Unglazed Terracotta Clay Pitcher with Lid — 3 Sizes

natural unglazed terracotta clay pitcher with lid — 2.8 qt to 6.5 qt

The unglazed clay pitcher is one of the oldest forms in the Anatolian kitchen — unchanged in principle for millennia because it works. The natural, uncoated terracotta walls allow water to breathe through the clay, creating a gentle evaporative cooling that keeps the contents cooler than the ambient temperature without refrigeration. The mineral quality of the clay subtly influences the taste of the water — a characteristic that many who grew up with clay pitchers describe as the taste of home.

Available in three sizes — Small (2.8 qt), Midi (4.7 qt), and Large (6.5 qt) — each with a fitted lid to keep the contents clean. No glaze, no coating, no treatment: just natural clay, shaped and fired in the traditional way. Lead-free and BPA-free by nature of the material.

For the self-cooling jug set with plate, see the Anadolu 3-piece water jug set.

Specifications

• Sizes: Small 2.8 qt · Midi 4.7 qt · Large 6.5 qt
• Material: 100% natural unglazed terracotta
• Includes: Lid
• Use: Cold water and beverages
• Lead-free · BPA-free · no synthetic coating
• Hand wash only

Curated by Rootsware · Crafted in Anatolia

Why We Selected This Piece

At Rootsware, we don't carry every clay pot available. We selected unglazed Anatolian terracotta because it is the material that Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Balkan kitchens have trusted for slow cooking for centuries — not because it photographs well, but because food genuinely tastes different cooked in it. No coating, no glaze, no synthetic layer between the clay and your food.

Before Your First Use

1. Rub the entire surface — inside and out — with a thin layer of cooking oil.
2. Place in a cold oven. Do not preheat first.
3. Heat gradually to 350°F (175°C) and hold for one hour.
4. Turn off the oven and allow the pot to cool completely inside before removing.

A slight earthy aroma during the first use is normal — it dissipates after seasoning.

Care & Cleaning

• Hand-wash only with warm water. Never use soap or detergent — the clay absorbs them.
• For stubborn residue, scrub gently with baking soda and rinse thoroughly.
• Dry completely before storing. Store with the lid slightly open to allow airflow.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes — always start on low heat and increase gradually.
• Not suitable for induction cooktops. Compatible with gas, electric, and oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is unglazed clay cookware safe?
Yes. Unglazed terracotta contains no synthetic coatings, no lead, and no chemical glazing. It is one of the oldest and safest cooking materials in human history.

Can I use it on an induction stove?
No. Clay cookware is not compatible with induction stovetops. It works on gas, electric coil, and in the oven.

Does food stick to unglazed clay?
Properly seasoned clay develops a natural non-stick quality over time. The more you cook with it, the better it performs.

Why does each pot look slightly different?
Because each piece is handmade. Slight variations in surface texture, color, and form are not defects — they are the evidence of human craft rather than machine production.

Can I use it for acidic dishes like tomato-based stews?
Yes, but avoid leaving acidic dishes to sit in unglazed clay for extended periods. Rinse and dry promptly after cooking.