croche

Croche is a type of French shade found in traditional domed ovens, particularly in the southwest of France. These shades are typically made of glass and are used to filter direct sunlight, reducing its intensity and preventing heat from entering the oven. They are a key component of the traditional oven architecture in this region.

Croche shades are characterized by their cylindrical shape and are typically made of thick, clear glass. They are usually installed on the outside of the oven dome and allow natural light to enter while minimizing heat gain. This design helps to regulate the internal temperature of the oven, allowing for more precise control over cooking conditions.

The use of croche shades has been a common practice in traditional French oven design for centuries. They have become an integral part of the cultural heritage of the south-western region of France, where this type of shade is still used in many modern and restored historic ovens. The development of croche shades is closely tied to the social and economic conditions of the region, where traditional cooking techniques and shared ovens were an essential part of daily life.

While modern oven designs have often replaced traditional shades with more functional materials, the croche shade has retained a special place in culinary culture and history. In many old and restored ovens, these shades remain a testament to the ingenuity of past culinary practitioners and the influence of cultural and architectural traditions.