The history of the most popular cookware

Cooking utensils have been an essential part of human history since the earliest stages of life. The first forms of cookware were made of clay or stone and were used to cook food on fire.

Over time, cookware has evolved and today there are countless suggestions available. In this article we will explore the history of cookware and how different types of cookware have evolved over time.

What did prehistoric people cook and how?

Prehistoric people were cooking wild grains and plants in pots as early as 10,000 years ago, according to new evidence. Scientists say that their staple food was "a kind of gruel", which served as the main diet when there was no meat from hunting.

Fragments of the first ceramic pots were found at two sites in the Libyan Sahara, which was then green and fertile ground. Cooking plants and grains was the best option at the time!

Dr. Julie Dunne, from the University of Bristol, says: "This is the first direct evidence of cooking utensils for processing endemic plants worldwide and, remarkably, shows that these early North African hunter-gatherers consumed many different types of plants, including grains/seeds, leafy and aquatic plants!'

The first pot in history!

The pot was invented not once but…twice in human history - in East Asia about 16,000 years ago, then in North Africa about 12,000 years ago. The researchers studied more than 100 broken pieces of ceramic material from archaeological sites at Takarkori and Uan Afuda in the Libyan Sahara.

They found that the pots were used to process a wide variety of vegetation. The researchers discovered this by analyzing the carbon isotope ratios of the oily residue preserved in the pottery.

Finally, the earliest forms of pottery were made from clay fired at low temperatures, initially in pits or over open fires. They were handmade and unadorned.

But when did the creation of cooking utensils from different materials begin?

The copper pans and pots!

Copper pans were used in ancient Mesopotamia. Frying pans were also known in ancient Greece and Rome. Pans come from Old English panna. Before the introduction of the kitchen area in the mid-19th century, there was a commonly used cast iron pan called a spider, with a handle and three legs used to stand upright on coals and fire ashes.

Blacksmiths made pans and pots by heating metal and letting the metal cool into a pot shape. The invention of metal pots and pans was the forerunner of the utensils we use today in our daily lives. Pots and pans were also used for the first time to disinfect polluted water.

Copper cookware has been around since the earliest days of civilization. Copper is an excellent conductor of heat, which makes it ideal for cooking. Copper cookware was particularly popular in France, where it was used to prepare dishes such as ratatouille and coq au vin.

Today, copper cookware is still popular, although it is often coated with stainless steel or tin to prevent the copper from reacting with acidic foods.

Cast iron cookware!

Cast iron cookware is one of the oldest and most traditional forms of cookware. Cast iron cookware dates back to ancient China, where it was used to cook food over an open fire.

Cast iron cookware was also used by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who used it to cook various dishes. Cast iron cookware became popular in the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries, when it was used to cook everything from stews to cornbread. Today, cast iron cookware is still popular and known for its durability and heat retention.

The invention of non-stick cookware

Non-stick cookware is a relatively new addition to the world of cookware. The first non-stick cookware was invented in the 1930s by a French engineer named Marc Gregoire. Gregoire coated his wife's pans with a substance called Teflon, which made them non-stick. This invention was a game changer in the world of cookware as it made cooking and cleaning much easier. Today, non-stick cookware is available in a variety of materials, including aluminum and ceramic, and is popular for its convenience.

Check out our suggestion for value for money cookware with non-stick stone coating!

Stainless steel cookware

Stainless steel cookware was invented in the early 20th century and quickly became popular due to its durability and ease of cleaning. They are made of a combination of steel, nickel and chrome, which makes them resistant to corrosion and stains. Today, stainless steel cookware is popular for its durability and versatility.

In conclusion, cooking utensils have evolved quite a bit since the early days of civilization. From cast iron cookware to non-stick cookware, each type of cookware has its own unique history and evolution.

Today, there are countless varieties of cookware, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Discover all the NAVA cookware series with unique quality suggestions for your kitchen!