Lifestyle Desk: Jaggery is used a lot in the kitchen of all of us. It is used in tea, milk, sweets and many types of traditional dishes, but after purchasing it, it is not easy for everyone to keep jaggery properly for a long time. Especially during the rainy season, due to increase in humidity, stickiness appears on the surface of jaggery. As soon as the box is opened, jaggery starts sticking to the hands and after some time its texture is no longer the same as before. If such a problem is happening with jaggery in your house too, then it is important to know its reason and the way to prevent it. Let us know how to store jaggery during the rainy season.
Moisture is the main reason for jaggery becoming sticky.
Jaggery naturally contains sugar and some amount of moisture. When humidity increases in the environment, jaggery can also absorb moisture from the air. Due to high humidity in the atmosphere during the rainy season, this process speeds up. The result is that the upper surface of the jaggery starts to feel wet and sticky. Apart from this, if the jaggery is kept near a gas, steam or water area in the kitchen, the moisture there can also affect its quality and texture. Constant change of hot and cold temperatures can also cause softening of jaggery.
Keeping it open can increase problems
Storing jaggery in an open box or container with a loose lid can also increase its stickiness. When jaggery comes in contact with air, it can absorb moisture as well as the surrounding odor. Therefore, it should be kept in a container whose lid can be closed tightly. Avoid using wet hands or a wet spoon while taking out jaggery. Even a little extra moisture coming in contact with the jaggery can make its surface sticky over time.
Store in an airtight container
The easiest way to preserve jaggery is to keep it in a clean and completely dry airtight container. Before putting jaggery in the container, ensure that there is no water or moisture in it. If you have purchased jaggery in large pieces, then it can be divided into smaller parts as per requirement and kept in separate airtight containers. With this, there will be no need to open the entire stock again and again. Keep the jaggery in a place where direct sunlight, heat and steam do not reach. During rainy days, it is better to avoid keeping jaggery around the kitchen sink, gas stove or anywhere near water.
How appropriate is it to keep in the fridge?
In very hot or humid environments, jaggery can be stored in the refrigerator, but always keep it in a well-closed airtight container. Due to this, the moisture from the fridge and the smell of other food items will not reach the jaggery easily. At the same time, if jaggery can be kept outside in an airtight container in a dry and cool place, then refrigerator is not required in every situation.
A slight stickiness on the surface of jaggery can often be related to moisture, but if it shows mold, unusual odor or obvious signs of spoilage, it should be avoided. Therefore, the basic mantra to keep jaggery good for a long time is to protect it from moisture, use a dry spoon and always store it in an airtight container.
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