Description
Non-electric method of refrigeration
Technical
A pot-in-pot refrigerator, clay pot cooler or zeer is a non-electric evaporative cooling refrigeration device. It uses a porous outer clay pot containing an inner pot within which the food is placed. The evaporation of the outer liquid draws heat from the inner pot. The device can cool any substance, and requires only a flow of relatively dry air and a source of water.
Sensory Profile
Aroma ()
earthymineralfresh clayslightly vegetalclean water
Wine Analogy
Similar to the cooling effect of terracotta amphorae used in ancient winemaking
Coffee Analogy
Evaporative cooling resembles the 'swamp cooler' effect in coffee bean storage
Perfume Analogy
Like the gradual scent release of clay-based perfume diffusers
Culinary Applications
Nigerian fresh cheese storageHausa peoplePreserves wara cheese without refrigeration
Indian summer picklesRajasthanSlows fermentation of mango/lemon pickles
Mexican quelites preservationOaxacaMaintains crispness of wild greens
Dietary
VeganVegetarianGluten-FreeHalalKosherclay particulates (rare)