Clay water jar, as a baggage

[Jayaratna]

Dear Teachatters,

I came across a kind of clay water jar which is very common here. They use it because, being porous, evaporation from the walls keeps the water cool; it also gives the water a very pleasant 'clay' taste.

I think it would be a good way to improve water for my tea, and I would like to bring one back home with me, on a flight. I don't think it can get by as a hand baggage, I guess I should check it in, but I'm afraid they could break it. Anyone knows how airlines handle fragile items?

Thank you,
A

[theredbaron]

I would not suggest such a jar for tea water. The clay taste will not exactly improve the tea.

As to fragile goods - pack it well. Very well. That means a strong box, with straw and whatever else protects the jar. Write "fragile" on the box, declare it as such, but don't believe for a moment that anyone cares.

[devilducklings]

I have not so pleasant experience with my local traditional red clay water jug.
It is too porous to the point that when I leave water over night, water will seep through the pores and leaves annoying wet mark on table.
Maximum that I could bear with the water taste is half day storage, beyond that, water starting taste funny.
Weirdest and most disturbing thing for me is that, I have a pot made from same material, when I make strong black tea in it, after half day, there are sticky gooey substance oozing from the pore, after that the pot is ruined. no amount of boiling in water will remove that, it seems like that substance is hiding in the pores.

This might be specific for my local clay pot/ water jar, just a share.

[Jayaratna]

Maybe I should try the jar before deciding to fly with it, then.

[Bok]

If the type of clay allows it, you can boil some congee in it to close the pores. I was told to do that with my unglazed watter kettle before the first use. Worked a treat, after boiling a bit of left over rice for some minutes it was fine to use without leaking. Best is to let it boil up and down a few times, then let it cool, then clean it (water only!)

But attention: You can’t put all types of clay on the fire, some might crack.

[Bok]

If the type of clay allows it, you can boil some congee in it to close the pores. I was told to do that with my unglazed watter kettle before the first use. Worked a treat, after boiling a bit of left over rice for some minutes it was fine to use without leaking. Best is to let it boil up and down a few times, then let it cool, then clean it (water only!)

But attention: You can’t put all types of clay on the fire, some might crack.

[Jayaratna]

Maybe the best advice would be to find a pan big enough for boiling the jar and gruel together, I don't know if this clay can go on fire, even though they also have clay jar and stove sets.

[wyardley]

Use strained porridge. Speaking from experience here.

[theredbaron]

If the type of clay allows it, you can boil some congee in it to close the pores. I was told to do that with my unglazed watter kettle before the first use. Worked a treat, after boiling a bit of left over rice for some minutes it was fine to use without leaking. Best is to let it boil up and down a few times, then let it cool, then clean it (water only!)

But attention: You can’t put all types of clay on the fire, some might crack.

Actually, the way how these clay jars work is that they are porous, leak a bit of water, and that exactly gives the desired cooling effect. With these jars you can get relatively cool drinking water in very hot climates. That is the way they are made - there is purpose behind this.

[Jayaratna]

Actually, the way how these clay jars work is that they are porous, leak a bit of water, and that exactly gives the desired cooling effect. With these jars you can get relatively cool drinking water in very hot climates. That is the way they are made - there is purpose behind this.

I guess that's why they leak in colder climates?