Earthen pots have been used for centuries to store and transport food and water. There are several types of earthen pots, each with its unique advantages and disadvantages.
Terracotta pots: These are made from red clay and are porous, allowing air and moisture to pass through. They are ideal for cooking and water storage as they keep the water cool and impart a unique flavor to food.
Ceramic pots: These are non-porous and often glazed to prevent water absorption. They are suitable for cooking and serving food and can be used to store dry ingredients like spices.
Clay pots: These are made from a mix of clay and sand and are porous like terracotta pots. They are ideal for gardening as they allow plant roots to breathe and prevent soil-borne diseases.
Unglazed earthenware: These are made from unglazed clay and are porous like terracotta pots. They are ideal for making pickles and curries as they impart a unique flavor to food.
Each of these types of earthen pots has its unique properties and uses, making them a versatile addition to your kitchen and garden.
Based on Usage
Earthen pots come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, and they have been used for centuries in many cultures around the world. These pots have many uses, from storing and cooking food to growing plants and even healing ailments.
In this article, we will explore the different types of earthen pots based on their usage.
Cooking Earthen Pots
Earthen pots are one of the oldest and healthiest ways to cook food. They have been used for centuries, and their popularity has soared in recent years due to their health benefits and eco-friendliness. There are different types of earthen pots used for cooking, each with its unique characteristics and best-suited dishes.
Some of the popular types of earthen pots are:
1. Clay pots – Best suited for slow-cooking recipes that require a prolonged cooking time, such as stews, soups, biryanis, and curries.
2. Terracotta pots – Perfect for baking bread, pies or roasting meat, poultry or vegetables, and can withstand high temperatures.
3. Ceramic pots – A versatile type of pot that can be used for boiling, frying, baking or searing all kinds of dishes, and can be used directly on both gas and electric stove tops.
To ensure that your earthen pots last long and cook healthy dishes, it is necessary to soak them in water for a few hours, before the first use, and always clean and dry them well after every use.
Decorative/Festive Earthen Pots
Earthen pots are versatile and eco-friendly containers that come in many different types to fit various needs and purposes.
Here are the different types of earthen pots based on their usage:
1. Decorative/Festive Earthen Pots – These pots are typically hand-painted and adorned with intricate designs, making them perfect for use as home decor or during festivals.
2. Unglazed/Clay Earthen Pots – These pots are used for cooking and storage of food due to their porous nature and natural cooling properties. They can also be used for planting succulents and cacti.
3. Glazed Earthen Pots – These pots are coated with a waterproof glaze and are suitable for indoor decor and ornamental plants. Glazed earthen pots come in various colors and designs and can also be used for storing water.
4. Terracotta Earthen Pots – These pots are made from clay and are used for plants due to their breathability and moisture retention properties. Terracotta pots come in many shapes and sizes and are perfect for growing herbs, flowers, and vegetables.
The Different Types of Earthen Pots cater to different needs, so be sure to choose the right pot for your usage to get the most out of it.
Gardening Earthen Pots
Earthen pots are a popular planting option for home gardeners, and they come in a range of types catered specifically to your gardening needs. Here are the different types of earthen pots you can choose from for your gardening needs:
Traditional Terracotta Pots: Made from unglazed clay and often used for succulent or herb plants.
Glazed Pots: Made from clay and coated with an impermeable finish. These pots are ideal for plants that need moisture retention.
Self-Watering Pots: Equipped with a reservoir that stays full of water, self-watering pots are ideal for busy gardeners or when on a vacation.
Decorative Pots: A visually appealing type of earthen pot used for indoor gardening or enhancing the beauty of your outdoor garden.
Hanging Pots: These pots are ideal for small spaces and bring greenery to your balconies or patios. Use hanging pots for colorful flowering plants or herb gardens.
Wellhealthorganic.com : health-benefits-of-an-earthen-pot
Earthen Pots or Terracotta Pots are made from clay and are commonly used for storing or cooking food.
While they are mostly made from clay, there are different types of earthen pots based on what materials they are made from.
This article will look at some of these different types of earthen pots and their various properties and uses.
Terracotta Earthen Pots
Terracotta earthen pots are a popular choice for gardening due to their natural look and feel, as well as their ability to retain moisture and provide insulation to plant roots. There are several types of earthen pots available, each with its unique features and benefits:
1. Standard terracotta pots – These pots are the most common and are made from a porous clay that helps to regulate soil moisture and temperature.
2. Unglazed clay pots – These pots are made from a denser and more durable clay that improves water retention and drainage.
3. Glazed pots – These pots are coated with a waterproof glaze that protects the clay from moisture damage and adds an attractive finish.
4. Olla pots – These unglazed earthenware pots have a unique shape and are buried in the soil to gradually release water to the roots of plants.
5. Chimney pots – These tall, cylindrical pots are perfect for growing vining plants and add an artistic touch to your garden.
Whatever your preference, using earthen pots is a great way to nurture your plants while adding a touch of natural beauty to your surroundings.
Clay Earthen Pots
Clay earthen pots are one of the most popular types of earthen pots, known for their ability to regulate heat and moisture and enhance the flavor of food. Here are the different types of earthen pots based on material:
Glazed Earthen Pots: These pots are coated with a layer of glaze both inside and out, making them shiny and waterproof. Glazed earthen pots are ideal for cooking soups, stews, and curries.
Unglazed Earthen Pots: These pots are made entirely of clay, without any glaze. Unglazed earthen pots are porous, which allows heat and moisture to circulate and enhance the flavor of food. They are ideal for slow-cooking dishes like biryanis and tagines.
Terracotta Earthen Pots: These pots are made of a type of earthenware clay that is fired at low temperatures. Terracotta earthen pots are known for their porous and breathable material, which allows a slow-cooking and moist environment for dishes like casseroles and baked goods.
Sand Earthen Pots: These pots are made of a mixture of sand, clay, and water. Sand earthen pots are less porous than terracotta pots but still offer a unique and delicious cooking experience for rice dishes and slow-cooked stews.
Pro Tip: Before using earthen pots, soak them in water for a few hours to minimize the risk of cracking during the cooking process.
Ceramic Earthen Pots
Earthen pots have been used for centuries to store food and water due to their natural cooling and heating properties. Ceramic earthen pots are just one of the many types of earthen pots available in the market.
Here are some different types of earthen pots:
1. Terracotta: Terracotta pots are made of baked clay and are porous, making them ideal for storing water and allowing it to cool naturally. They are not recommended for acidic foods.
2. Unglazed clay pots: These pots are also made of baked clay but are left unglazed, making them more porous than terracotta pots. They are ideal for slow-cooking stews and soups.
3. Glazed clay pots: These pots are made of baked clay but are coated in a glaze that makes them less porous and ideal for storing acidic foods like pickles and chutneys.
4. Ceramic earthen pots: These pots are made of clay and a mix of other materials like quartz and feldspar. They are coated in a glaze that makes them non-porous and ideal for storing both food and water.
Ceramic earthen pots not only add an aesthetic touch to your kitchen but also preserve the taste and nutrients of your food!
Based on Region
Different regions have different cultures, lifestyles, and styles. This applies to earthen pots as well, with different regions having distinct designs and uses for them. From the traditional earthenware in India to the terracotta in Mexico, these pots come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
In this section of the article, we will explore the different types of earthen pots based on region.
Warli Earthen Pots
Earthen pots hold a significant place in Indian households, and one such type is Warli earthen pots. These pots are traditionally crafted by Warli tribes in Maharashtra and are known for their unique design and shape.
Here are some other types of earthen pots found in different regions of India:
Uttar Pradesh: Matka, surai and handia are some of the popular earthen pots in this region. These pots are used for storing and transporting water, curd, and other dairy products.
Gujarat: Chatti, kalash, and bardan are some of the traditional earthen pots in Gujarat, used for cooking and serving meals. Chatti is used for making dal, khichdi, and other dishes.
Rajasthan: Manchatti, madua, and kesuda are the type of earthen pots commonly found in Rajasthan, used for storing water and cooking food.
Tamil Nadu: In Tamil Nadu, earthen pots are used to store water and tender coconut water. Here, they are called kalayam and are believed to have health benefits.
Earthen pots not only enhance the taste of the food and keep it fresh but are also eco-friendly and provide many health benefits with the minerals they add to food.
Studio Pottery Earthen Pots
Studio pottery earthen pots are a staple in Indian households, serving various purposes from cooking to decorative storage units. Each region in India has its unique style of pottery that varies in material, shape, and function.
Here are a few different types of earthen pots used in India:
Matka: Commonly used in North India, matkas are unglazed round pots used to store and cool water. They are made from fine-grained clay and have a narrow neck with a small opening to prevent dust and debris from getting inside.
Chombu: Mostly used in South Indian households, chombus are large pots made from red and black clay. They are used to store water and are believed to have natural cooling properties.
Handi: Used mostly in cooking, handis are widespread in North India. They are made from coarse clay and come in various sizes. Their conical shape and small mouth make them ideal for slow-cooking curries and biryanis.
Gamla: These decorative indoor pots are common in Bengali households. Gamlas are unglazed pots used to grow flowers and plants, with intricate designs etched on the sides.
Different regions in India have their unique style of pottery, showcasing the country’s cultural and artisanal diversity.
Madhubani Earthen Pots
Earthen pots have been an essential part of Indian households for centuries, and Madhubani earthen pots have been gaining popularity because of their unique designs and practicality. These pots come in various sizes and shapes and are hand-painted with natural pigments, depicting Madhubani art forms, which range from geometrical patterns to scenes from Hindu mythology.
Apart from Madhubani earthen pots, there are various types of earthen pots found across different regions in India. For instance, Matka, popular in North India, is used to store drinking water and is known for its porous nature, which helps to cool the water.
In contrast, in South India, Lota is a small and stout pot with a narrow mouth and a wide base that is used to cook and store various liquids like milk, water, and curd.
The use of earthen pots has several advantages, like maintaining the pH balance of stored liquids and keeping the water cool, making them an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to plastic containers.
