The country is finally experiencing monsoon rains, which will provide a much-needed reprieve from the intense heat. The impulse to overindulge in fried, fatty, hot food occurs when the temperature has dropped, and the weather is perfect. Even while people enjoy a wide range of foods during the monsoon, they should always abide by some safety precautions to fully enjoy the season. In addition, the high levels of moisture and humidity in the air on wet days shorten the shelf life of a variety of goods, including biscuits and cookies.
Read more: 6 Must-Have Monsoon Superfoods You Need
Weather-related sogginess and moisture can cause most meals to lose their unique flavour. To fully enjoy the season, it is therefore crucial to constantly abide by a few safety precautions when handling food.
Tips To Keep Food Fresh And Healthy
The following are the tips you must follow to keep your food fresh, hygienic, and safe to consume during the monsoon:
Ideal Storage For Veggies And Fruits
Fruits and veggies should never be brought in from the outside and stored directly in the refrigerator. Because plastic bags retain moisture, the food inside them deteriorates quickly. Wash fruits and veggies under water whenever you bring them. Vegetables are full of germs, especially during the monsoon, so fill a container with salt water and submerge the veggies for a while. This will lessen the number of bacteria in fruits and vegetables. After finishing, give them a wash, pat dry with a paper towel, and refrigerate them individually.
Dry And Heat The Grains And Spices Before Use
Even if there aren't many sunny days during the monsoon season, when there are, take advantage of the opportunity to expose your grains and spices to some sunlight. They can be laid out in a newspaper as well. An additional choice is to always zap them in the microwave just before using. During the monsoon, food grains, lentils, and spices need to be carefully stored. They are prone to get wet and might become infested. For further protection and longer shelf life, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry location.
Invest In Airtight Containers
Envision a kitchen manned by superheroes, guarding your food from the destructive forces of wetness. Introducing airtight containers, the unseen protectors that will ensure the safety of your favourite snacks and munchies. They prevent your food from getting soggy by locking in tastes and textures with a single click or twist. Not only will these airtight containers protect your food, but they will also save your refrigerator from odd smells. Open the refrigerator to welcome a refreshing atmosphere and bid adieu to undesirable scents.
Use Plastic Sheet
Use plastic wrap or aluminium foil to safely enclose any leftovers from the previous evening, whether they are in a serving dish of chopped fruits or other food. Like a magic shield against spoiling, this protective covering not only keeps them fresh but also maintains their nutritional worth. Similar to this, you can keep your green vegetables fresh and colourful for a longer time—perfect for adding flair to your salads and other dishes—by wrapping them in moist paper towels or putting them in permeable plastic bags.
Always Use Dry Spoons
As you may have seen, spices, salt, and sugar all have a propensity to absorb moisture quickly. Spoons are sometimes also at fault. If you just wash the spoons and put them into the spices, things might go awry. The moisture from the rain gets on the spices that are already in our kitchens. Use a dry spoon when working with spices and flour.
Always Reheat Your Food Before Consumption
Eating warm meals is usually a good idea during the rainy season since the heat stops food from becoming stale and eliminates unnecessary moisture. To reheat food, you can use a pressure cooker, an oven, or a nonstick pan. Additionally, cook in small amounts to prevent food waste and maintain food safety.
Ensure Your Refrigerator Stays Clean
During the monsoon season, people frequently store perishable food products in the refrigerator to stop microbiological development. But, if your refrigerator is dirty, you're only making things worse because it won't be able to keep your food fresh due to its unclean conditions. Therefore, make it a point to clean your refrigerator to prevent unwelcome diseases regularly.