What to Store in a Root Cellar
Being a prepper often means accumulating excess food supplies to ensure you’re prepared for emergencies or unforeseen circumstances. Properly storing this food is essential to maintain its quality and extend its shelf life.
A root cellar is an excellent place for storing a variety of foods due to its cool, stable environment. Here’s a list of items you can effectively store in a root cellar:
1. Root Vegetables
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– **Potatoes:** Keep in a well-ventilated area to prevent sprouting.
– **Carrots:** Store in sand or sawdust to keep them crisp.
– **Beets:** Similar to carrots, store in sand or sawdust.
– **Turnips and Rutabagas:** Keep in a cool, dark place to extend shelf life.
### **2. Bulbs and Tubers**
– **Onions:** Store in mesh bags or bins to allow airflow.
– **Garlic:** Hang in mesh bags or braid together for storage.
– **Shallots:** Store similarly to onions, in a cool, dry environment.
### **3. Fruits**
– **Apples:** Store in bins with a layer of newspaper between them to absorb moisture and prevent spoilage.
– **Pears:** Keep in a separate bin from apples to prevent ethylene gas exchange.
### **4. Canned Goods**
– **Home-Canned Vegetables and Fruits:** Store in a cool, dark place to preserve quality and prevent spoilage.
– **Commercial Canned Foods:** Can also be stored in a root cellar to maintain optimal freshness.
### **5. Fermented Foods**
– **Sauerkraut:** Keeps well in cool, stable temperatures.
– **Pickles:** Fermented pickles can be stored in a root cellar for extended freshness.
### **6. Cheese and Dairy**
– **Hard Cheeses:** Cheddar, Parmesan, and similar cheeses store well in cooler environments.
– **Butter:** Can be stored for longer periods if kept in a cool, dry place.
### **7. Preserved Foods**
– **Dried Beans:** Store in airtight containers to keep them dry and free from pests.
– **Grains:** Rice, wheat, and oats can be stored in airtight containers to protect from moisture and pests.
### **8. Herbs and Spices**
– **Dried Herbs:** Keep in airtight containers to preserve flavor.
– **Spices:** Store in glass jars or airtight containers away from moisture.
### **9. Homemade and Store-Bought Preserves**
– **Jams and Jellies:** Store in jars in a cool, dark environment to extend shelf life.
– **Sauces:** Tomato sauce and other homemade sauces can also be stored in a root cellar.
### **Tips for Storing in a Root Cellar:**
– **Ventilation:** Ensure proper ventilation to prevent mold and excess moisture.
– **Temperature:** Maintain a consistent temperature to prolong the shelf life of stored items.
– **Humidity:** Manage humidity levels to prevent spoilage and dehydration of stored foods.
– **Pests:** Keep an eye out for pests and use appropriate measures to prevent infestations.
A well-maintained root cellar can significantly extend the shelf life of many foods, making it a valuable asset for home preservation and self-sufficiency.