Terracotta Care & Use: It is important to prepare your terracotta item correctly for the first time. Before first use, immerse the product in water and allow to soak for approximately one hour. After soaking, wash thoroughly with warm soapy water and allow to dry. If you have not used your terracotta piece in some time, repeat the above process to ‘rehydrate’.The material used to create your new terracotta item has been specially selected and treated to use on stove top (gas and electric) or in oven microwave or even a BBQ. Using a heat diffuser on a gas cooktop will allow for a more even heat distribution. Always start heating your pan on a low heat building up to a medium heat if required. Higher heat may be used in an oven. Your terracotta piece is freezer safe, however do not transfer from freezer direct to hot oven. Always defrost the contents and allow the dish to come to room temperature. Cleaning: When cleaning the pan, always allow it to return to room temperature slowly and never plunge a hot pan into cold water. The can cause thermal shock, which may damage the pan. The pan is dishwasher safe. However to avoid accidental chipping of the glaze, hand washing is recommended. Storage and other tips: Dry thoroughly after cleaning. Do not stand damp terracotta item directly on a worktop – use a trivet to avoid marking. Store in a well vented position. Do not store wrapped in plastic. The glaze on the pot will craze over time with use. This is a characteristic of glazed terracotta and not a product fault. In fact, this will assist in the natural ‘food-release’, acting more like a non-stick surface. Take care when handling hot items; use of a dry oven mitt or tea towel is recommended. Also, lift lid slowly and on an angle away from you to allow steam to escape.