Sometimes, low-tech is the best option, even in a modern-day world.Remember that a root cellar can also be used over the summer period to keep fruit, vegetables, cheese, dairy and meat products cool – so it is not just something for winter storage. When we think about survival and homesteading, a root cellar is an addition that will allow you to store your homegrown vegetables and fruit without the need for electricity. Root cellars, once created, are the perfect way to store food without too much maintenance naturally. While canning and dehydrating are fantastic ways to preserve food, they’re labor-intensive and require equipment. They generate heat when piled together, so make sure any vegetables close to the floor have plenty of space for air circulation. Did you know that fruit breathes? Some fruit, particularly peas and apples, need to be wrapped in paper to slow the release of ethylene gas, which can cause other vegetables and fruit to spoil.Cabbages and turnips need to be stored in a separate location because they have a strong odor.Since you don’t want bruised veggies or fruit in the root cellar, handle the food with care.Use other storage methods for those fruits and vegetables. Adding vegetables with cuts in the skin or rotten parts will reduce the shelf life and also reduce how long you can store all of them. The best of your vegetables is what goes into the root cellar. None of them should have bruises, cuts, or any discoloration. Inspect all of the vegetables and fruit that you put into the root cellar.Washing the vegetables means that they might be still wet when they’re put into storage, and that puts the food at the risk of rotting. All you need to do is shake off the loose dirt. Don’t wash the vegetables before storage.Examples of vegetables that need to be cured include winter squash, pumpkins, onions, or potatoes. Some vegetables need to be cured for a few days in warm temperatures before going into long-term storage.If possible, chill the produce in the refrigerator before putting it in the root cellar. Fill your root cellar as late in the season as you can.Storing food properly also helps to maintain flavor. Here are some tips for storing food in a root cellar to maximize their shelf life and longevity. You can have the best root cellar, but your food can still spoil if you don’t store food properly in it. Vegetable or Fruit Average Storage Life in the Right Temperatures Ideal Storage Temperature, Humidity Apples 2 to 7 months, depending on the variety 32-40℉ with 90-95% humidity Beets 3 to 5 months 32-40℉ with 90-95% humidity Cabbage 3 to 4 months, depending on the variety 32-40℉ with 90-95% humidity Carrots 4 to 6 months or longer 32-40℉ with 90-95% humidity Garlic 5 to 8 months 50-60℉ with 60-70% humidity Leeks 3 to 4 months 32-40℉ with 90-95% humidity Onions 5 to 8 months 50-60℉ with 60-70% humidity Parsnips 1 to 2 months 32-40℉ with 90-95% humidity Pears 2 to 3 months 32-40℉ with 90-95% humidity Potatoes 4 to 6 months 32-40℉ with 90-95% humidity Pumpkins 5 to 6 months 5 to 6 months of 50-60℉ with 60-70% humidity Rutabagas 2 to 4 months 32-40℉ with 90-95% humidity Sweet Potatoes 4 to 6 months 50-60℉ with 60-70% humidity Turnips 4 to 6 months 32-40℉ with 90-95% humidity Winter Squash 4 to 6 months 50-60℉ with 60-70% humidity How to Store Food in a Root Cellar It’s the perfect environment for raw root crops and some greens, as well as storing jars of pickled veggies and bulbs of perennial flowers. Not all fruits and vegetables can be stored in a root cellar. What Foods Can You Store in a Root Cellar? If you have a light to see inside of the cellar, make sure to turn it off when not in use. If you use a window for ventilation, cover it with fabric to stop the light from shining. In a root cellar, light can cause vegetables to sprout or turn your potatoes green. Light exposure is the enemy of food storage.Make sure you have a thermometer and hygrometer and check them frequently.Concrete works for a basement cellar, but it doesn’t help with the moisture levels. If you can have a packed earth floor, it’s ideal for your humidity and temperature.Air circulation is vital to reduce airborne mold, so make sure you pull the shelves at least 1-3 inches away from the walls.Add wood shelving, bins, and platforms because wood doesn’t conduct heat and cold as metal does.
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