Solar Oven Program
Start Cooking with the Sun
Used in 126 countries around the world, the Sun Oven, www.sunoven.com, captures sunlight to reach temperatures of 400 degrees F. to bake, broil, steam and roast foods. Save on utility bills by cooking with this free, clean and unlimited fuel and avoid heating up the house and having to cool it down in summer.
Lightweight portable construction, only 21 pounds, and ease of set-up (a matter of seconds) allows the Sun Oven to be taken on camping trips or set up in the backyard for daily cooking. Great for gardeners!
The reflectors are made of highly polished, mirror-like anodized aluminum that can be cleaned quickly and easily with glass cleaner, and they will never oxidize or rust. Oven has a built-in thermometer and leg.
While cooking, food is on a shelf that always stays level as you refocus every 15 or 30 minutes.
Thick non-toxic insulation retains heat. Food cooked in the sun and left in the oven will remain warm for hours. When leaving for work, place dinner in the oven focused for early afternoon and return home for a hot, sun-cooked meal. There is no fire hazard as there is no flame. A tempered glass door with latch keeps out cold air so the oven can be used on sunny days year-around regardless of the outside temperature.
Solar cooking at slower and more even temperatures enhances the natural flavors of food. Sun baked foods stay moist and have less shrinkage. Cooking times are slightly longer but close to those for regular ovens. Pre-heat the oven for 15 minutes. Temperatures will drop initially when food is placed inside.
Dark, thin-walled pots with lids and dark cookie sheets work best but cast iron and glass dishes with lids work well. Avoid shiny aluminum pots and pans that reflect light out and reduce the oven temperature.
Discounted Sun Oven Available to BASA Members
You can start cooking with the sun and get the Sun Oven at a discount by becoming a member of Baja Arizona Sustainable Agriculture (B.A.S.A.) a 501c3 non profit organization that promotes sustainable food production and marketing in southern Arizona. Annual fully tax deductible membership starts at $25 and entitles you to a quarterly newsletter, invitations to local food and agriculture events, an annual members meeting at a local farm or ranch and 10% savings on BASA workshops. Arizona allows a 25% of cost tax credit for solar ovens on state income taxes.
How to Order a Sun Oven: Send a check for $230 made out to BASA to 5279 S. Calle Metate, Sierra Vista, AZ 85650. This includes a one year basic BASA membership and delivery of the sun oven to your door. Include your street address, phone number and e-mail for shipping confirmation. Once your check is received, you should get your oven within a week. Ovens can also be ordered on Thursdays at the BASA info booth at the Sierra Vista Farmers Market and at other events including Earth Day Celebrations in Bisbee and Sierra Vista and the annual Solar Cook-Off & Expo on Saturday, June 20 at the Bisbee Farmers Market. For more information please call 520.378.2973 or e-mail
valerie.mccaffrey@bajaaz.org
