To most of us, load-shedding can be a big inconvenience.
Especially when it comes to preparing meals and all the damage and food loss that comes with it.
Steve Burton, of Rand Aid’s in-house catering division Cook Chill Kitchen, said; “The best thing you can do for yourself is to prepare for load-shedding before-hand.”
“Once you know your schedule, it’s much easier to take precautionary steps to ensure that once load-shedding strikes, you and your family will still have a warm dinner.”
Chef Steve suggested that the best place to start is by making sure you have candles and torches in your kitchen and by switching to gas.
Also read: STAGE 4 load shedding – What does it mean?
Gas stoves and ovens are convenient as they ensure that you can cook when electricity fails you.
“It will not only save you from the inconvenience, but it will also save you money,” he said.
When doing grocery shopping, ensure that you buy lots of canned food as they have a longer shelf life.
“Canned food and snack foods will help you get through a few days with no means of cooking,” he said.
Having been a cook at Cook Chill for 19 years, Steve reckons that food loss is caused by not knowing the right temperature to store food and frequently opening the fridge.
To prevent your food from spoiling in the fridge, ensure that its temperature is at 4°C or below and the freezer should be at -17°C.
He advised that during load-shedding, people should avoid opening the refrigerator regularly to maintain the cold temperature.
It is also a good idea to freeze containers of water to help keep food cold if the power goes out.
“If you know that power will be out for a longer time, it will be best to buy blocks of ice to keep the fridge or freezer cold,” said Steve.
Once the power is back on, it is important to know which foods to throw out and which is safe to consume.
This can be tested by checking if the freezer and refrigerator are still at safe temperatures.
