A drop lid, also known as Otoshibuta, is a traditional cooking utensil used when stewing or simmering. Unlike a regular pot lid that you use on top of the pot, this drop lid is placed directly on top of the ingredients to distribute the flavor evenly and to prevent the ingredients from falling apart or floating.
This wooden drop lid has a wider handle (33mm long as opposed to 22mm for a regular-sized drop lid), making it easier to grip. It's made of Sawara Cypress, known to be water resistant and is commonly used for sushi barrels and rice containers. Select a size that is 0.8-1.2 inches (2-3cm) smaller than your pot. Wet the lid completely before each use as it absorbs the broth/soup if it's dry. Detailed instructions will be included for those who aren't sure how to use wooden items.
- Diameter: approximately 6.3" (16 cm), Thickness: 0.4" (11 mm)
- Material/ Sawara Cyperss
- Made in Japan
*The weight of each item may vary slightly as it's made of natural wood.
Before Use
Wood tannins must be removed prior to use even if you intend on using the drop lid right away. Store the lid after you remove the tannins. You may notice some wooden smells after washing it but the smell will gradually weaken after each use.
1 Add rice water (milky water you get when washing uncooked rice) in a pot until it's half full.
2. Immerse the drop lid inside the pot and bring it to a boil. Once it starts boiling, submerge the lid completely and let it boil for 2 minutes.
3. Turn the stove off after 2 minutes and leave it until cool.
4. Once the water is cooled, remove the drop lid, wash it, wipe it with a dry cloth and leave it in the shade to dry. "
Before Every Use
Soak the drop lid in water for 2- 3 minutes. Absorbing water first prevents broth and smells from absorbing. Please note that you will not be able to remove the odor and pigment if the drop lid is dry prior to use as the wood can absorb the smell and get stained.
After Use
Washing:
Scrub thoroughly with a scrubbing brush. Minimize using dish soap as the wood can absorb the ingredients and smell.
If the odor or stain is severe, wash the lid with water diluted with dish detergent. Do not apply the dish soap directly to the lid.
Wiping:
Wipe thoroughly with a cloth after each wash. Spraying the entire surface with an alcohol kitchen disinfectant spray prevents stains and mold.
Drying:
Dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated and shaded area.
Rapid drying such as direct sunlight or warm air may cause cracks, warping or change of shapes.
Precautions
Due to different storage conditions such as temperature and humidity, you may notice oil and fat contents on the surface called resin. It's a component found in softwood materials and is completely harmless.
Please do not try to remove the stickiness of resin as it will go away naturally if you continue using it.
Use of dishwasher, direct sunlight and warm air may cause warps and deformation. Do not soak the lid for a long period of time. People tend to soak it for a long time to prevent odors and stains but absorbing too much water can age the wood faster and cause warping and black stains.
Please adjust water and heat depending on the ingredients being used as water evaporates more frequently when you use the drop lid. Not only can having no water burn your ingredients but also it may cause a fire and burn the lid.