What Were Ceramic Crocks Used For

A. Before the advent of refrigeration, crocks were used in American kitchens to hold foodstuffs such as butter, salted meats and pickled vegetables. The crocks were invariably made of stoneware, a durable, economical ceramic that remains water-tight, even without a glaze.

What are ceramic crocks used for?

A crock is a pottery container sometimes used for food and water, synonymous with the word pot, and sometimes used for chemicals. Derivative terms include crockery and crock-pot. A gypsy’s crock is a (traditionally three-legged) cooking pot.

How do I identify old crocks?

An antique crock typically has a thick structural wall, often with a telltale bow in the center. Antique crocks feature very simple freehand-painted decorations, usually executed in cobalt blue ink. Stenciled or hand-drawn letters and numbers also appear on most old crocks.

Why are crocks so expensive?

A crock will often be more valuable in the area where it was made. Local potteries will generally command a higher price in their own area because there is a higher concentration of collectors. Additionally, crocks are heavy and can be costly to ship.

What can you use a crock for?

Crocks were also used to store fried foods, such as sausages and pork steaks, in a crock. The meat was fried, placed in the crock and with each layer a layer of lard was poured over to cover it completely, then another layer of meat, then lard until the top was reached.

Are antique crocks safe to use?

It would be impossible to guarantee that an older crock was made with lead-free clay and health and safety should be your number one concern when pickling and fermenting. However, if you notice that your glaze is cracked but the clay is not exposed, you should be okay to continue using your crock.

What were stoneware jars used for?

Stoneware was the Victorian and Edwardian storage jar of choice. Many were treacle glazed and flagons were used for wine, beer and spirits. Lidded storage jars were sometimes made by Bourne and Denby. In the kitchen, fruit and vegetables would be salted and laid down for the winter in large jars.

How do I know if my stoneware is valuable?

Identifying Antique Stoneware and Finding Comparable Prices A shiny, glass-like surface with occasional bumps (salt particles) Simple hand-painted decorations (usually cobalt blue ink) Decorations were handcrafted beneath the surface of the glaze. Hand-drawn or stenciled numbers and letters.

How do you identify stoneware?

Stoneware has a coarse texture and is often decorated with a brown or gray salt glaze with blue decorations. Salt glaze is the tell tale sign of a piece of antique stoneware and it is recognizable by the salty or pebbled surface on a stoneware crock.

Are Crocs worth buying?

Yes, you should buy Crocs. Like many so-called staple pieces and iconic garments, Crocs achieved its status because of its utility. The shoes are extremely practical, even if they’re totally goofy. And if you’re looking for a pair of shoes that have put in the time and get the job done, Crocs are it.

Why are Crocs so popular 2021?

Shoe brand Crocs Inc. (CROX) has seen a huge boost in popularity in 2021. “It’s comfortable [the shoes], it’s easy on and off. It’s lightweight, so it’s very easy to wear and it appeals to that major comfort trend that is going on.

What is so great about Crocs?

“It’s a good shoe to wear when you’re walking on the beach, going to the supermarket or hanging around the house.” Considered a therapeutic shoe, Crocs provide long-term relief from foot pain and is an ideal footwear alternative for people who have had foot surgery or people who have certain health conditions.

What can you do with a stoneware crock?

Our preserving crocks can also be used for everyday purposes, such as pantry storage and kitchen containers. They are perfect for holding potpourri, candy, magazines, kitchen utensils, cookbooks, pens, pencils, and/or candles. Some of them are even size appropriate to be used as pet feeders.

What can you ferment in a crock?

Using specially designed crocks for pickling and fermenting, it’s easy to make your own pickles and fermented foods, such as kimchi.Use fermenting and pickling crocks to make these delicious treats: Ruby Red Caraway Sauerkraut. Smoky-Sour Dill Pickles. Napa Cabbage & Ginger Kimchi.

What were Red Wing crocks used for?

The large 60, 50 & 40 gallon crocks were used by chemical companies, large dairies and have seen the 50 & 40’s used for storing vegetables.

Do old crocks have lead in them?

The older crocks are certainly much cooler, but I can’t speak to who did and didn’t use lead. None of the new crocks have lead. I would say, if you can test them before you buy then that is your best bet.

Does stoneware contain lead?

Indeed, there have been cases of lead poisoning stemming from the use of stoneware and terra cotta. Even items labeled “lead-free” may still contain some lead, making your concerns all the more valid. While the FDA can’t totally ban lead, as it’s found in the environment, many potters have switched to non-lead glazes.

What were antique stoneware jugs used for?

Stoneware was used for anything we might use glass jars or tupperware for today. It held everything from water, soda, and beer to meat, grain, jelly, and pickled vegetables, and was produced in a very wide variety of forms.

What were crocks originally used for?

A. Before the advent of refrigeration, crocks were used in American kitchens to hold foodstuffs such as butter, salted meats and pickled vegetables. The crocks were invariably made of stoneware, a durable, economical ceramic that remains water-tight, even without a glaze.

How do you date antique crocks?

Try to identify the age – There are certain marks that can tip you off to your crock’s age. If the crock has a pattern, and the name of the pattern is on the bottom, that means it was made after 1810. If the mark includes the word “limited” (or “Ltd”), then it was mad after 1861.