Hey there, fellow rain-lover! When you think of the word 'monsoon,' do you picture gentle drizzles and a cozy cup of tea, just like I do? Well, there's more to this season than meets the eye. It's also the time when your home needs some extra TLC to fend off unpleasant odors and dirt.
Now, let's dive into some monsoon kitchen hacks that will not only save your favorite things from moisture but will also keep you in high spirits!
Glass Galore
First things first, say goodbye to plastic for storing sugar and salt during the monsoons. These two just don't mix well with humidity. Opt for glass, airtight containers, and always keep those lids tightly closed. Want an extra moisture-absorbing boost? Toss in some raw rice in the container.
Your cookies, biscuits, and wafers also deserve the glass treatment. Dry fruits and nuts can be protected from bugs by freezing them in zip-lock bags. Oh, and don't forget to add a few pieces of camphor or neem leaves to your rice container to keep those pesky bugs at bay. Coconut oil lovers, prevent clots by adding a few drops of mustard oil to your storage container.
Spice It Up Right
Spices can be a bit moody during the monsoons, prone to fungal growth and loss of flavor. Keep your spices happy by using whole spices instead of powdered ones. They don't spoil as quickly. Never use a wet spoon to scoop them out – it's a recipe for disaster!
To keep your standing spices fresh and insect-free, lightly roast them in a pan. Add a pinch of salt to your spice jar to help absorb moisture. Spices like pepper, cinnamon, and bay leaf can regain their mojo by sun-drying before storage.
Vinegar Victory
Vinegar to the rescue! Prevent your fruits and veggies from becoming fungal hotspots by giving them a vinegar bath. Rinse them thoroughly under tap water, soak them in a bowl of water with two tablespoons of vinegar for 3-4 minutes, and rinse again. Pat them dry and store them in your fridge or fruit basket.
Don't Hoard Old Food
Monsoon is no time to hoard leftovers. Fungus is at its peak during this season and can easily invade your fridge's leftover treasures. So, the rule is the fewer leftovers, the better. Buy perishable items like bread in smaller quantities, and if you must store bread for later, refrigerate it after wrapping.
Veggie Vibes
Handle your veggies with care. Freshen up veggies like eggplants, cucumbers, green onions, and ladyfingers in plastic bags or cloth towels to maintain their freshness. Potatoes and onions, on the other hand, prefer a cool, dry place outside of the fridge.
Remember, potatoes and onions don't make good roommates, so store them separately in a paper bag to extend their shelf life.
Banish The Bugs
Rainy days are like an open invitation for insects and pests, especially cockroaches. Fight back with your trusty roach killer, KAALA HIT. Apply it to every nook and cranny during your monthly kitchen cleaning hacks.
Pesky flies can also be a nuisance. Place cut lemons on windowsills and doors to keep them at bay. Cloves are fly-repellent wonders too!
Keep It Clean
Maintain kitchen hygiene by giving appliances like your refrigerator and oven a weekly cleaning. Toss out expired food items promptly. Wipe down your kitchen floor and cabinets daily to prevent moisture buildup, a breeding ground for bacteria. Don't forget to use disinfectants while you're at it.
Let The Air In
Monsoon moisture can make everything sticky and icky. Ensure proper ventilation by opening your kitchen windows during the day to let in fresh air. If that's not an option, consider using a kitchen chimney to keep surfaces dry.
Secure Your Connections
Last but not least, check and secure your kitchen's electrical connections. Monsoon humidity can wreak havoc on your appliances, so make sure everything is properly installed.
Lastly, clean and dry surroundings greatly reduce the occurrence of fungus. Cleaning your kitchen regularly is one way to go about these kitchen hacks if you don't want to deal with mold. There you have it! Follow these kitchen hacks to avoid a sticky situation this monsoon, and keep your home happy and healthy all season long. Here's to a monsoon full of cozy moments and delicious meals!
0 Comment