Cooking with the Sun

It’s too Hot to Turn on the Oven or Stove: Use a Sun Oven

At Urban Soil Tierra Urbana, we enjoy exploring simple ways to live more sustainably. One example is cooking with a solar oven, which uses sunlight instead of electricity or gas to prepare food.

A solar oven works by reflecting and trapping the sun’s heat inside an insulated box with a clear lid. On a sunny day, it can reach temperatures hot enough to cook many foods like beans, vegetables, or baked dishes. The process is slow and gentle, similar to using a slow cooker.

Solar cooking is a small but meaningful way to reduce energy use while learning from simple technologies. It also tends to bring people together—checking on the food, sharing meals, and enjoying time outdoors.

For us at Urban Soil Tierra Urbana, it’s another way to explore how everyday activities can support a more sustainable and connected community.