No fridge needed: The 3,000-year-old Indian way to keep water naturally cool and why it's good for your gut
ETimes | April 24, 2026 8:40 PM CST
Before refrigeration made its way into every kitchen, people had an eco-friendly method to keep themselves cool, which was storing drinking water in earthen pots called ‘matkas’. Apart from being a traditional custom, the technique is backed up by science, providing not only refreshing drinks but also digestive benefits to individuals.
What makes the water in earthen pots cool
The process involves the pores in the pottery that enable the gradual absorption of water from the inside and its subsequent evaporation. This type of cooling, referred to as ‘ evaporative cooling ’, decreases the temperature of the water inside the matka without any artificial power source.
As opposed to cooled refrigerator water, which might be too cold and damaging for the throat, the water in a matka feels pleasant and refreshing when drinking.
Boost for Digestive Functionality
Another lesser known aspect of water stored in clay pot is that it is good for digestion as well. Water that has been kept in clay pot is naturally alkaline and thus brings the pH level of the body into balance, leading to a smooth digestion process.
Furthermore, the relatively warmer temperature of the water contained in the clay pot does not affect the digestion system negatively like ice-cold water.
Naturally Mineralized Water
Water stored in clay pots can acquire some important minerals through the clay pots including calcium, magnesium, and iron. The amount of these minerals is minute but nevertheless, they make the water healthy and natural.
Sustainable and eco-friendly
As the world embraces sustainability, the good old matka emerges as a sustainable solution. It doesn’t require electricity, doesn’t create any waste, and is biodegradable. These features make it suitable for people who want to live a sustainable lifestyle.
Even though there are many advantages, experts say it is necessary to maintain them carefully. Using high-quality clay, cleaning the matka regularly, and checking whether the water sources are clean and hygienic matters a lot.
It is advisable to clean the earthen pot frequently to avoid bacteria, and the water must be replaced every day. Moreover, using natural and unprocessed earthen pots without any harmful chemicals is vital.
That which was necessary has now become an option to live by. As more and more people search for organic solutions to living life, this ancient practice from India is witnessing a resurgence.
Easy to implement and brimming with wisdom, keeping water in a matka serves as a perfect example.
What makes the water in earthen pots cool
The process involves the pores in the pottery that enable the gradual absorption of water from the inside and its subsequent evaporation. This type of cooling, referred to as ‘ evaporative cooling ’, decreases the temperature of the water inside the matka without any artificial power source.
As opposed to cooled refrigerator water, which might be too cold and damaging for the throat, the water in a matka feels pleasant and refreshing when drinking.
Boost for Digestive Functionality
Another lesser known aspect of water stored in clay pot is that it is good for digestion as well. Water that has been kept in clay pot is naturally alkaline and thus brings the pH level of the body into balance, leading to a smooth digestion process.
Furthermore, the relatively warmer temperature of the water contained in the clay pot does not affect the digestion system negatively like ice-cold water.
Naturally Mineralized Water
Water stored in clay pots can acquire some important minerals through the clay pots including calcium, magnesium, and iron. The amount of these minerals is minute but nevertheless, they make the water healthy and natural.
Sustainable and eco-friendly
As the world embraces sustainability, the good old matka emerges as a sustainable solution. It doesn’t require electricity, doesn’t create any waste, and is biodegradable. These features make it suitable for people who want to live a sustainable lifestyle.
Even though there are many advantages, experts say it is necessary to maintain them carefully. Using high-quality clay, cleaning the matka regularly, and checking whether the water sources are clean and hygienic matters a lot.
It is advisable to clean the earthen pot frequently to avoid bacteria, and the water must be replaced every day. Moreover, using natural and unprocessed earthen pots without any harmful chemicals is vital.
That which was necessary has now become an option to live by. As more and more people search for organic solutions to living life, this ancient practice from India is witnessing a resurgence.
Easy to implement and brimming with wisdom, keeping water in a matka serves as a perfect example.
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