Your Micaceous Clay Vessels will be delivered to you in a double-boxed, protective and well wrapped shipping package with specialty paper wrap and eco-friendly protective cushioning, as much recycled content as possible and plastic free.
No curing or preparation is necessary for your Micaceous Clay Vessel.
Your vessel will gradually obtain a patina from each use, further enhancing it with the story of your own cooking history and creating a unique family heirloom. The patina of a micaceous clay vessel will change over time, becoming darker when oil or fat has touched and traveled through the vessel. This only augments the beauty of a micaceous clay vessel.
The inherent beauty of a Micaceous Clay Vessel evolves over time because it is NOT vitrified. Thus the liquids/food cooked in them will interact with the clay and enhance the flavors of the food.
Some caution must be taken to ensure your micaceous clay vessel will last a lifetime. Here are suggestions on how to best use your cooking clay vessel:
Cooking over direct flame from a gas stove is recommended, however a diffuser is recommended on electric, glass top, and induction stoves for more even heat distribution. Oven cooking is absolutely encouraged.
When cooking on stovetop, start with a gentle heat and then increase the flame to the desired temperature.
Wood, plastic, and silicone cooking utensils are recommended. Metal utensils can scratch your vessel, best to avoid using them on your micaceous clay vessel.
Micaceous clay vessels are tolerant of various cooking circumstances, but do not place a hot vessel on a cold surface or vice versa.
Do not store food in a micaceous clay vessel overnight. Remember, your vessel is not vitrified and will absorbs the moisture in your food if left to sit overnight.
Cleaning
To clean your micaceous clay vessel, a simple rinse with warm water and use of a plastic or natural fiber brush is recommended, while minimizing the use of soap if at all possible. In the event of overcooked food on the bottom (it happens), place hot water in the vessel and let it soak for a while, or simmer on low if desired, then use a plastic scrapper or brush to remove cooked-on food.
Always throughly dry your Micaceous Clay Vessel. If you live in a humid environment, you may wish to dry your vessel in the oven or on the stovetop before storing.
If you have purchased a roasting vessel, I recommend drying on the stovetop and wiping with oil/lard/fat to facilitate a more water-resistant and easier to clean surface.
Shapes
Bean pots
The quintessential bean pot is an ingenious and ancient design, always defined as having a belly and a neck. The clever design allows for the flavors to remain in the belly, while the neck restrict overflow.
Casserole
Versatile and popular and in a variety of shapes, will always have a lid, wide opening and different shapes and cooking sizes.
Roasters
Popular and used as you would a cast iron pan. Great for stovetop and oven use.
