What You Should Know Before Using a Stone Pot
In the past, people used stone and metal pots for cooking, but today we see a variety of glazed, Teflon, glass, and ceramic containers that can cause various cancers, as parts of these materials can detach over time and enter the food, leading to health issues.
Using these containers alters the texture and structure of food because heating them too quickly and intensely can change the food and its nutrients.Food materialscannot adapt quickly, and over time, they may turn into toxins and cancer-causing substances.
If you pay attention to the taste of food cooked in stone versus Teflon pots, you will notice a significant difference, as food cooked in stone pots has a much better quality and flavor.
Stone pots have long been considered the best containers for cooking, andthe stewsand dishes made in these pots are truly delicious. Ifyou’ve ever hadstone stew, you will definitely agree with this.
In this section ofSelMagz, we have prepared useful information on how to repair cracked stone pots and prepare a new stone pot for cooking or sealing.
Steps Before Sealing a Stone Pot
Before sealing a stone stew pot, there are necessary steps that we will explain next:
- First, wipe off the dust that remains from the stone carving on the outside and inside of the pot with a dry cloth.
- Wash the pot to remove any leftover dust, then let it dry for a few hours.
- After drying, coat all internal and external parts of the stone pot withvegetable oilor lamb fat. You can also mix turmeric with warm oil and apply this mixture to all parts of the pot.
- After full oiling, place the pot in a warm place for one day so the oil can absorb completely, such as near a heater or under sunlight in summer.
- After a day, wash the stone pot thoroughly.
- Now the oiling process is complete, and the pot is ready for sealing.
It is important to note that all internal and external parts of the stone pot should be black because the more oily a pot is, the stronger it will be. Therefore, it’s best not to use too much dish soap when washing it. The best way to wash is with plain water, and if necessary, two drops of dish soap are enough.
Preparing a New or Cracked Stone Pot
It is essential that new stone pots are sealed for the first time; this method is also suitable for repairing cracks in stone pots.
- Place the oiled pot, which has dried in the sun, on low heat with water, some unpeeled wheat and barley, and plenty of turmeric until it boils. The purpose of this is to allow the materials to release glaze.
- It should boil for five hours to become glazed. Make sure the water doesn’t run low or dry out; if it does, add more hot water, then turn off the heat and let the grains cool inside the pot.
Principles for Using and Caring for Stone Pots
Important tips regarding cooking and actions that can damage stone pots include:
- Avoid frying and sautéing foods in these pots.
- Only cook watery foods in stone pots.
- Keep the flame low while cooking.
- Be careful that the water in the pot doesn’t run low or dry out during cooking.
- If the food’s water is low, only add boiling water.
- Do not place the stone pot directly on the stove; always use a flame diffuser underneath.
- When moving stone pots, handle them carefully to avoid cracks.
- Avoid boiling milk in stone pots.
- Never wash a hot stone pot until it has cooled because if a hot pot is placed under cold water, it may crack.
- Avoid cooking rice in stone pots.
- You can cook various juicy dishes and stews in these types of pots.
- The inner and outer surfaces of the stone pot must be oily. So, avoid washing these pots too much and allow some oil to remain on the surface.
Final Thoughts
By following these simple tips mentioned earlier, you can easily use your beneficial stone pots for a very long time. It can confidently be said that if you use these pots correctly, they can last up to 200 years. Therefore, try to use these stone pots, which have numerous benefits, instead of spending money on iron pills, vitamins, and zinc supplements.
