Climate change is a man-made disaster which is a proven fact. Greenhouse gases have brought the planet to the brink. We get so accustomed to certain habits and knee-jerk continuity that they become unconscious and subconscious actions after a while. The logic that they are toxic and unhealthy fades into oblivion as we remain ignorantly blissful in artificial comfort zones. We know that storing food in plastic is not good and clay pots, clay cups or bottles are a better option but we still persist and the herd mentality has made toxic and non-biodegradable stuff a part of our daily lives.

So, let us talk about using terracotta cups, clay cups etc. for drinking liquids and gradually drift into a new comfort zone. We already know clay pots are the better cooking option as they preserve food value, enhance taste and support health but we still use steel or metal vessels and refuse to change our lifestyle.

But did you know that clay cups are a better drinking option than glass or steel? All we need to do is to embrace clay cup usage by moving out of our comfort zone and daring to be different. Rest assured once we start using clay cups that too will become a habit with time when the initial discomfort fades out.

As we gradually see and feel the difference in our own health and well-being from clay pot, clay cup cooking, drinking and clay pot, clay cup storage as well, we will realise that we did the right thing and the strain of change was worth it. Take clay cup drinking for instance. Clay cups are porous in nature which helps in spreading the heat or coolness equally throughout the liquid.  

Storing water in a clay pot aids the natural cooling of water. The clay pot has tiny pores on the surface and water evaporates quickly through these pores. The evaporation process ensures the heat of the water inside the pot is lost, which lowers the temperature of the water. It adds a wonder to the taste too. Water stored in a clay pot is devoid of any kinds of chemicals, thus drinking clay pot water everyday can boost metabolism. This can also improve digestion due to the minerals present in water.

Most of what we eat turns acidic in the body and gives rise to harmful toxins. Clay however, being alkaline in nature interacts with acidic foods and provides the adequate pH balance. Thereby keeping the acidity and gastric-related problem in check.

Besides the cooking part, even storage of food and water in clay pots is a great health friendly idea. Drinking water from a clay pot “helps in improving metabolism“. “The body’s natural metabolic system is boosted with water stored in a clay pot,” an expert said. Forget refrigerating your water, store it in clay bottles or clay pots for “perfect temperature levels”.

Artificially cooled water in a fridge is a bad drinking habit in strict health terms. But here too the transition to clay cup drinking water will be herculean task. Our conditioning has harmed the environment. Clay pot water is also good for your heart’s health and the water stored in terracotta bottles are gentle on the throat too. Investing in good terracotta cups and kitchenware will benefit you greatly in the long run.

Refrigerators, microwave ovens, television screens, cellphones etc. are all great inventions of convenience but the price we pay in terms of degradation of environment and greenhouse gases is unseen physically, but huge practically. Of course, we have not invented clay pots to double as phones or TV screens…yet, but the oven and the fridge can certainly be shown the door by and by.

Besides storage and cooking clay pots or clay cups have other uses too. They are great potted plant material. Terracotta is breathable, frost-resistant and also porous offering advantages to growing plants. The fired clay is what makes terracotta breathable as it absorbs water and releases it again for nice strong growth. Equally, terracotta adds to aesthetics with natural look and feel.

Are Terracotta Pots Better for Plants Than Clay pots? That is a natural query. While both clay and terracotta pots are good for plants it depends on the plant you’re working with, especially when it comes to watering. Terracotta pots will soak up more moisture, so they’re best for plants that are not super thirsty.

However, sometimes an advantage of terracotta can also be a disadvantage. Paradoxically, one of the main disadvantages of this material is, its porous nature. Since terracotta is porous, it absorbs a lot of dirt quite easily. Therefore, where cooking, drinking or even storing is concerned, clay pots or clay cups need to be cleaned thoroughly before reuse. To clean terracotta, clay pots, clay cups etc. let the vessels soak for at least 15 minutes. For general and deep cleaning, allow the clay cup/pot to soak overnight in the sink in water mixed with baking soda. Add 3 tablespoons of baking soda per litre of hot water. Wash clay cups/pots using a soft bristle brush or non-metallic scrubbing pad. Maintenance is essential and actually a small price to pay for healthy living and contributing to a healthy environment in the bargain.