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HOW IT'S DONE/Powerpoint Presentations|INFORMATION SHEETS: 1Terra Sigillata|2Maiolica Care/Info|3Using Oil Lamps|4Care of Water Bottles / CookwareCare|
INFORMATION SHEET 4)
Priming and Care of Water Bottles, Cookware and Canteens
(Follow procedure for clear glazed as well as bottles coated with beeswax.)
1) Fill a container with lukewarm water-enough to fully immerse the vessel.
2)
Soak vessel in water for 24 hours. This will "prime" the vessel,
and it needs to be done only once. WHY?
The soaking process somehow makes the vessel less likely to fracture due to
sudden changes in temperature-such as pouring hot coffee into it, for example.
What I believe(and this is just my own theory) that happens is that tiny drops
of moisture work their way into the clay, which is extremely dry from the firing
process. When a very hot or very cold liquid is added to the vessel, these droplets
help to dissipate and even out the temperature throughout the vessel, thereby
reducing stress. Soaking also seems to give the vessel the ability to either
retain heat or coolness longer. Priming is also what enables you to put a clay
cooking vessel over an open flame or direct heat without fracturing.
3) Vessel can be wrapped with wool, skin, fur-whatever one prefers. This helps to protect the vessel as well as to maintain the temperature of the contents. Click HERE for an example.
4) Use and enjoy : )
NOTE: Very hot liquids should NOT be put in a vessel lined with beeswax, but are okay to put in a clear glazed vessel. Warm, soapy water is okay for cleaning all vessels.
NOTE ALSO: New bottles that have glaze on the inside will sometimes make strange pinging sounds. Do NOT panic, the vessel is not haunted by old Roman dieties or anything. ; ) What is happening is that the glaze, which is essentially glass, is adjusting its fit to the inner surface of the bottle. It will cease over time, and the bottle will still be watertight.
Special thanks to Leon Delgado of Legio XXIV Media-Atlantia for coming up with this wonderful clay water bottle idea as an alternative to plastic!
COOKWARE:
Soak
vessel for 24 hours completely underwater, (you will notice lots of
bubbles rising to the top, which is perfectly normal) This will ensure that your
pot won't crack from the heat. Little crackles on the inner glaze and some
surface discoloration is normal and will not affect the pot’s
functionality or durability. Wash
with warm, soapy water. A good scrub and soaking in a mild bleach solution won't
cause any damage.
After
your first soaking and use, soak for 10-15 minutes before each use .
This
cookware is dishwasher safe.
Why
soak the pot?
I
learned to do this in Italy and asked myself, "Why soak the pot?".
I believe that soaking the vessel allows more even conductivity of heat
and thus lengthens the life of the pot. I
also think that the reason for soaking it the first time is that the vessel is
bone dry after being fired for 6 hours in a 1650-degree kiln, and it requires
some hydration to function properly. Remember
to give your pot a quick soak before each use (15 minutes or so).
With an UNGLAZED piece, such as clay bakeware for example, this technique
allows moisture to be retained as the food cooks.
IMPORTANT:
HEAT POT SLOOOOWWWLY, especially on electric stoves. If you start on
high, you will cause fracturing. You
have been warned! ; )
Use of a
diffuser on a direct heat source such as gas is highly recommended.