What is remarkable is that, despite all the technology available today, cooking with terracotta remains one of the best ways to prepare and serve food.
At Graupera, we have been manufacturing ceramics for over 60 years. We work with red clay using technical knowledge passed down through generations, and we can state with authority that terracotta is not a relic of the past: it is a material with real technical performance that modern science validates.
Even heat distribution: the key to slow cooking
One of the primary benefits of terracotta cookware is its ability to distribute heat evenly and gradually. Unlike metals, which concentrate temperature at the point of contact with the heat source, terracotta absorbs thermal energy and spreads it across the entire surface of the vessel.
This enables slower, more uniform cooking, ideal for traditional dishes such as stews, casseroles, rice dishes, and recipes that demand time and control. Food does not burn at the bottom while remaining raw on top, a common problem with thin metallic cookware. Furthermore, terracotta’s thermal inertia means the piece retains heat long after being removed from the flame, making it perfect for serving directly at the table.
Food safety: is terracotta safe for cooking?
In a context where consumers increasingly value sustainable and healthy products, terracotta offers a guarantee that few synthetic materials can match. Made from natural clay fired at high temperatures, it does not release toxic substances or alter the flavour of food.
At Graupera, we use healthy glazes and subject every production run to strict migration controls in compliance with European food-safety regulations. Our processes are certified under ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, ensuring both product quality and adherence to environmental standards. Decades of experience in material control have allowed us to develop glazes and compositions that maintain food safety throughout the entire lifespan of the piece.
It is worth noting that not all ceramics are equal. The quality of the clay, the firing temperature, and the glaze composition determine whether a piece is truly safe for food contact. A manufacturer with full control over the process, from raw material selection to final validation, can guarantee that safety in a way that an imported product without traceability cannot.
Versatility: from oven to table
One of the most practical qualities of terracotta cookware is its functional versatility. Refractory pieces can be used in the oven, on ceramic hobs, in the microwave, and even over direct flame, then brought straight to the table without transferring the food to another dish.
This dual function (cooking utensil and serving vessel) is not merely a matter of convenience. In professional kitchens, it reduces the number of pieces required and streamlines service. At home, it adds aesthetic value that connects with a more mindful, grounded approach to cooking and living.
The evolution: StoneHeart PLUS+ and high-performance terracotta
Traditional terracotta had real limitations: porosity, fragility under impact, and wear from intensive use. At Graupera, we have developed StoneHeart PLUS+, a material that starts from red clay but achieves technical performance comparable to stoneware: zero porosity, greater impact resistance, and long-term durability.
This means clay cooking pots are no longer limited to slow home cooking. With the right technology, terracotta can compete at the highest level in professional food service, intensive daily use, and even industrial food packaging.
Real sustainability, not marketing
Terracotta is a local, natural material with a lower carbon footprint than stoneware or porcelain. At Graupera, we source locally, optimise kiln energy, and recover materials under a zero-waste approach. Moreover, well-made terracotta pieces last for years (even decades), reducing consumption and waste.
Cooking with terracotta is not a nostalgic trend. It is choosing a material that combines quality, tradition, food safety, and functionality, validated by centuries of use and by current ceramic technology.
