POTTERY FLAMEPROOF WARE - For cooking.
ca: CERÀMICA A PROVA DE FOC - Per cuinar.
es: CERAMICA RESISTENTE AL FUEGO - Para cocinar
Flameproof ware applies to pottery products prepared to take direct heat from open fires and gas. In many Mediterranean countries this has been used for many centuries.
There are three types:
1) When a piece is glazed on the top surface and round the edges to make it watertight. The bisque is left underneath as it can take the heat directly while being used for cooking. These pieces usually have a curved base, originally designed for cooking on an open wood fire. Before using them for the first time, soak in water for 24 hours.
2) When glazed on all sides, they are to use inside an oven, never directly on top of heat.
3) In a town called Pereruela, in the province of Zamora in the center, northeast of Spain, women do all the pottery. Their specialty is plates used for cooking, made in refractory. They are thick, strong, cheap and a beautiful yellow color when first bought, but with use they turn to a dark brown. They are extremely strong and are used for both types of cooking, directly on top of the heat and inside the oven. Before using to cook with, fill them up with water and let the water boil for a few minutes.
Illustrations (a) and (b) show a selection of plates and (c) shows three plates made in Pereruela. The first is the original color and the last two have been used for many years.
Click on the image to enlarge it
