Clay Cookware has been used in Mexico for generations, and can be found in almost every Mexican kitchen, it is a tradition passed down by the ancient Aztecs. The Aztec kitchen had clay jugs, ollas and casseroles. Ollas (pots) were used to heat food over a fire, as well as steaming food by pouring a small amount of water and than placing tamales wrapped in maize husks in the middle of the pot. Even today the traditional Water Jugs, Ollas and Cazuelas can be found among modern cooking tools in kitchens across Mexico, although Clay Cookware obviously stands out thanks to its material, that unlike modern metal tools gives all food a distinct and unique flavor. These clay cookware tools not only enhance your dishes but beautifully decorate your kitchen as well.

Clay cookware is as popular today as it was back then to the ancient Aztecs. Although there a lot of modern utensils, clay cookware are often preferred because of the unique flavor it gives to food. It?s a specific flavor that is difficult to produce with a metal pot.

The following is a list of Mexico?s most common and popular Clay Cook tools, that no Mexican kitchen can be without:

Cazuelas are shallow clay casserole dishes that are round like a bowl and often have handles that allow for easier handling of the Cazuela over the open fire. The clay dishes are usually decorated with beautiful designs and bright colors. The inside of the bowl is glazed and because of the clay it gives a great flavor to the dish being prepared, which is mostly used for simmering mole and other traditional salsas.

Olla de Barro is a deep and large clay pot that is used for simmer soups, stews and beans. The clay heats equally, which allows for the food to cook perfectly. The clay in the Olla de Barro gives off an earthy flavor that you couldn?t get otherwise by using a metal pot.

Botellon de Barro is a Clay Water Jug that keeps your water fresh whether you?re indoors or outdoors. The clay from the jug gives the water a unique and refreshing flavor.

If you want to cure your lead free clay pots, the ideal way to do it is by filling a clay pot with cool water below its rim, bring the water to a boil and then allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, and then allow for the water and pot to cool. Afterward discard the water, and that?s it, your clay pot is ready for you to use. So you can start preparing your favorite traditional Mexican recipes and give your dishes a unique flavor, thanks to our Mexican Clay Cookware..

MexGrocer.com is proud to bring this unique Mexican tradition into your home, with our high quality and lead free Ceramic Cookware Products by La Mexicana. Some of the authentic clay products you’ll find are authentic Ollas de Barro Frijoleras (Clay Bean Pots), Cazuelas (Clay Casserole dishes), Botellones de Agua (clay water jugs) and much more. Please note this item may have minor variations to the one shown on the picture and it can be slightly different on size, color, and porosity as each piece is handcrafted by an artisan.