There’s a lot of confusion around choosing safe and natural cookware since distinguishing between truly safe products and those with misleading “green” labels can be tough. When I decided to replace my non-stick cookware, I did some research to find safer options. Ceramic cookware emerged as a top contender, and after getting some Xtrema ceramic pieces as a gift, I became a big fan.
Ceramic cookware is made entirely from ceramic clay that’s shaped, dried, fired, and glazed. It’s the safest option I’ve discovered. It makes sense why ceramics have been a trusted material for cooking and storage for centuries. Although new materials like iron, copper, aluminum, and Teflon have been used over time, ceramics remain popular due to their safety and improved durability compared to the fragile ceramics of the past.
Many people are aware of the risks associated with Teflon-coated non-stick pans, such as the carcinogenic chemicals that can disrupt hormones and affect fetal development. There’s also the danger of overheating, which could be harmful to pets and humans. Consequently, Teflon isn’t the best option. Cast iron is a better choice, though it can leach non-bioavailable iron into food when used for cooking with liquids or acidic ingredients. Enameled cast iron reduces this risk but is quite costly, and even stainless steel can leach metals. This is why I prefer ceramic – it doesn’t leach anything.
However, not all “ceramic” cookware is the same. Some companies use a ceramic glaze over metal, which doesn’t truly make it ceramic. These glazes can contain harmful chemicals and are not as durable. I worried about lead in ceramics, particularly those made in Asia, but I found a brand that publishes independent test results showing their cookware doesn’t leach lead or other metals.
I’m obviously a fan of Xtrema ceramic cookware for several reasons. If you choose a different brand, just ensure it’s been tested for safety. Ceramic cookware has a few downsides: it takes longer to heat up (but retains heat well), and it can break if not handled with care. Research I’ve reviewed shows these pans pass safety tests, including California’s Prop 65, indicating they don’t leach metals. Still, if you’re concerned, I recommend researching more on the topic.
Using ceramic cookware involves a little adjustment. While it’s handy for tasks like scrambling eggs, its heating process differs from metal pans. It heats slowly but retains heat well, letting you turn off the stove earlier to save energy. Just remember to adjust cooking times to prevent overcooking.
Here are some tips for using ceramic cookware:
– Be patient with heating.
– Take advantage of its heat retention properties.
While it requires some getting used to, ceramic cookware is easy to clean, scratch-resistant, and can replace other types of cookware when properly maintained. If you’re interested in trying it, Xtrema offers a discount using the code WELLNESS. What’s your favorite type of cookware, and would you give ceramic a try?
