La Chamba Colombian Black Clay Cookware

La Chamba is a line of handmade volcanic clay cooking pots with origins that can be traced back at least 700 years. This cookware is made exclusively by artisans and craftspeople in the Colombian village of La Chamba on the banks of the Magdalena River. Each piece is completely hand made using skills and traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. Each piece is formed by hand using a mix of local sandy volcanic clay which is dried in the sun. The pots are then sealed with a special red clay glaze and hand burnished with small agate stones. Once fully dry the pieces are fired on-site in large kilns, and finally they're smoked with organic material to give them their distinctive satin black color.

These unique and traditional pots are not just pretty show pieces though. Clay cookware is known for even heating and excellent heat retention, and these pots are strong and durable enough to use in the oven and on the stovetop. They also make beautiful and elegant oven-to-table serving pieces, and since they retain heat so well, they'll keep food nice and warm throughout your meal. Cooking in clay is a slightly different process than cooking in metal pots and pans. The clay retains heat and moisture, enabling a slow and even, "bottom up" cooking style. Because the clay absorbs moisture, there is less harsh steam in the pot, allowing food to cook in its own juices and stay perfectly moist and tender. Many foods, especially slow cooked beans, emerge from La Chamba pots tasting earthier with a creamier texture than they would if cooked in stainless steel. The natural non-toxic clay used to make these pieces contains mica which makes them extra-strong and durable with excellent thermal shock properties.