Clay Pot Cookers (Porous Type Of Clay) And Gluten Contamination

[xtopherfishing]

I have been cooking in a porous type clay pot cooker for years. Just this past AUgust I was diagnosed with celiac's and have been trying to rid my kitchen cooking area of any utensils or cooking pans that may be contaminated with wheat gluten. I am not sure just how to decontaminate my clay pot cookers. I have used gluten containing foods in them in the past (prior to knowing I was gluten sensitive). Recently, I could not figure out why I would still have the strong GI system reaction when cooking non-gluten foods in my cooker. Now I am convinced the clay pots pores are lined with gluten and I cannot figure out a way to decontaminate them. Recently, I placed them in my electric oven, pots were empty, and turned the oven on to 500 degrees F. for one hour. The pots were clean (to the eye) when I put them in but when I ran the heat up the room quickly filled with smoke to where I had to open up the house to air things out. After the full hour (and still lots of smoke) I took the pots out and they now have a shiney tar like substance that adheres to the bottom of the clay pots. Its almost as tough as enamel and will not scrub or cut away with a knife. Needless to say, I am not using them anymore as I am afraid they still contain gluten residues that would not burn off. My only other course of action (if I want to continue using them) would be to place them in the elec. oven and run it through its cleaning cycle which is 900 degrees F. Both the manufacturer of the oven and the maker of the clay pots advise against doing this. Neither had any suggestions on how to remove the gluten that might be left in the clay pots. So unless someone has heard of some other method to remove gluten from porous clay pots it looks like my clay pot cooking days are over with. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[mushroom]

I'm sorry but I cannot come up with any ideas for decontamining your clay pot. I have one in my cupboard I have not used since going gluten free, but I am still reluctant to toss it. I really don't think there is any answer to the problem

[Jestgar]

well, gluten is soluble in alcohol, so you could try soaking them in vodka. I don't know how you would know if it worked or not without poisoning yourself to test it.

[purple]

I have an idea on how to use your clay pot. I saw crock pot liner bags advertised on T.V. before Christmas. I haven't tried them nor know what sizes they make. Maybe you could try it once. Even double bag it if needed. That way you could still use the pot. Or if that doesn't work you could make a planter out of it or fill it full of pinecones or a silk type arrangement. I hate to just throw something away when it is still good for something. I wonder if you could take it to a ceramic type shop and have them fire it with a new finish...don't know what its called. Give them a call for information. These may be dumb ideas but you said any suggestions...

Ask for a new pot for your birthday That's a good idea!

[Roda]

I had a baking stone that I gave to my brother. I don't have a need for a new one. I did buy a new clay baker for bread over 6 months ago and still have not used it. If you know someone you could give it to that would use it you could do that or I like Purple's idea as a planter.

[xtopherfishing]

well, gluten is soluble in alcohol, so you could try soaking them in vodka. I don't know how you would know if it worked or not without poisoning yourself to test it.

Thank you, I think I will try soaking the clay pot in alcohol and vinegar combined. I want the vinegar to soften the enamal like substance on the pot's bottom and the alcohol to dissovle the gluten. I will let you know if it seemed to help or not. Thanks again.