The knowledge of how to transform mud into pottery signifies a major leap forward for prehistoric cultures, and until the development of metal cooking pots, ceramic pottery was the pinnacle of cooking ...

For more on the history and science of cooking in clay (and plenty of amazing recipes), check out The Food & Wine Guide to Clay Pot Cooking. Clay pots are beloved around the world for their ability to ...

Mary-Frances Heck is a chef and food editor, formerly a senior food editor at Food & Wine. In addition to her recipes and articles appearing in many well-known publications, she has her own cookbook, ...

Like many objects of value, terra cotta pots take on character as they age. The clay darkens, assuming a whitish cast from fertilizers and the minerals in water. When kept in the shade and watered ...