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Ceramic V. Aluminium Pots in Uganda by Bagabo M. Samuel
The introduction of the aluminium cooking pot technology more than half a century ago, nearly buried the traditional technology of the ceramic cooking pot in most areas of Uganda. The new technology was considered to be superior in all aspects of cooking when compared to the traditional one. The aluminium pot has the advantage of a high heat conductivity property, which makes it suitable for cooking foods that require a very short time; say tea, eggs etc.. It can also withstand a considerable degree of mishandling without breaking, unlike the ceramic pot that requires careful handling. Little attention was paid to the fact that since it is a good conductor of heat, it is therefore a good radiator of heat. This makes it uneconomical in fuel consumption, especially for foods that require long periods of cooking - say meat and/or beans. The other disadvantage is that the aluminium requires foreign exchange to be imported into the country, and, at this stage of development, poses a serious problem. With the increasing fuel scarcity, foreign exchange scarcity and population increase, it is fitting that we remember to resurrect the use of the ceramic pot, if we are to reduce both fuel consumption and pressure on the country's foreign exchange earnings. Black Power has seriously started a promotion campaign of ceramic pots, with a design which makes them a lot better than the traditional ones as regards performance. The Black Power ceramic cooking pot has a cover and this helps it to increase the vapour pressure of the boiling mixture and hence it increases the temperature at which the food boils. This makes it act as/like a pressure-pot and therefore reduces considerably the fuel required to cook the food. Apparently, it captures most of the vapour that would otherwise escape and condenses it back to the boiling mixture. This avoids the problem of adding water (cold water) to what you are cooking and allows a steady temperature, without lowering it many times during cooking. With the ceramic pot, most of the natural flavours are retained therein. Those who have tasted meat, beans or peas prepared in a covered ceramic pot, will certainly understand what role the ceramic pot plays. [top] [end]Flat BottomThe Black Power ceramic pot has a flat bottom and this increases its convective and radiactive heat capture from the stove unlike the traditional pot. Its flat bottom makes it possible to be used on a range of stoves viz: electric cookers/hot plates, paraffin stoves, charcoal stoves, etc.[top] [end]Ceramic BodyBecause of its ceramic body, it has the property of being a poor radiator of heat and therefore, it has the ability of retaining heat for a long time. Once whatever is being cooked comes to the boil, one requires very little heat to maintain the system boiling. This will reduce the amount of fuel consumed by the stove. The pot is also more fire resistant compared to the aluminium pot, so you do not run the risk of losing your pot's bottom, even when exposed to intensive fire. The ceramic pot is made from clay which is one of the abundant raw materials in the country and therefore does not require any foreign exchange in its production.[top] [end]HandlesThe Black Power pot is provided with handles to make it easier and safer to handle, when it is hot; this will reduce the risks of breaking and assures you of a longer time of use.[top] [end]ConclusionsWith the escalating prices of fuel, some less privileged families in urban areas have abandoned cooking foods like beans, peas and others that require a lot of fuel to be cooked. This is very dangerous because currently, beans are one of the main sources of protein for the poor. A ceramic pot would do a lot to alleviate such problems. Also if a ceramic pot is introduced in every home, the aluminium requirement for the country would be decreased and hence reducing on the foreign exchange drainage for such requirements.We, in Black Power, therefore believe that the use of ceramic pots should be resurrected for the purpose of attaining the aforesaid advantages, bearing in mind that the flavour retained in a ceramic pot is just like the aluminium pressure-pot and even better. [top] [end]Editorial NoteThe spread of aluminium pots for cooking has happened in a very short space of time, in comparison with many other technical innovations associated with development programmes. This Indicates that the product has been able to sell well, purely on its own merits, and meets a very definite need. The users have made the rational decisions regarding the benefits of taste and quality of food associated with clay pots versus the cost, effectiveness, convenience and durability of the aluminium pot.
[top] [end]Contents: Boiling Point 14: Kitchens, Pots and Cooking Practices
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Page created:
12 September 2008; Last edited:
12 September 2008; Version: 0 | |||||||||||
Pagename: BP14:CeramicVAluminiumPotsInUganda @HEDON: DPNA | |||||||||||
