Piral Cookware, Use and Care

by Phil on March 22, 2010

There are so many advantages to cooking and serving with Piral all natural terracotta cookware.  Piral cookware is extremely versatile so it can be used in your food prep every day.  I have tried many types of cooking from frying an egg , various rice dishes, sauteing, oven roasting, pizza, braising, red, white or clear sauces, soups and stews, brown and bake casseroles and stir fries to name a few.

Before you start enjoying the many various uses there are some simple steps to follow.

1. Immerse and fully cover all Piral terracotta cooking and serving ware in warm water for approximately 6 hours BEFORE FIRST USE ONLY  (this is done to allow the very bottom which is raw terracotta to be hydrated)
2. Allow to fully dry after removing from water and before storing in a cabinet.  Depending on climate conditions etc. drying fully may take more or less time.
3. For Stovetop Use: heat on burner over a low heat with 2-3 cups of water for 1 hour.  Wipe clean and you are ready to go.  For Oven Use: Place in cool oven with 2-3 cups of water, turn on oven to 375 degrees and heat for 2 hours.
4. Piral terracotta can be used directly on the flame of gas cook-tops, in the oven (electric, gas, or wood fired), in the microwave, in the dishwasher, on the grill, on the barbeque and with wood fired cooking.
5. Some discoloration of the cooking surface may appear with use but this in no way alters the effectiveness of the product.
6. A heat diffuser is necessary for all types of electric range tops (not needed in ovens)

7. Store left-overs in the refrigerator in Piral cookware and reheat on the burner, in oven or microwave directly. What could be easier?

8. The clean up is easy due to the glass like interior cooking surface.  If something does stick simply fill with warm soapy water for some time and wipe with ease.

9. Enjoy better flavors cooking with all natural Piral terracotta cookware.  Many well-known chefs and cooks agree.  Food tastes better in non-metal terracotta cookware.

Enjoy

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April 22, 2010 at 9:32 pm

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DR October 11, 2011 at 3:50 pm

I have a new glass top electric range….do I need a diffuser for my stock pot on it, like the old fashion electric ranges?

Phil October 11, 2011 at 7:49 pm

Hello DR

Yes, as stated on the USE & CARE card packed and shipped with each item at Terra Allegra Imports’ through both our web-store and our retailer partners. A heat diffuser is necessary on all types of electric range tops. This is due to the existence of “hot spots” inherent in all types of electric range tops. However, this beautiful hand finished Italian made terracotta can withstand extremely hot temperatures of approximately 600-750 or more as found in pizza ovens, so even and consistent high heat is not an issue and in fact with the properties of our Italian terracotta this kind of heat as found in wood fired ovens may produce some of the best flavors and results. It can be used directly on the flame, in ovens and is microwave and dishwasher safe. Also it can be used to store meals in the refrigerator and be place either on a low heat or in the oven for reheating as you like.
Thank you and i hope this answers your question fully. If not please contact me directly at: info@terraallegraimports.com

Terra Allegra Imports LLC
http://www.terraallegraimports.com

Suzy Breitner October 31, 2011 at 8:25 am

After speaking to Phil, I found out all I needed to know about Piral cookware, particularly the need for a heat diffuser, which I hadn’t been told about when purchasing the pot in Italy. Last night I used it in the oven for the first time and it cooks beautifully – what a beautiful and impressive piece! Phil was really knowledgeable about all aspects of this cookware and I was thrilled to find him on the internet. And of course I ordered another pot!
Thanks, Phil – Suzy Breitner, Miami

Phil October 31, 2011 at 8:05 pm

You’re welcome Suzy, it is always a pleasure to speak to people who share culinary interests and appreciate all the benefits of using Piral Italian Cookware.
Phil

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