Without silica gel, here's how to store pineapple tarts so they don't get moldy for up to 2 months

foto: YouTube/Galeri Linda

Tips to keep nastar fresh and free of mold for up to 2 months without silica gel.

Brilio.net - Nastar is one of Indonesia's most popular cookies, especially during Lebaran. This small cookie filled with pineapple jam has a sweet and savory taste that is addictive.

However, even though it is made with the right technique, nastar can still get moldy if it is not stored properly. Usually, people use silica gel to absorb moisture in the jar so that nastar lasts longer.

Well, if you don't have silica gel, don't worry! There's an easy trick you can try using 1 simple kitchen spice that you definitely have at home. This trick was shared by YouTube user Galeri Linda and has been proven to be effective in keeping nastar dry and mold-free.

photo: YouTube/Linda Gallery

As reported by BrilioFood from YouTube Galeri Linda , the material that can replace silica gel is salt. Salt has hygroscopic properties, which means it can absorb moisture in the air.

However, you can't put salt directly in the nastar jar, okay? There is a special way for salt to work effectively without changing the taste or texture of the cake.

1. Prepare a clean piece of cloth.

Make sure the cloth is dry and free from odor or dirt.

2. Put 1 tablespoon of salt into the cloth.

Use regular table salt which easily absorbs moisture.

photo: YouTube/Linda Gallery

3. Wrap and tie tightly with rubber.

Make sure the salt doesn't leak out so it doesn't mix with the pineapple tarts.

4. Place the salt packet in the nastar jar.

Arrange the pineapple tarts as usual, then add the salt that has been wrapped earlier.

photo: YouTube/Linda Gallery

5. Store in the chiller or freezer to make it last longer.

- In the chiller: Nastar can last up to 2 months.
- In the freezer: Nastar can last up to 6 months, as long as the container used is cold-resistant.

"If you want it to last longer, you can put it in the freezer. But make sure the container is cold-resistant so it doesn't break easily," said YouTube user Galeri Linda.

Apart from using salt, there are several other ways that you can do to keep nastar crispy and free of mold:

1. Use an airtight container.

A tightly closed jar prevents moist air from entering.

2. Store in a cool and dry place.

Avoid placing pineapple tarts in places exposed to direct sunlight.

3. Wrap the pineapple tarts in baking paper.

This helps absorb moisture without ruining the texture of the cake.

4. Use clean tools when taking nastar.

Avoid touching pineapple tarts directly with your hands to avoid contamination.

5. Add natural spices for natural preservatives.

You can use cinnamon or cardamom in the jar to help maintain freshness.

1. Why can pineapple tarts become moldy even though they are stored in a jar?

Nastar can grow mold if it still contains high humidity, especially from pineapple jam that is not dry enough. Trapped air in the jar can also cause mold to grow.

2. Can salt really replace silica gel?

Yes! Salt is hygroscopic, which means it can absorb moisture in the air like silica gel.

3. Can this trick only be used for pineapple tarts?

No, this method can also be used for other cookies, such as kastengel, putri salju, and lidah kucing.

4. Will storing pineapple tarts in the refrigerator make them hard?

Nastar can become a little harder if stored in the chiller, but it still tastes good when left at room temperature for a while before serving.

5. Can nastar last more than 6 months?

Yes, as long as it is stored in the freezer in a tightly closed container so that it is not exposed to water vapor.

(brl/tin)