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The monsoon season is here! And while it may bring some relief from the scorching summer heat, there are other things that we need to worry about especially when it comes to preserving food. The high humidity levels and dampness can cause foods to spoil faster than usual which can lead to wastage as well as health hazards. To keep your food safe during this rainy period, follow these expert tips:
Keep Food Properly
– Use Airtight Containers These types of containers are considered best friends during the monsoon because they do not allow moisture in and keep the food fresh for a longer period. They should be used specifically for dry goods such as cereals, grains or spices.
– Refrigerate Wisely Perishable items like fruits, vegetables and dairy products should always be stored in the refrigerator. Make sure that your fridge is set at the right temperature which is below 40°F (4°C) so as to slow down bacteria growth.
Ensure Dry Kitchen Environment
– Ventilate Well Humidity can be reduced by good ventilation in the kitchen. If possible open windows wide enough or use exhaust fans especially when cooking greasy foods.
– Wipe Surfaces Regularly Molds and bacteria tend to thrive on wet surfaces. Therefore it’s important to wipe clean all countertops, shelves and storage areas with a dry cloth frequently.
Smart Shopping And Storage
– Buy Smaller Quantities To avoid any chances of spoilage, buy fresh produce and perishables in small amounts during the monsoon season only when needed for a couple of days.
– Use Ethylene Absorbers Other fruits or vegetables may ripen or get spoilt quickly due to ethylene gas released by one fruit. You can either put an apple together with them or use ethylene absorbers.
Use Natural Preservation Methods
-Vinegar And Salt These two ingredients are known to be natural food preservers. So consider using them while making pickles or marinades to extend shelf life.
– Drying And Dehydration Moisture content in foods can be reduced by drying or dehydrating them thus making less susceptible to spoilage. You can either sun-dry or use a food dehydrator for items like vegetables, fruits or herbs.
Combat Pests
– Keep Pests At Bay Monsoons are accompanied by lots of pests. To ward off insects from your pantry you can employ the use of bay leaves, cloves or neem (margosa) leaves as natural repellants. Always check for infestation signs and take necessary actions quickly in case of any.
Maintain Cleanliness
-Regular Cleaning Routine The cleaner the kitchen area, the lower chances of harboring bacteria and pests associated with it. Therefore ensure that regular cleaning is done especially in places where foodstuffs are kept.
– Proper Waste Disposal Dispose off kitchen wastes on time and keep your garbage bin always clean plus covered so as not to attract any pests into the house.
In Conclusion
With these few but effective strategies against food spoilage during monsoon, you will save yourself from many worries this season. Good storage practices, dry kitchen environment, wise shopping habits together with natural preservation techniques are all essential in keeping our meals fresh and safe Enjoy rains without fearing about wastage!
