Lifestyle Desk – The rainy season definitely gives relief from the heat, but with it the responsibility of taking care of the food items kept in the kitchen also increases. During monsoon, the level of moisture in the air increases significantly, which also affects semolina, flour, rice, pulses and other dry food items. If they are not stored properly, the risk of dampness, bad smell and insect infestation increases. This not only spoils the quality of food, but can also have a negative impact on health. In such a situation, by adopting some easy and effective storage tips, you can keep your kitchen essentials safe and fresh for a long time.
First of all, keep in mind that always store semolina, flour and rice in an airtight container. Glass or good quality food-grade plastic and steel containers prevent moisture from entering, keeping the grains safe for a longer period. By keeping goods in open packets, moisture from the air directly reaches it and the possibility of spoilage increases.
Before storing any food item during monsoon, ensure that it is completely dry. If there is even slight moisture left in grains or semolina, it can quickly get infected with insects. After purchasing a new item, fill it in the box only after keeping it spread out in a clean and dry place for a few hours.
Bay leaves, dry neem leaves or whole cloves can be used to protect rice and other grains from insects. Their natural fragrance helps in keeping many types of insects away. This home method has been adopted for years and is considered quite effective.
To keep flour and semolina fresh for a long time, buying them in small quantities is also a good option. Keeping more stock than necessary increases the risk of their getting spoiled during monsoon. The sooner they are used, the better their quality will remain.
Kitchen cleanliness is also very important. Keep cleaning the cupboard or shelf in which grains are kept from time to time. If any container is already infested with insects, then use it again only after washing it thoroughly and drying it completely. Filling new items in dirty or moist containers can spread the infection to other food items as well.
Another important thing is that while taking out semolina, flour and rice, always use a dry spoon. Applying a wet spoon or hand causes moisture to reach inside the container, which increases the risk of mold and insects.
If there is a need to store it for a long time in your home, it is better to keep some food items divided into small portions. Due to this, there is no need to open the entire box again and again and the remaining items remain protected from coming in contact with moisture.
A little caution during monsoon can save your kitchen items from getting damaged. By proper storage, regular cleaning and adopting home remedies, you can keep semolina, flour, rice and other grains fresh, safe and free from insects for a long time. This will not only maintain the quality of food, but will also prevent wastage of grains and the health of the family will also be safe.
