Food | Cookware
Xtrema Cookware
My #1 choice for healthy cookware, these Xtrema pots and pans are 100% ceramic, through and through–made only from natural minerals, clay and water. No metals are in this ceramic cookware. This lead-free high-tech all ceramic glaze is easy to clean and does not leach lead or any other toxic metals (see lab tests on website). The extremely hard ceramic cooking surface cannot be scratched by metal utensils or steel wool but I recommend wood utensils when cooking with Xtrema. Because the ceramic material holds heat exceptionally well, you can save energy by cooking at lower temperatures. The attractive and versatile cookware lets you take the food from the stove to the table and then to the refrigerator for storing leftovers. This is the cookware I use every day for almost everything I cook. NOTE: This cookware is lightweight and extremely easy to clean, however, I wouldn’t call it “nonstick.” Eggs will stick unless you spray your cookware with olive oil after the pan is heated on a low temperature for 3 minutes (see the video on the web site on How to Cook Eggs).
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Listen to my interview with Ceramcor Founder Rich Bergstrom. |
SaltRox
A pink Himalayan salt cooking plate, manufactured to the safe for cooking, grilling, and baking. This plate enhances and seasons your food with before and during the cooking process. No need for cookware—you heat the slab of salt and cook food directly on it.
Vita Clay
Vita Clay slow cookers are the only brand that I know for sure does not have lead in the glaze of their pots. Their pots have no glaze at all and they work very hard to ensure their products are made from chemical-free natural clay. I called Vita Clay and talked with them about the clay they use. Their pots are made from zisha clay, which is a famous Chinese clay, known for its purity. It has been used for centuries to make teapots because zisha teapots are treasured for their ability to enhance the flavor, aroma and texture of tea. Zisha clay is also structurally strong without glazing and does not crack when subjected to large and sudden temperature differences. Vita Clay pots are certified lead-free by SGS and are also tested by the FDA.
Cook on Clay Flameware
Flameware cooking vessels made with a “flameproof” clay that is designed to withstand extreme temperatures. These pots can go directly from the refrigerator to a hot oven and back again without cracking. Can be used on the grill and stovetop. “We make flameware pots for slow food aficionados, lovers of fine food, appreciators of quality kitchen tools, cooks, chefs, and everyone who enjoys the pleasures of cooking and eating. We believe that beauty does not belong on a shelf, and that cooking and serving in handmade pottery brings connection and beauty to the simple act of sharing a meal with family and friends.” Flameware pottery stays hot longer requiring less energy and “does not leach metals or other chemicals into food or the environment.” Microwave and dishwasher safe. Baked-on foods can be removed by simple scrubbing with soap and water.
Romertopf
Clay bean pots, casseroles, and roasters in many sizes (the largest roaster holds a 17-pound turkey) for easy, efficient, healthy cooking. Clay pot cooking seals in nutrients and cuts down on the need for added fats.
Pyrex
Pyrex glass cookware and bakeware in a wide variety of sizes and shapes–even a glass roasting pan. Silica (a compound found in quartz and sand) is the main ingredient in making the heat-resistant glass, then “eight ingredients are added and some broken glass”. So while it doesn’t contain recycled glass bottles, broken glass within the factory is recycled back into the pot. Pyrex is durable (so it can be reused for years without breaking or chipping) and it saves energy (Pyrex glass rather than reflecting oven heat waves, thereby reducing cooking time over earthenware, porcelain or enameled dishes).
Lodge Cast Iron Cookware
“America’s Original Cookware” is made from simple iron cast in sand molds. No ordering on this manufacturer’s website, but you can see all the shapes and sizes, learn about use and care, and enjoy the recipes.
