The seasons of India
Indian households have always embraced a deep connection with nature. From the ingredients chosen for a meal to the cookware used for preparation, every aspect of Indian cooking reflects an understanding of the seasons and their impact on health and wellbeing. Let’s recollect the different seasons India goes through in the year.
India has four distinct seasons - Summer, Monsoon, Post-monsoon, and Winter. Each season is unique. While summers are dry and hot, monsoons bring heavy rainfall. Post-monsoon season marks the onset of cold weather and winters bring a much needed respite from the heat. As the seasons change through the year, there is a more subtle change that occurs within Indian households which is not as evident as the weather, but one that impacts our lifestyle. Yes, we are talking about the kind of cookware used to prepare food, and the utensils used to store food for every season.
Impacts of Indian seasons on the type of cookware used
Through the generations, Indians have adapted their cooking and food habits to suit the changing seasons. From clay to brass, and stainless steel to soapstone, we use a variety of cookware and utensils to prepare and store food in different seasons. It’s not just a fancy lifestyle choice, but one rooted in deep understanding of the properties of each material and wisdom behind the traditions. Let’s take a look at how to make the best use of each type of cookware to suit the seasons.
1. The cooling properties of clay and earthen pots during summer
India is known for extreme summers. When the scorching heat of summer arrives in India, clay and earthen pots become a staple in many households. The reason is simple: clay cookware has a unique ability to cool food and water naturally. Clay being porous, allows air and moisture to pass through, which helps in keeping the contents inside cooler than the ambient temperature. We’ll let you imagine this: the sun is blazing outside, and your grandmother places freshly made curd in a clay pot. By evening, the curd is not only set but has a slightly earthy aroma, enhancing its flavor. This isn’t just a culinary preference; it’s a practical, age-old technique to combat the harsh heat.
Earthen pots are used not only for curd but also for storing water, cooking rice, and preparing summer delicacies like koozh and kanji. The slight absorption of water by the clay pot creates a cooling effect, keeping the contents naturally cool. In addition to cooling properties, clay pots infuse food with minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which can boost health, especially during the summer months when your body needs extra hydration and minerals.
2. Copper and brass for a hygienic touch during monsoon
As summer gives way to the monsoon season, Indian households often switch to copper and brass cookware. The heavy rains and increased humidity create an environment where bacteria thrive, making it essential to adopt hygienic cooking practices. Copper and brass, known for their antimicrobial properties, help keep these issues at bay.
Copper helps eliminate bacteria. Similarly, brass cookware is used to prepare curries, soups, and even jalebis, as it is believed to maintain hygiene.
Brass utensils, such as kadhai (a deep cooking pot), are also used for frying or cooking high-temperature dishes during monsoons. These metals have a high thermal conductivity, which helps cook food evenly. Additionally, their durability makes them ideal for long-term use, particularly in humid conditions where other metals might corrode.
3. Soapstone cookware for winter
As the temperatures drop in winter, Indian households turn to soapstone cookware, a lesser-known but highly valued material. Soapstone, or kalchatti, is a traditional cookware material used in South India. Its remarkable ability to retain heat makes it perfect for preparing warm meals during winter. The heat retention properties of soapstone ensure that the food remains warm for a long time, making it an ideal choice for winter dishes that require slow cooking.
Soapstone is also used to make gravies, lentil-based stews, and even pickles that benefit from a slow cooking process. Its non-reactive nature ensures that the food’s flavor remains unaltered. These features make it a favorite in many Indian households when the weather turns cold, providing both warmth and nutritional value.
Reviving the tradition of seasonal cookware
This seasonal adaptation of cookware in Indian households isn’t just a culinary practice; it’s a way of life. Each type of cookware serves a purpose, tailored to the needs of the season, ensuring that the food prepared is not only delicious but also beneficial to health. In recent years, the convenience of modern cookware has overshadowed these traditional practices. However, many households are rediscovering the benefits of using clay, copper, brass, soapstone, and cast iron, not only for their health benefits but also to reconnect with a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.
If you’re looking to embrace these traditions, here’s how you can start:
- Invest in earthen pots for summer: Begin with a small clay pot for curd or water storage. You’ll notice the difference in taste and cooling effect almost immediately.
- Use copper and brass during monsoon: Switch to copper or brass vessels for boiling water, making herbal drinks, or preparing curries. Ensure these utensils are well-maintained and lined with tin if necessary, as pure copper should not come into direct contact with food.
- Try soapstone for the winter: Experiment with a soapstone vessel for slow-cooking. It may take time to learn the correct cooking techniques, but the results are worth it.
- Use cast iron throughout the year: A versatile material like cast iron can enhance your cooking year-round. From making crispy dosas to cooking stews, cast iron is a valuable addition to any kitchen.
Embracing Indian culinary traditions
The tradition of using different cookware based on the seasons is a testament to the ingenuity and wisdom of Indian culinary practices. These choices are not just about cooking; they represent a holistic approach to health, sustainability, and flavor, all deeply intertwined with the rhythms of nature. Essential Traditions aims to help you understand and revive these practices by reconnecting with a heritage that prioritizes wellbeing and sustainability. So, the next time you reach for a piece of cookware, think about the season and its impact, and perhaps, take a step closer to embracing the timeless traditions of Indian kitchens.