The Staub Cast Iron Tomato Cocotte is ideal for stews, roasts, soups, casseroles and other one-pot classics. Staub cast iron cookware retains heat and distributes it evenly, making food more consistent in texture and taste. In addition to having these technical merits, it's attractive appearance make it possible for the dish to go straight from the stove to the table. During manufacturing, a sand mold is made for each cast iron piece and then it's destroyed-making each piece unique unto itself. Made in France; safe for use in dishwasher, although hand washing recommended.