"Ceramic cookware can be beneficial for you and your family"
Food steamers have been used for centuries. The ancient Chinese used pottery to cook food; tightly and hermetically closed-containing with pressure and temperature of the boiling liquid increased by heating. For anyone who wants to eat healthy, food steamer is a necessary thing. Contrary to frying, there is no need to use fat; compared to both frying and boiling, less nutrients are lost. Steamers, moreover, offered a lot of health benefits one of which is that steamed products will never dry out and burn thus is helpful in having the vivid and delicate flavor of other foods intact.
However, most food steamers on the market today are made of metal, while others electric often causing the loss of bouillon of the food as well as the spice you might add. Hence, this ceramic food steamer was formed using locally derived raw materials such as clay, feldspar and silica. It was formed through slip-casting method and after air drying for 24 hours, a commercial glaze was then applied to the inside surface of the steamer.
What are the benefits of steamed food?
◘ Does not require fat or oil to cook food. Hence we get a completely healthy meal.
◘ It lowers cholesterol. Cooking meats like fish and chicken, steaming removes the fat from the meat unlike conventional cooking such as grilling, frying and baking. Getting rid of the fat makes the meat lower in calories and cholesterol.
◘ Steaming maintains food moisture and freshness.
◘ Keeps food natural flavors and vibrant colors.
◘ Economical and saves time
Why not use metal cookwares (pans and non-stick pans)?
Using metal pans and non-stick pans for cooking may expose yourself, your family and even your pets in potentially dangerous chemicals, both directly and indirectly. Hazardous toxins are produced after only two to five minutes of heating the pan at 464 degrees Fahrenheit.
Even scientific studies by the manufacturer of non-stick pans found that their cookware released 15 different types of toxic gases and particles. More than 200 scientists from 40 countries have signed the Madrid Statement, which warns of the hazards presented by PFASs.
Benefits of Ceramic Steamer
◘ No dangerous chemicals leach from the cooking surface to affect the flavor of your food or your health.
◘ No harsh chemical coating to flake off into your food.
◘ It can withstand at high temperatures.
However, you cannot trust all ceramic steamer to have these same benefits.
Beware of Lead-containing glazes
Ceramic cookware is typically glazed to help it withstand wear and corrosion from acidic foods. These glazes can contain traces of lead, which is a toxic substance that can affect people of any age.
Lead is rarely found in plain white dishes. Lead-containing glazes are generally safer to use on non-food surfaces or outside of dishes for decorative purposes. The only way to determine if a certain cookery has lead is to test it. There are available home test kits that can determine if the dishes have leachable lead. These tests are useful in detecting high levels of lead.
⚠ Always remember: Prevention is better than cure.
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Note: Images are taken by yours truly.