Terracotta Jug: Main Uses & How to Use It Correctly
Terracotta jug is a multifunctional container that spans thousands of years. This article delves into its main uses from storage to decoration, and provides a detailed guide on how to use it correctly to help you fully unleash the potential of this natural container and avoid common mistakes
The appearance of terracotta jug usually adopts a design style of small mouth and handle, which means that it should be a small and beautiful item with both liquid storage and decorative purposes. Therefore, we can have a good understanding of the application scenarios and value of this ancient multifunctional container in modern life.
Terracotta Jug Design Style the Significance
● Small mouth design: reduces the contact area between liquid and air, slows down oxidation, and facilitates pouring control, making it less likely to spill. Most importantly, it greatly reduces the risk of dust and insects falling in, ensuring hygienic storage.
● Big belly (bulging belly design): Provides maximum capacity at the same height. Its rounded curve is more conducive to the formation of convection inside the liquid.
● Handle: Provides a stable and ergonomic grip point for easy pouring of heavy liquids.
● Clay material: The terracotta jug is made of natural clay material. Natural non-toxic and with a microporous structure (porous), allowing the tank to ‘breathe’.
Terracotta Jug the Main Use
1. Liquid storage container
The terracotta jug with a small mouth design makes it an ideal choice for storing water, making homemade lemonade, juice and other daily drinks. Through the evaporative cooling effect, it can keep the liquid cool and ensure hygiene. A large belly means you can prepare a large amount of drinks at once to meet your family or party needs.
2. Oxidation of Wine and Serving
terracotta jug is an ideal container for holding red wine. Pour the red wine into a terracotta jug and let it sit for 30-60 minutes. The microporous structure on the jar wall provides gentle oxidation and softening of tannins. It is an ideal container tool for serving wine, as it can maintain a stable temperature of the wine and has a more ceremonial feel compared to glass bottles.
3. Vases/plant vessels
As a vase, it has good stability and can support tall flower branches. Due to its small opening, it is particularly suitable for inserting small but linear flower materials (such as lilies and tulips), creating a simple and elegant visual effect.
4. Storage bottles for olive oil/vinegar
terracotta clay is light resistant and can effectively protect the quality of oil and vinegar. When in use, a dedicated glass or metal nozzle can be inserted into the bottle mouth to achieve precise quantity control.
5. Cultural symbols and inheritors
Beyond practicality, terracotta jug can become a carrier of family tradition. For example, as a gift for weddings and graduation ceremonies, it symbolizes abundance and foundation, and is a warm object that can be passed down from generation to generation.
How to use terracotta jug correctly and maintenance guide
Good items require mastering the correct usage methods, and terracotta jug are no exception. Therefore, the correct use of clay jug requires following the following rules and methods:
1. Critical first use: “can opening”
● Reason: Saturated and dry clay prevents excessive absorption of the liquid you store for the first time and removes any dust that may be present.
● Method: Soak the terracotta jugs completely in clean water for 24 hours. Afterwards, thoroughly rinse the inner and outer walls with clean water.
2. Cleaning: Gentle is key
● Do not use a dishwasher: drastic temperature changes and strong cleaning agents are the “killers” of terracotta jugs.
● Correct method: After use, clean with warm water and a soft bristled brush or cloth. Stubborn stains can be wiped with baking soda paste. After thorough rinsing, invert and air dry to ensure complete internal dryness and prevent mold.
3. Precautions during use
● Avoid thermal shock: Do not place cold cans directly on a heat source or pour hot liquids to prevent cracking.
● Use the handle: Always use the handle when tilting to ensure stability and safety.
● Understanding “respiration”: White mineral scale may appear on the outer wall, which is a natural residue after water evaporation, harmless and easy to erase, and is proof of the activity of the terracotta jug .
Conclusion
Beautiful things also require careful maintenance
In practical life,terracotta jug as liquid storage containers cannot be compared or replaced by glass containers. It has both practical and decorative value, which is also the wisdom that has lasted for thousands of years
Proper use of terracotta jug is not only about maintaining an object, but also practicing a philosophy of respecting nature, appreciating simplicity, and emphasizing inheritance in life.