Fall is here and finding healthy alternatives to preserving food is essential, take a look at a few great tips from our friends at Nutrion Tribune!
Spicy Sauces
Spicy foods do not spoil nearly as quickly as their milder counterparts because of the peppers and vinegar used. Plants that produce spices do so as a defense mechanism. Compounds that make the plants spicy protect the plant, they resist mold, kill bacteria, repel insects, and more.
Fermentation
The fermentation process is one of the earliest forms of preserving food known to humans. When foods are fermented, they last for months and even years, without trouble.
You can also ferment foods yourself and then store them in glass mason jars for months. During fall, many prepare fermented foods such as pickles, cabbage (i.e., sauerkraut), roasted peppers, to name a few, there are dozens of others to consider.
Salt
Sea salt is another ancient food preservative that we continue to use today, and it is a great preservative when used correctly.
You do not need much salt to help preserve your foods.
Sea salt is much better and healthier than table salt. If you want the best possible type of salt, look for unprocessed salt.
Garlic
Garlic is one of nature’s most powerful antibacterial and anti-viral foods out there. Cooking with plenty of garlic will significantly improve the amount of time that the food will last. In addition, once you do eat the food, your body will be healthier thanks to its ability to fight off bacteria and viruses.
Lemons
Lemons contain high levels of citric acid. If you look at the ingredient list of many processed foods at the store, you will see that they use citric acid as a preservative. Unfortunately, food manufacturers typically do not use natural sources for their citric acid, so it is not too healthy. Adding lemon juice, or lemon peel, to your dishes will add to the amount of time that the foods will keep.
Lemons do, of course, have a very powerful flavor, so it is important to keep that in mind. The sour taste goes well with lots of foods including fish, chicken, pasta, and many desserts. Whether you add lemon while cooking, or squeeze it in when putting it away, lemons are an effective preservative that you will love.
Try Them All
As you will notice, most of these natural preservatives are excellent choices for your food and healthier in the long run. Having them in your home will allow you to select the right ingredients for the different dishes you will be preparing.
Tips:
If you’re making a dessert, lemon may be the way to go.
If chicken wings are for dinner, the spicy sauce would be an ideal solution.
Plan which of these preservatives will go best with the meals you’re preparing, and you’ll find that your foods are lasting longer, and that your health is likely improving over time.
https://nutritiontribune.com/natural-preservatives-for-food/