Tierra Negra

Tierra Negra dates back at least 700 years to pottery found in pre-columbian archaeological sites. Handmade without a wheel and often by female artisans, it is made from a base of coarse dark grey clay which is then glazed with a finer terracotta clay high in ferric oxide (more commonly known as rust). Once dry, the surface is polished with smooth semi-precious stones such as tiger's eye and then baked in the sun. After this stage, the pottery is then fired in large earth kins. Once firing is finished, dried herbs and grasses are thrown in which instantly burn, transforming the glaze to ferrosoferric oxide which is black in colour. No artificial chemicals of any kind are used in its production.

Before being used for the first time, the cookware should be cleaned thoroughly with washing-up liquid and a sponge to remove any residue left from the firing process. It should then be filled three-quarters full with water and placed in an oven for 30 minutes at 200°C / Gas Mark 6 — this will seal the cookware, although a complete seal will be achieved after several uses.

Tierra Negra is safe to use both in the oven and over direct heat on the hob — including gas, electric, Aga or ceramic — as well as over an open fire. It can also be used under the grill and in the microwave, and is also dishwasher safe. As it is ceramic, the cookware should not be subjected to thermal stress — very cold liquids should not be poured into a hot product. Please be aware that Tierra Negra products will remain hot and take a while to cool down — it is also worth noting that the vessels do not have a non-stick surface.