Why Clay Pots Keep Water Cooler Than Any Fridge: The Science of Matka Cooling

You come back after a long run and pass by a gleaming steel fridge towards an unglazed earthen pot sitting in the corner of your house. The water stored in it quenches your thirst instead of freezing your tongue.

Everyone talks about the various benefits of drinking naturally cool clay pot water. But is it worth believing? What is the ancient science behind the water in an earthen vessel being beneficial and healthy? We have explored the answers to all these questions below. Read on to find out.

The Science Behind How Clay Pots Naturally Cool Water

Everyone loves matke ka paani, but have you ever wondered how a humble clay pot keeps the water miraculously cool when the temperature is breaking records? There is science to it, and a better understanding of it will give you confidence in the water you drink from it.

The walls of clay pot have tiny pores, water seeps into them through capillary action and condenses the outer surface, which makes it damp to touch. This keeps the water inside the pot naturally cool.

Another scientific phenomenon which helps keep water cool in earthen pots is evaporative cooling and latent heat absorption. The water evaporates from the outer surface of the clay walls, carrying away the heat with it, resulting in a drop in temperature.

The right environment for a clay pot to show its best performance is dry and hot weather, so evaporation happens rapidly. Humid and rainy weather can slow down the evaporation process.

Clay Pot Water vs Refrigerator Water: Which is Healthier?

During summer, only cold water can quench our thirst. Nowadays, we are used to opening our fridge, taking a bottle of chilled water out and taking a sip. But our grandparents still prefer the earthy taste of a clay pot. One may wonder which one is healthier for the human body. Let’s find out.

When someone drinks chilled water from a refrigerator, the thermal shock from this water can constrict blood vessels, cause a sore throat and spike mucus production. On the contrary, matka water is cooled naturally, hence it feels gentle and soothing to the throat.

The two types of water also significantly affect the metabolism and digestive system of the body. While chilled water may temporarily slow the digestion of fatty foods, the water cooled in an earthen pot matches more closely to the natural temperature of the human body, therefore leading to smoother digestion. The alkaline nature of the water kept in a clay pot helps neutralise acidity. Therefore, it may help manage gastric irritation and acidity issues.

When water is stored in a plastic bottle, BPA and microplastics slowly leach onto it. Earthenware, on the other hand, may release trace minerals, making the water earthy and sweet.

Health Benefits of Drinking Water Stored in a Matka Every Day

Apart from the sweet, earthy taste infused by a clay pot into the drinking water, there are other benefits to drinking this water that support overall bodily functions. Some of the benefits of clay pot water include:

·         Matka water provides natural relief from acidity and heartburn. The alkaline water kept in it acts as a constant shield against gastric acidity, bloating and the burning sensation in your chest.

·         Water from an earthen pot is naturally cool and not chilled. It acts as a thermostat for the digestive system by restoring and maintaining an active metabolism. It also ensures that it breaks down nutrients efficiently and may support a healthy metabolic rate.

·         Similarly, the soothing sensation of the cool water keeps the throat and respiratory tract comfortable, making it ideal for children, older adults and singers.

·         The natural minerals and micronutrients in the water help keep the body hydrated. This may help reduce the risk of dehydration during hot weather.

·         The clay walls of a matka act as a micro-filter, trapping certain suspended impurities. Thus, they provide cleaner water, allowing the liver and kidneys to function with a lower impurity load.

How to choose and maintain a clay water pot for long-term use?

To pick the right pot among a collection of clay pots, perform certain tests. For instance, the tap test will give you a uniform ringing sound instead of a flat thud. This means that the pot is perfectly baked. One soft touch over an unglazed earthen pot will assure you of its smooth finish. Once you pick it up and experience a uniformly distributed weight and body along with an even thickness on the walls, you know you have made the right choice.

How to Season a Brand-new Pot?

A clay pot cannot be used immediately. It goes through several steps before it is prepared to hold water.

An initial soak is necessary, so the porous clay absorbs water. Submerge the pot in a clean bucket full of plain water for approximately 24 hours. You may notice bubbles rising.

Next, remove the pot from the water and scrub the inside and the outer surface with a clean cloth, a soft brush or simply with your hands to remove the excess soil or other impurities.

Remember not to use any detergent or dishwash as the clay will immediately absorb it and affect the water stored in it later. To make sure that the excess soil and muddy flavours are completely gone, fill it completely, let the water sit for a while and then discard it. Place it in a well-ventilated area to air-dry before using it for the first time.

Weekly maintenance is also required to use an earthen pot effectively. Once a week, try to completely empty and rinse it with clean water. A natural scrub made from rock salt or baking soda may remove the impurities stuck on the walls of the pot. Let it dry in the sun for a while and then fill it with clean drinking water.

Place it near an open window or in a well-ventilated corner of the house for maximum cooling. Also, when you observe that the matka does not feel damp anymore on the outside, it is time to replace it.

Common Myths About Clay Pot Water Explained

Though the water from a clay pot is believed to be highly beneficial and remedial, there are certain myths about matkas that are often held true by the people but are false.

One of those belief is that a clay pot acts as a natural purifies killing bacteria and other micro-organisms. Many also think that a matka will give icy cool water in a closed and humid environment as well.

Apart from that, many also believe a glazed or a painted matka will also function equally as a raw one even though its pores are closed. The pores of the matka also closes after a while, hence the quality of water decreases, but many believe that it should only be replaced if it breaks or cracks.

Another myth is also that it miraculously creates minerals in the water which is not true at all.

Why earthen pots are making a comeback in modern Indian homes?

It is no surprise that Gen Z and millennials are making a move towards anti-plastic, more sustainable living, and earthen pots or matkas are a part of that change. However, there are other reasons why modern Indian homes are saving a spot for this tiny terracotta vessel.

Drinking natural water from a matka instead of refrigerated water has become a status symbol as well as a lifestyle choice. People are more inclined towards alkaline water to counter excess acidity in the body, and drinking water stored in an earthen pot serves as a natural alternative.

Modern matkas are designed to suit modern kitchens. They come with a stand along with a brass tap for easy pouring, making them more suitable for a fast-paced lifestyle. Their sleek, elongated shapes also help them fit into limited spaces.

FAQs

Why does matka water stay cool?

The porous surface of a clay pot allows slow evaporation, which naturally cools the water without electricity.

Is clay pot water healthier?

Clay pots keep water naturally cool without artificial refrigeration and help preserve its fresh, natural taste.

How long does matka water remain cool?

Matka water can remain pleasantly cool for several hours, depending on the surrounding temperature and humidity.

Can clay pots replace refrigerators?

Clay pots are ideal for naturally cooling drinking water but cannot replace refrigerators for storing food or perishables.

Is matka water safe?

Yes, matka water is safe to drink when the pot is food-safe, cleaned regularly, and filled with clean drinking water.