Storing and preserving food items is no less than a challenge, but thanks to appliances that help in retaining the freshness of food by extending the shelf life of fresh foods.


But do you know how foods were preserved before the introduction of refrigerators?

Here are some lesser known methods of preserving food and extending its shelf life for a long time.

1. Fermentation​

Fermentation is an age-old way of extending the shelf-life of foods and enhancing their nutritional value. The process of fermentation leads to the growth of good bacteria, which helps in preserving foods like drinks, vegetables, fruits to name a few.

2. Ash and Clay preservation​

Traditionally the method of preserving food with ash and clay was used to preserve foods like dry fish, spices, and root veggies to protect root vegetables like potatoes and carrots. This method helped in locking the moisture, flavour and taste of the veggies and fish with the application of ash or clay, which created a barrier that shields the vegetables from air and light.

3. Salt preservation​

Salt preservation is yet another traditional method of retaining freshness of foods, which draws out moisture and creates a barrier for many types of bacteria to breed, which helps in extending the shelf life of foods like fish, meat, and even vegetables.

4. ​Honey ​

Honey is a natural preservative, which was used in traditional ways of preserving food. This is due to its low water content and acidity that certain fruits and fresh veggies were layered with honey. Apart from that, honey’s antimicrobial properties can inhibit the growth of bacteria and molds.

5. Honey ​

Honey is a natural preservative, which was used in traditional ways of preserving food. This is due to its low water content and acidity that certain fruits and fresh veggies were layered with honey. Apart from that, honey’s antimicrobial properties can inhibit the growth of bacteria and molds.