Lifestyle Desk – Monsoon Kitchen Tips: While the monsoon season brings relief from the scorching heat, it also exacerbates the problem of humidity and dampness in the home. Kitchen food is particularly affected during this season, especially salt, which rapidly absorbs moisture from the air. As a result, the salt becomes sticky, forms lumps, and is difficult to remove easily from the salt shaker.
If you face this problem every rainy season, there’s no need to worry. With a few simple and clever kitchen hacks, you can keep salt dry, fresh, and ready for use for longer. Let’s explore them in detail.
Keep salt in an airtight container
Always store salt in a good-quality, airtight container. Store it in an open container or container with a poorly sealed lid, allowing moisture from the air to easily penetrate. Be sure to close the container’s lid tightly after each use.
Put rice grains in the salt shaker
This is considered the oldest and most effective home remedy. Place 8-10 grains of uncooked rice in a salt shaker. The rice absorbs excess moisture, allowing the salt to remain dry and easily removed. Ensure the rice is clean and dry.
Use only a dry spoon
People often scoop salt with wet hands or a slightly damp spoon. This allows moisture to enter the container and causes the salt to spoil faster. Therefore, always use a dry and clean spoon.
Do not keep near gas or sink
Many people keep their salt container near the gas stove or sink for convenience. However, steam from cooking and moisture around the sink can quickly cause the salt to become moldy. It’s best to store the salt in a cool, dry, and closed cupboard.
Remove only as needed
If you’ve purchased a large package, don’t put all of the salt in a single-use container. Store a small amount of salt in separate containers and store the rest tightly sealed in a safe place. This will protect the entire stock from moisture.
Do not use silica gel packs
Some people recommend placing silica gel packs near food to protect it from moisture, but these should not be placed in direct contact with salt or food. To preserve food, use only food-safe methods.
Keep the kitchen dry and ventilated
It’s also important to reduce kitchen humidity during the monsoon. Run an exhaust fan while cooking, keep windows open, and keep the kitchen ventilated as much as possible. This helps preserve not only salt but also other spices and food items for longer.
These small habits will provide great relief
Salt becoming sticky is a common problem during the rainy season, but it can be easily avoided with a little care. Simple steps like using an airtight container, adding rice grains, using a dry spoon, and storing in the right place can help keep salt dry and fresh for longer. By adopting these simple kitchen hacks, you can use salt without any hassle even during the monsoon.