The most remarkable thing about my mother is that for thirty years she served the family nothing but leftovers. The original meal has never been found.
-Calvin Trillin
A few years ago I wanted to learn what Christ ate and how food was preserved back then. I was on a mission to improve my diet and overall health. Knowing full well the way we eat food, make food, and preserve food has evolved but our bodies have not. I was interested in the method of food preservation that He would have used, and since I grew up with a refrigerator…. boy did I learn allot. Fermentation was a big method of food preservation, and fermented foods are REALLY good for you. They contain so many beneficial bacteria that will keep you healthy, ward off disease and keep you pooping great! (Good thing we just made some to-go toilets) If you are not sure what fermented foods are a few examples is yogurt, sour kraut or kiefer; although some brands are better for you than others. Drying, smoking and pickling are other methods. Since we refrigerate everything now a days, I would like to tell there are a few items that do not need to be kept in there. Mayonnaise, peanut butter and most condiments will be just fine on the shelf and eggs. Yes! Real eggs! When hens lay the eggs there is a protective coating that is naturally placed on the egg that will preserve it. Eggs from the store have been sterilized, so to simulate the natural coating rub warm mineral oil on the shell and place it point down in a egg carton and store it in a cool dark place and it will stay for 9-12 months.
Before refrigeration a root cellar was a normal part of life and kept vegetables preserved through the winter. If you visit http://www.survival-spot.com/survival-blog/build-root-cellar/ you will find many great pictures and plans for a root cellar. This link http://oldfashionedliving.com/rootcellar.html has more information on the different types of root cellars i.e. above ground or mound types. I have some great books on them if you are interested let me know. I was depressed when I learned that root Cellars work best in colder and more humid climates, but here in AZ we can still have them, we just have to put a pan of water in the cellar or damp towels to imitate the humidity. A root cellar works by using the Earth as it is a natural temperature regulator/cooler.
Also there is a pot in pot cooler option which was invented not too long ago. It consists of a smaller pot inside a larger one. In between the two pots is filled with sand and water. When the water evaporates it pulls the heat out of the smaller pot that is holding your fruits and veggies! Here is a link to see a picture and learn more http://other90.cooperhewitt.org/Design/pot-in-pot-cooler
An evaporative cooler fridge is cheap and easy to make too. It consists of a cheap plastic shelving unit with the top shelf turned upside down and burlap wrapped around the unit. Water is placed in the top shelf that is upside down and then pulled through the burlap. The water then cools the food inside on the other shelves. http://www.provident-living-today.com/Alternative-Refrigeration.html There is also an explanation on how to make ice with a solar oven on this link. ….Talk about a bartering tool!
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