden changes of temperature like putting the skillet in preheated oven or transferring it directly from the hot oven to the cold stovetop.(Better use wooden/silicone board) Pure ceramic cookware is suitable for lower or medium temperatures which are perfectly compatible with slow-cooking recipes.

In the oven, the proposed maximal temperature is around 230c according to the brand. However, I use my bare ceramics on 250C without any problems.

In addition

You can use it on electric stovetops. Even pure ceramic cookware is not suitable for induction stoves, you can use a metal heat diffuser to adjust that.

Store your cookware in a place with good air circulation, with the cookware that stayed open. That will prevent condensation and the development of microbes.

Through time, the cookware will become a little darker in color, which is totally normal. Ceramic is a live earthen material, and it evolves over time. In addition, I would say that the more you use it, the better it becomes.

I will recommend using the bare ceramics cookware whenever it comes to boiling, baking, stewing, and braising. Bare ceramics allow you to get a unique taste and aroma especially when it comes to slow-cooking methods.

Depending on the size different MEC pots could be great options for preparing delicious recipes. These are some of the recommendations.

*Apart from the 4Qt Pot that I am talking about, I will also share the idea about MEC pot of other sizes.

Small MEC Pot(1.75Qt) –  You will enjoy this small pot for preparing a variety of side dishes. It will work great for 1-2 people. It is Good for simmering vegetables in gravy, preparing a  homemade yogurt, or cooking different variations of rice and quinoa

 Medium MEC pot(2.4Qt)– Preparing different kinds of meat and vegetable broths, beans, or stews. Regarding size it is great it would suit greatly smaller families of 3-4 people.

 Large MEC pot(4Qt)– Perfect for bigger family lunch, boiling and simmering. 

X Large MEC pot(6Qt)– Great for preparing food for large families, or family gatherings including cooked beans with dry meat, or boiling the whole chicken. With this size, you will have the comfort to prepare a variety of dishes.