The monsoon season certainly brings relief from the heat and scorching sun, but it also increases the challenge of maintaining our kitchen. Due to the high humidity in the air, pulses, rice, flour and spices kept in containers get damp very quickly. Sometimes they get infested with moths or small insects, and sometimes expensive ration has to be thrown away due to fungus. If you too are troubled by this problem of ration getting spoiled every year during the rainy season, then you can keep your ration absolutely fresh for a long time by adopting some very easy and effective home remedies.
Say goodbye to plastic polythene, use airtight containers
After bringing groceries or rations from the market, do not leave them open in the same plastic bag, as this is a direct invitation to moisture. During these rainy days, items like pulses, spices, sugar, and salt should always be stored in completely dry glass or good quality airtight containers. If the lid of the container remains tightly closed, the humid air from outside cannot reach inside and your ration remains completely safe.
Easy tips to protect pulses and rice from weevils and insects
If you’re always worried about small black insects or weevils in your rice, wheat, or various pulses, here’s a great solution. Put 2-3 bay leaves or dried red chilies inside the container. Their pungent, strong smell keeps insects away. You can also add 4-5 cloves to flour to protect it from moisture. If you have a large grain storage tank, adding dried neem leaves to it is considered the oldest, most traditional, and most effective method.
Do this special work as soon as you bring semolina, flour and gram flour home.
Semolina, refined flour, and gram flour are the most susceptible to forming webs or lumps during the monsoon season due to moisture. The best and surest way to preserve them is to dry roast them in a pan without oil or ghee immediately after receiving them from the market. Once they’ve cooled completely, store them in an airtight container. This will keep them insect-proof and fresh for months.
How to prevent salt and sugar from becoming sticky
During the rainy season, salt and sugar absorb moisture from the air, becoming soggy and sticky. To keep salt always dry and fresh, add a few grains of uncooked rice to the jar, as rice easily absorbs excess moisture. On the other hand, adding 4 to 5 cloves to the sugar container will ensure it remains moist and will not attract ants.
It is safest to keep spices and dry fruits in the fridge
Ground spices like coriander powder, turmeric, red chilies, and expensive dried fruits can quickly spoil and become bitter in the monsoon season. The safest way to store them is to store them in airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. The refrigerator’s cool, dry temperature keeps these items fresh and safe for months.
Pay special attention to these small precautions as well.
To keep kitchen supplies safe, it’s crucial to take special care of a few things. Your hands and spoons should be completely dry when removing items from the container. At least once a week, thoroughly clean your groceries cupboard or rack with a dry cloth and place camphor tablets in the corners. Additionally, whenever the sun shines, expose your pulses and grains to sunlight for 1 to 2 hours.