Monsoon Tips: Avoid These 6 Things In Your Kitchen To Keep Food-Borne Illnesses At Bay

Rains make the world look beautiful. Trees look greener, buildings look washed, the sky becomes clear, and surroundings start blooming. But the monsoon also brings humidity, dampness, and an attack of pests in the kitchen. In a country, where the kitchen is seen as a holy space, almost equivalent to a temple, taking care of it during rain can be a task.

From being cautious about not leaving food out in the open to ensuring that the water stays stagnant in utensils, you have to be continuously on the watch. Here is a list of things you must avoid doing in the kitchen in monsoon so that you can ensure the safety of your loved ones and keep food-borne illnesses at bay.

Ignoring cleaning during the monsoon is the biggest mistake you can make. With spills around the kitchen counter and a damp environment, mould and mildew can grow. If you have wooden cabinets, you need to thoroughly clean them and keep them dry. Clean the surfaces of appliances like microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Cleaning will also prevent cockroaches and pests from attacking the kitchen.

Avoid Overcrowding Refrigerator

No matter how big or small your refrigerator is, do not overcrowd it because it will hinder the circulation of air. Since the environment is humid during monsoons, dampness can develop inside the fridge without proper airflow. The uneven cooling can lead vegetables, fruits, meat, and cooked food to spoil faster. Keep the shelves organised and food packed in airtight containers or mesh to prevent moisture build-up.

Also Read: 6 Tips To Keep Your Grains and Pulses Dry During The Monsoon

Don’t Leave Food Uncovered

Since rain clogs the ground and vacant spaces in buildings, many pests leave their homes and try to find shelter in places where they can find food. If you leave food uncovered, it will attract flies, roaches, and whatnot. It is not only a concern for hygiene but can destroy your hard work in a moment, lead to wastage of food, and cause food-borne illness if someone accidentally eats the dish.

Avoid Eating Raw Food

No matter where you buy your vegetables, fruits, and meat from, you must not eat them raw. It is susceptible to bacterial growth because of humidity and unhygienic surroundings. The best practice to stay safe and eat healthy is to thoroughly wash the ingredients and cook them. Exposure to heat for a long time can kill pathogens and keep you safe from health issues.

Don’t Use Damp Containers

Steel, copper, plastic, or glass, no matter what the material of the container you must avoid storing food items in a damp one. From storing half-cut bell peppers to coriander and mint leaves, always use a dry container. If possible line the airtight containers with a paper towel so that it can soak moisture building up inside. This will help to increase the shelf life of vegetables and keep them fresh.

Avoid Eating Leftovers

In the monsoon, you should avoid eating leftovers. If you have leftovers, keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container and consume them as soon as possible. Do not eat the same dish after 4-5 days because the humidity would have spoiled it. This increases the risks of digestive issues.