​Image via La Tapa

The gorgeous La Tapa cookware and servingware is hand made in Colombia using artisanal traditions honed over hundreds of years. La Tapa have given us their advice on how best to use this beautiful, organic cookware to maintain its natural beauty.

You must 'season' or 'cure' your La Tapa cookware before using it, to reduce the natural porosity of clay. To do this, three-quarters fill your vessel with warm water or full cream milk. Place in a cold oven then heat to 200 degrees C, or put in a low stove for 30 minutes. Allow to stand until cool, then pour out the water or milk and apply a small amount of cooking oil on the inside and outside with a soft cloth. If you find it's still porous, bring some full cream milk all the way to the boil in your vessel and repeat the oiling step. Frequent use will maintain the seasoning, so if you only use your cookware occasionally you'll need to re-season it each time.

Once cured, your La Tapa cookware can be used on gas stovetops, in the oven and in the microwave. It's recommended that you use a heat diffuser on an electric cooktop.

As with all clay, take care to avoid sudden changes of temperature. La Tapa cookware should not go straight from the fridge to the oven – let it come to room temperature first.

As for washing, hand wash only and avoid metal or high abrasive scouring pads. Drip dry completely, then apply a small amount of cooking oil on the inside and outside with a soft cloth.