Tricks for storing 7 food ingredients in a boarding house without a refrigerator, so they stay fresh and don't go stale quickly

With the right method, food can last longer without losing its taste and nutrition.

Brilio.net - For boarding house residents who do not have a refrigerator, storing food is a challenge in itself. Vegetables wilt quickly, fruits rot in a matter of days, even cooked food often goes stale before it can be eaten. In the end, food is wasted, and you have to shop again oftenwhich means spending is even more wasteful.

But don't worry, there are many ways to store food so that it lasts even without a refrigerator. With the right method, food can last longer without losing its taste and nutrition. This article will discuss simple tricks that you can try to keep food fresh and not go stale quickly in your boarding house.

photo: freepik.com

Rice is the main food that boarding house children definitely have. If not stored properly, rice can become damp, smell musty, or even have rice weevils.

How to store rice so it lasts:
- Store in an airtight container and place in a dry place.
- Add a few pandan leaves or a few cloves of garlic to prevent fleas.
- Don't store rice for too long, try to buy the amount that suits your needs.

Eggs are often the choice of boarding house children because they are cheap, nutritious, and easy to process. Fortunately, eggs can last quite a long time even without refrigeration.

How to store eggs to keep them fresh:
- Do not wash eggs before storing them, as the natural coating on the eggshell helps extend their shelf life.
- Store in a cool place and avoid direct sunlight.
- Use an egg rack or open container to ensure air circulation.

Additional tip: To check if an egg is still fresh, put it in a glass of water. If it sinks, it's still good. If it floats, it's best to use it immediately or throw it away.

photo: freepik.com

Fresh vegetables wilt quickly if not stored properly, especially leafy ones like spinach or kale.

How to store vegetables without a refrigerator:
- For root vegetables such as carrots or potatoes, store them in a cool and dry place. Don't wash it before storing it so it doesn't get damp and rot quickly.
- Leafy vegetables can be wrapped in a damp cloth and stored in a shady place to stay fresh longer.
- Cabbage and chayote last longer than green vegetables, so they can be a more durable option.

Another alternative: Choose dried vegetables such as dried spinach or dried moringa leaves, which can be brewed directly when you want to consume them.

Some fruits can last longer without refrigeration, as long as they are stored properly.

Fruits that last longer without refrigeration:
- Banana. If it's not yet ripe, hang it in a cool place so it doesn't rot quickly.
- Oranges and lemons. The skin is thick so it lasts longer.
- Apples. Can last up to two weeks if kept in a cool place.
- Unripe mangoes and papayas. Do not store in hot places so they do not ripen too quickly.

Additional tip: Avoid storing cut fruit without refrigeration. If you must, cover it tightly with plastic or cling film and consume within a few hours.

Fresh meat is difficult to store without a refrigerator, but there are several alternatives that can last longer:

Long-lasting meat alternatives:
- Abon and dendeng. Processed meat products that can last for months if stored in a dry place.
- Salted fish and anchovies. Longer lasting than fresh fish and can be processed into various menus.
- Dry tempeh. Can be stored longer than wet tempeh.
- Dried tofu or vacuum packed tofu. An alternative to tofu that can last longer.

Additional tips: If you have to store fresh meat, boil it with salt first and store it in a closed container so it doesn't go stale quickly. Or you can leave it in the boarding house keeper's refrigerator temporarily until you want to use it.

Kitchen spices are the saviors of boarding house children's cooking. To keep them fresh and long-lasting without a refrigerator, pay attention to how to store them:

Longer lasting dry spices:
- Salt, sugar and pepper can be stored in tightly closed containers.
- Sweet soy sauce, chili sauce, and tomato sauce can last a long time as long as the bottles are tightly closed.
- Chili powder or dried chilies last longer than fresh chilies.
- Powdered coconut milk can be a substitute for fresh coconut milk which lasts longer.

Additional tips: Avoid storing spices near the stove or in humid places to prevent them from clumping or getting moldy.

Sometimes, cooked food needs to be stored because it is not finished in one meal. Without a refrigerator, food can spoil quickly if not stored properly.

How to store cooked food to keep it fresh:
- Store in a tightly closed container to avoid exposure to air and dirt.
- Place it in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.
- Avoid leaving food open for too long after cooking.

Additional tip: If cooked food starts to smell sour or slimy, throw it away immediately to avoid causing stomach upset.

(brl/tin)