Sandy or Clay Pots

These attractive lightweight clay pots are also known as sandy pots or sand pots because their unglazed exteriors have a sandy texture. Indeed, they are made from a mixture of clay and sand, and their interiors are glazed to help conduct heat and to hold in moisture. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, equipped with tight-fitting matching lids which have a small steam vent. Sometimes they are encased in a wire frame. The pots are designed to be used on the stove top (since most people in China do not have ovens) and are used for cooking rice and for braised dishes and soups. The resulting dishes are aromatic and infused with intense flavours and tastes.