Earthenware: Going to the Ancestors’ Way
Hello all,
I recently read a quote that is actually a Hawaiian proverb, “I ka ka wā ma mua, I ka wā ma hope.” This is translated as “in the time before, in the time after.” The literal meaning is – the future is in the past. This means that for the questions of our future, we have to look for answers to the past. The past will guide us. The past can be the best teacher and the best nurturer only if we don’t let it become our master or dictator.
And as our past is preparing us for the future, we are now going into the older and wiser modes of living once again. The growing popularity of millet and seeds tells us that we are now back to basics. Basics of our ancestors. Back to our past habits to improve our future. One of these habits that we have incorporated into our home is the use of clay utensils.
Earthenware was the most integral part of cooking in the bygone era, and according to Ayurveda, they are one of the most healthy cooking utensils. We have started preparing most of our food in clay utensils for the last 5-6 years. And let me tell you, Undhiyu, Biryani, Dal Makhani, Rajma, and even Khichdi, taste like never before. One look at the set Dining table with all clay utensils, Sheel will be delighted as the food will be healthy yet tasty.
What are the benefits of clay utensils:
Added minerals : Clay pots give Phosphorus, Iron, Magnesium and several other Minerals.
Slow cooking: Have you wondered why traditionally cooked food tastes much better? Because of the slow cooking, these clay utensils are the best for this method as they heat up slowly and steadily, providing gentle cooking, which enhances the natural flavor of the food.
Less oil : Clay has a natural nonstick property, so we need less oil.
Maintaining pH: Clay is alkaline in nature, so it helps neutralize the pH balance of the food by interacting with the acid present in the food and acts as a natural detox, thus improving the digestion process.
Retention of nutrients: Clay, being porous, allows nutrients to be retained within the food with the preservation of heat and moisture, which circulate evenly, making food juicer without any vitamin loss.
Tasty Food: Food cooks perfectly without overheating & Burning and tastes better
Temperature maintenance: Clay retains temperature; hence, cooked food remains hot for a longer period, so you need heat for less duration. You can switch off the gas once your dish is ¾ cooked.
Added Flavor: Clay pots can absorb and impart earthy to the food,
Ecofriendly: Clay is a natural material and is biodegradable,
Inexpensive: Clay pots are quite inexpensive as compared to steel and non-stick cooking pots.
So you all must be thinking, why am I telling all this suddenly on a travel blog? The reason is I have been buying these utensils from Shivtratri Mela for the last 6 years. I get them from a lady who comes from Dahod. She is a wonderful, kind-hearted, hard-working lady. She comes to this fair every year, and her products are fantastic. Her name is Daku Ben, and she has the first stall just beside the entrance on the right side of the Shivrtrai Fair this year. She has both red clay and black clay pots, but you won’t get black clay products like hers. She has Handis in all shapes and sizes, with handles and without handles. She has Tawa, Kadhai, Matka, Glasses, Teacups, Pitchers, and Handi for Dahi. Cleaning is super easy. We have been using it for many years, and not a single time have I faced the problem of fungus. We even drink water from glasses of clay.
This entire exhibition is of local artisans with products sold directly by them. No middleman is involved here, so you are directly helping the artisans. They have amazing Patana and Rajkot patolas, Kutchi shawls, beautiful jewelry, leather footwear, Kurtis, carpets, etc.
Over the years, apart from the clay utensils, I have got Tangaliya saree and dress material, Bhujodi saree, Applique work saree, and dress material from this fair.
The Shivratri fair is held at Kirti Stambh from 21st February 2025 to 2nd March 2025 this year.
Points to consider:
This is just a small gesture from our side to support the artisans. Please don’t do any bargain here as they are selling after extreme hard work. They have a fixed rate.
Despite being in the heart of the city, there is ample parking space, so there is no need to worry about that.
So visit the fair, and you can support the artists directly, and don’t forget to hang around other the great ” SURSAGAR LAKE’
Clay untensils are very old Era ofcourse old is gold. So really amazing to use this..
Thanks uncle..
Ingenious – interesting – inspiring
A good healthy approach for cooking in the daily life.
Knowledgeable👌
Thank you..🤗🤗
I used this utensils from 10 years and you are right the taste of food is amazing
He ne!!
Very good
Thank you..
I’m such a fan of your work, and it inspires me a lot.
such a nice gesture to appreciate their work.
Thank you for such kind words..
👍👍
Its blessing for such a community to get a platform like this
appreciated your efforts on highlighting it
Thank you so much..