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HOW IT'S DONE/Powerpoint Presentations|INFORMATION SHEETS: 1Terra Sigillata|2Maiolica Care/Info|3Using Oil Lamps|4Care of Water Bottles / CookwareCare|
INFORMATION SHEET 4)
Priming and Care of Water Bottles, Cookpots and Canteens
(Follow procedure for clear glazed as well as bottles coated with beeswax.)
1) Fill a container with lukewarm water-enough to fully immerse the vessel.
2)
Soak vessel in water for 24 hours. This will "prime" the vessel,
and it needs to be done only once. WHY?
The soaking process somehow makes the vessel less likely to fracture due to
sudden changes in temperature-such as pouring hot coffee into it, for example.
What I believe(and this is just my own theory) that happens is that tiny drops
of moisture work their way into the clay, which is extremely dry from the firing
process. When a very hot or very cold liquid is added to the vessel, these droplets
help to dissipate and even out the temperature throughout the vessel, thereby
reducing stress. Soaking also seems to give the vessel the ability to either
retain heat or coolness longer. Priming is also what enables you to put a clay
cooking vessel over an open flame or direct heat without fracturing.
3) Vessel can be wrapped with wool, skin, fur-whatever one prefers. This helps to protect the vessel as well as to maintain the temperature of the contents. Click HERE for an example.
4) Use and enjoy : )
NOTE: Very hot liquids should NOT be put in a vessel lined with beeswax, but are okay to put in a clear glazed vessel. Warm, soapy water is okay for cleaning all vessels.
NOTE ALSO: New bottles that have glaze on the inside will sometimes make strange pinging sounds. Do NOT panic, the vessel is not haunted by old Roman dieties or anything. ; ) What is happening is that the glaze, which is essentially glass, is adjusting its fit to the inner surface of the bottle. It will cease over time, and the bottle will still be watertight.
Special thanks to Leon Delgado of Legio XXIV Media-Atlantia for coming up with this wonderful clay water bottle idea as an alternative to plastic!
COOKPOTS: After first soaking for 24 hours completely underwater, (you will notice lots of bubbles rising to the top, which is perfectly normal) soak for 15 minutes completely immersed before each use (or until the bubbles stop). This will ensure that your pot won't crack from the heat. Wash with warm, soapy water. A good scrub is okay, and won't damage the pot.