Jaggery is used in everything from tea to laddus, kheer and many other sweets.
Jaggery is an important part of Indian food. It is used in everything from tea to laddus, kheer and many types of sweets. Many people like to eat a little jaggery after meals. However, some precautions should be taken while storing it. Sometimes its surface becomes so wet that it seems as if jaggery is melting.
This problem increases further in rainy and humid weather. Actually, jaggery absorbs moisture from the air, due to which its texture changes. If it is not stored properly, it can spoil quickly. Therefore, to keep the jaggery in good condition for a long time, it is very important to protect it from moisture and air. Let us know the correct way to store jaggery and the mistakes which should be avoided.
What things should be avoided to preserve jaggery for a long time?
cold and snowy
sunny and hot
moisture and air
insects and dust
keep it in an airtight container
To protect the jaggery from moisture, store it in an airtight container immediately after opening the packet. A glass jar or tightly closed container is very good for this. Keep in mind that the lid is tightly closed so that outside air and moisture cannot come in.
Store in the right place
Always keep jaggery in a cool, dry place. Avoid keeping it near a gas stove or sink or in places where there is a lot of steam and moisture. During monsoon season, it is not advisable to store jaggery in open containers or loosely closed packets. Keeping jaggery in the refrigerator can make it too hard.
Also, when it is taken out, changes in temperature can cause moisture to freeze on its surface, making it sticky again. Therefore, it is generally better to store it in an airtight container in a dry place.
handling large pieces of jaggery
If you have a big piece of jaggery, then break it into small pieces as per requirement. Place these pieces in an airtight zip-lock bag and remove excess air from the bag before storing it in a container. Very hard jaggery can be softened by heating it gently for a few seconds. Heat it in the microwave for just 10-15 seconds and avoid heating it too much, as the melted jaggery becomes very sticky and can be a burning risk.