How would I know?

[greencat]

I have an extra crock that I want to make cultured veggies in (with a plate for a lid and a piece of granite for a weight.) However, how would I know if this crock is safe? I've read someone mentioning something about the "glaze" finish on the crock.

Thanks!

[JaneSmith1010]

Oh great. Someone please reply to this one. I have had to get rid of so many cooking supplies b/c of chemicals!

[Rhiannon Feimorgan]

Some glazes on ceramics use lead. As far as I know, there isn't really a way to tell by looking if a glaze has lead in it or not. I've heard that "brighter colours" usually have lead in them but i'm not sure if that's true or not. The best way is to ask the company that made it if they use lead based glazes. If you don't know, especially if it's old, than you probably shouldn't use it. These days there are regulations about how much lead can be in the glaze of ceramics ment for food use but they still allow some and if the pot is ment for decorative use than lead leavels could be higher. Glass might be a better bet unless you know they use a lead free glaze.

[greencat]

Thank you so much for the answer. I thought that is what I've read before, about the lead. I was hoping to know there was a way to tell the difference. Unfortunately, I have no idea how I have this crock. There is no marking of any kind.

However, I found this cool glass containers for cultureing foods from Frigoverre.

[Gale Force]

I haven't seen any warnings about old pickle crocks in internet searches I've done. Pottery from Mexico is suspect because of lead. Orange fiesta ware (antique) has uranium.

[greencat]

Interesting... uranium...

Mine is oragne, and the bottom is bare, white clay. It has a clear coating on the orage part. No marking of any kind. I kept this all these years since I thought I could use it for something: A typical pack rat. The size is perfect to culture veggies. I found a plate that would fit right, for a lid. BUT, I think I should purchase glass containers, since these foods are for my children, and I have no way of knowing what this crock is finished with.

If anyone has recommendation or favorite containers for cultureing veg, please write.

Thanks,

[quietserena]

I saw a Geiger counter demonstration with an orange Fiestaware plate. That was pretty eye opening. Serve your food on plates that emit ionizing radiation! :

I would think that a recently made crockpot type crock is safe to use since they are meant to cook acidic foods in them too. But, I'm not an expert either.

[Leilalu]

I think some of the modern ones can be suspect too