How to Care for Provencal Pottery

Rich in history, France's Provence region is renowned for its exquisite pottery. An abundance of natural clay originating in Entraigue sur Sorgue, mixed with an influx of artists has made this province in the south of France, a hot spot for pottery collectors worldwide. Making Provencal pottery used to be a lengthy process, taking many steps to create its vibrant colors. In modern times, the techniques have evolved, now making it a three-step process; turning, pressing and casting, according to Souleo Provence, an artisanal pottery company. Provencal pottery can be used in everyday cooking and is also beautiful enough for decorative display.

Things You'll Need

• Dish soap
• Dish cloth
• Plastic scrubber

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Prevent cracking and black marks on your Provencal pottery by avoiding open flames and electric burners on stove tops. Cook with your Provencal pottery in a regular oven or a microwave oven. The pottery can handle up to 1,000 degrees Farenheit, according to Eric Espanet, owner of Souleo Provence pottery.

   • 2

     Allow your Provencal pottery dish to come to room temperature after taking it out of a freezer and before placing it in an oven, suggests Espanet. Sudden extreme temperature changes can cause thermal shock, resulting in a cracked dish.

   • 3

     Clean the pottery by placing it in the dishwasher or by hand, with soap and water. Remove tough baked-on bits using a plastic scrubber.