Good ways to preserve dry food

To avoid frequent shopping trips, buy and store dry spices in advance for convenient use.

1. Shiitake mushrooms

When buying shiitake mushrooms, you should choose good quality ones, specifically "button" mushrooms, which are small, have thin stems, and thick caps. The mushrooms should be slightly brown, thick, uniformly sized, have the characteristic aroma of shiitake mushrooms, and feel dry to the touch. Avoid mushrooms that are damp, moldy, or have an unusual smell.

To keep dried shiitake mushrooms fragrant for longer and prevent mold and insect infestation, store them in a plastic container, plastic bag, clear plastic bag, or ziplock bag in the refrigerator door (in the crisper drawer). If you have paper bags available, you can put the shiitake mushrooms in them and simply store them in a dry place, avoiding overly hot or humid areas, and they will last for quite a while.

2. Black pepper

To preserve the delicious flavor of peppercorns, use whole peppercorns and grind them only as needed. Peppercorns contain a very small amount of oil that retains their aroma. Pre-ground pepper loses its scent over time. If stored in a tightly sealed plastic bag, or in a plastic container or glass jar with a lid, peppercorns will quickly lose their aroma.

3. Shallots, dried garlic

Fresh garlic should not be stored in plastic bags. Wrap the garlic in cabbage leaves and store it in a cool, shaded place; it will stay fresh for several days. The best way to preserve onions and garlic is in mesh bags, paper bags, or baskets to allow for proper ventilation. Storing them in sealed bags or plastic containers will cause them to rot and become moldy.

Onions and garlic should be stored in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated area. Avoid storing them in damp places, as this will cause them to sprout. Do not store onions in places with excessively low or high temperatures. Average temperatures are best.

Note that you should regularly check the bags or baskets containing onions and garlic to remove any bulbs that show signs of rotting, softness, or discoloration to prevent mold from spreading to other bulbs in the bag.

4. Onions

Store onions in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Damp places can cause onions to mold quickly. You can also store onions in the refrigerator for a longer period by wrapping each onion individually in aluminum foil (the kind used to line baking trays). This will help keep the onions dry and protected from light.

Additionally, onions can be preserved in pantyhose for up to 8 months. Note that you should not store onions with potatoes – even in the refrigerator. The moisture released from the potatoes will cause the onions to spoil and mold very quickly.

5. Ginger

There are many ways to preserve this spice and keep it fresh for longer:

- Store at room temperature: Ginger can be stored at room temperature, especially in winter, and it stays fresh for quite a long time.

- To preserve ginger in the refrigerator: crush fresh ginger with a little salt, lemon juice, and a pinch of sugar. Then, put this crushed ginger mixture into a clean, airtight jar. After sealing the jar, place it in the refrigerator. Crushed ginger will remain fresh for six months to a year.

- Preservation in aluminum foil: You can also wrap the ginger tightly in aluminum foil and store it in a cool, dry place.

- Burying ginger in sand: This is a traditional method, very simple, involving burying ginger in a layer of damp sand. This method helps preserve the ginger for longer and prevents it from drying out.

According to giadinh.net