"Paul M. Cook" wrote

>> Steaming defeats the whole purpose of the clay pot. Clay pot
>> [dishes] are meant to be baked or used on a stovetop (with a
>> diffuser).
>>
> Bullhit. The whole reason they have a steam chimney in the center is
> because it is meant for STEAMING. Have you ever even seen one? I don't
> think you have. Googe Yunnan pot.

Actually Paul, I'm interested in learning more about them. I googled that
image and it was an interesting device. Looks like you fill the core with
water?

I have only vague recollections of soaking them in water or something
before use (things others have mentioned).