How to keep food fresh without a refrigerator: useful tips from Yevhen Klopotenko

Russia's terrible war against all the peaceful people of Ukraine has been going on in Ukraine for 19 days now. In this very difficult time, all Ukrainians are facing the problem of food and water shortages.

Culinary expert Yevhen Klopotenko shared useful tips on how to keep food fresh for several weeks without a refrigerator on his website.

1. Vegetables and fruits

The chef claims that vegetables and fruits do not need to be stored in the refrigerator and that even a cool but dark place will be enough. For example, carrots and beets keep well in a box of sand. For potatoes, it is important that they are not exposed to sunlight or light.

If it is berries and fruits, the cook advises making jam or candied fruit from them, as well as making compote.

And preserve or ferment the vegetables.

2. Meat

"If the power is off and the temperature is below zero, wrap each piece in paper and then a towel, put it tightly in a metal container and put it outside. You can use thermal bags. You can also make stew out of any meat, which can be stored for up to 3 years," Klopotenko said.

"It is also important to know that to preserve meat without a refrigerator, you can put it in a saucepan or glass jars and sprinkle it well with salt. You can also make a saline solution: 10 tbsp of salt per 500 ml of cold water. To eat such meat, you need to soak it in water first.

3. Fish

You can make canned fish from any fish, and you can also salt it. The cook advises to clean the fish from the scales, remove the insides and gills, wash it well and dry it with a paper towel. After that, put it in a metal container, sprinkle it well with salt, and put it in a cold place. The fish can then be soaked in water and fried or dried.

4. Cheese and butter

To preserve butter, it is enough to wrap it in parchment paper, put it in a container and cover it with salted cold water. Be sure to cover the top with a plate and put something heavy on it. Put the container outside. If the temperature is below freezing, put it in the cellar, basement, or choose another cool place. Put the cheese in a bag and wrap it well to prevent it from drying out.

5. Milk

To extend the shelf life of milk, simply boil it and add baking soda. Pour the finished milk into dry, clean jars.

6. Sour cream and cottage cheese

Put the sour cream in jars. Cottage cheese can be stored like this as well. Put the jars in cold water and do the same with the sour cream jars.