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We have almost approached the hottest time of the summer season, and soon the monsoon season will commence in all its glory. The end of summer would mean that one will not be able to eat all the fresh summer fruits and vegetables that one gets to enjoy during this time. One of the major USPs of summer in India and around the world is the bounty that it offers.
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But what if we tell you that you can enjoy fresh summer produce throughout the year without having to source it from outrageously expensive fruit and vegetable markets? It's very much possible and the best part is that you can have all the healthy nutrients throughout the year. Here are some simple tips that you can follow to store some fresh summer produce and savour the taste of summer even in winter.
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* Fermentation
Fermentation is a process that has been used by farmers and even the nobility for the longest time for storing fruits and vegetables. It is almost thousands of years old and is a chemical process in which the food gets converted into lactic acid. This helps in slowing down the process of bacterial growth in the food and extends its shelf life. Another important aspect of this process is that not only does it increase the shelf life of the food but also helps in making it richer in nutrients and enhancing its digestibility. One can ferment almost all kinds of vegetables by using different types of spices and some vegetable oil. The pickles made In India is a relevant example of fermentation
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* Deep Freezing
Deep freezing is a convenient method of storing fruits and vegetables for people who do not want to put in any kind of extra effort. It's also not at all time-consuming as all that one has to do is chop the fruits or vegetables into small pieces and freeze them when they're ripe. This will also help in preserving the right amount of nutrients and keep the natural taste of the food intact. If one wants to store some fresh herbs, then one can simply put these herbs in vegetable oil and then freeze them to reduce or minimise any kind of browning or freezer burns.
* Canning
Most people won't believe this, but canning is also a very old and tested method of preserving food. For canning, a person has to first boil the food in a can. This process will help in killing the bacteria that might be present in the food and also helps in sealing the can further to prevent the entry of any new bacteria. The boiling of the food will help in making it completely sterile and fit for being stored in the cans. If you are trying to do something at home, then there are two methods that you can follow. This includes pressure canning and water canning. Pressure canning is more suitable for storing vegetables, poultry products, fish, meat and other foods that are low in acids. Water canning is more appropriate for foods that are high in acid such as chutney, pickles, fruit jams, and similar items.
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* Adding Vinegar
Adding vinegar to summer fruits is another way to promote longevity in salads, cocktails, as well as different types of marinades. Vinegar can be added to different types of flowers, fruits, and all types of vegetables to promote their shelf life. The high acidity level in vinegar helps in breaking down the different compounds present in the fruit. While storing herbs, instead of using vinegar one should go for some type of light oil as it does pretty much the same job as vinegar. Before using vinegar for storing fruits and vegetables, one should do a bit of research to make sure that it is safe since some fruits and vegetables might react with vinegar.
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* Drying
Sun drying food is one of the oldest methods and practises that are known to human beings for extending the shelf life of a particular food. Removing moisture from food helps in decreasing the susceptibility of bacterial, yeast or mould infections. This method can be accurately used to store different types of vegetables, fruits, meat, and even snacks. Simply putting the desired food in the open and letting it dry naturally is the easiest way to go about it. One can also keep it in direct contact with the sun. One may also choose a balcony or any other well-ventilated place where there is enough natural light and air. Similar effects can be attained from an electronic dehydrator, an air fryer, or even a microwave. This is a faster way to dehydrate a particular type of food without waiting for a long time.
