The monsoon season in India provides relief from the sweltering summer heat. Monsoons may refresh our environment. However, it also increases the risk of various diseases and infections. One of the most difficult challenges during the monsoons is maintaining food safety and hygiene. Monsoon weather is ideal for increasing germs, and infections caused by mould, fungus, worms, and spoiling can occur swiftly. The following precautions for the rainy season can help you maintain food safety and hygiene during this period.
Cook the appropriate amount
The rainy season is not the time to cook many meals together. Fungus thrives during the monsoon season and can readily contaminate food. The fewer the leftovers, the better.
The same is true for perishable foods like bread. Purchase smaller packets of bread from the market and avoid storing them for extended periods. If you need to save the bread for later, refrigerate it after wrapping it.
The best option is to use airtight containers.
Bacteria grow in the monsoon because of the moisture in the air. Keep your food fresh and dry during the rainy season by storing it in airtight glass or stainless steel jars. Keeping your food in sealed containers minimizes the danger of spoilage or moulding greatly. Keeping salt and sugar in glass containers also reduces the chance of moisture affecting their consistency.
Proper fruit and vegetable storage
Fruits and vegetables should be stored in the refrigerator to minimize spoiling. After washing, they should be thoroughly dried and stored in separate compartments of the fridge in paper bags. Check on them and remove any fruit or vegetables that have begun to rot.
Avoid leaving food out.
Monsoons are not the best time to leave your food out. The tropical temperature in India promotes fungus growth, and the moisture in the air during the monsoon season promotes fungal growth in our food. Excess moisture can quickly degrade foods like bread and vegetables. Always store your food in sealed containers or the refrigerator.
Dairy products
Microorganisms can contaminate and destroy milk and milk products such as cheese, tofu, milk, and yogurt. Yogurt should be stored in airtight containers, while cheese should be tightly wrapped in parchment paper before wrapping it in plastic.
Freezing
During the monsoons, your freezer can come in handy. Freezing your beans, grains, and rice after purchasing them can help dry them and keep them safe throughout the monsoons. After purchasing these items, freeze them for 1 - 2 days before storing them in airtight containers.
Keep your refrigerator clean.
Refrigerators can keep mould away and reduce the danger of food spoilage. On the other hand, an unclean refrigerator may negatively influence it since it becomes a breeding ground for fungus or hazardous bacteria. Food particles can become lodged in the corners of refrigerators. Thus it is critical to clean your refrigerator regularly. A mix of vinegar, baking soda, and warm water is ideal for cleaning the shelves of your refrigerator. After cleaning, thoroughly dry your refrigerator racks. By storing a tiny container with baking soda in one area of the fridge, you can decrease odors and absorb excess moisture.
Store in separate compartments.
Storing food in multiple compartments allows air to move freely, which may increase the shelf life. Use a clean cloth or a paper bag to preserve different fruits and veggies separately. Keep the raw meat cold and provide ample space between your stored things.
Home Remedies
During the monsoon season, vegetables and fruits may be easily refrigerated and preserved, but what about other food items? During the monsoons, age-old home treatments such as utilizing herbs to keep mosquitoes away from food are highly effective. Herbs and spices such as neem, cloves, turmeric, and dried chilies can be stored with lentils and grains to keep insects at bay during the monsoon season. These are organic insect repellents. Adding a few
grains of rice, sugar, and salt can help them stay dry since the rice grains absorb any excess moisture in the container.
