An efficient root cellar can provide food security to an entire household for months after harvest. Indeed, its cold temperatures slow the release of ethylene gas and inhibit bacteria that accelerate ripening and decomposition processes. Furthermore, high humidity helps prevent fruits and vegetables from drying out or becoming bitter before being stored properly in a root cellar.
As more individuals begin to consider food security and decreasing dependence on external food distribution systems, root cellars have seen renewed interest as an alternative solution. They not only look cool; they’re actually fulfilling an essential need: healthy local food. Some communities are utilizing root cellars as part of a plan to boost self-sufficiency while strengthening identity within communities.
Root cellars may be constructed underground directly or within buildings like basements and barns. Insulation keeps soil temperatures consistent while walls, ceilings and doors of concrete or bricks help regulate temperatures inside. A ventilation system provides cool air from entering while hot air leaves via opening or closing vents as necessary.
Soil temperature depends on a number of factors including latitude, direction of underground water flow and how far down one digs a cellar. Because temperatures tend to be cooler at the bottom, inlet and exit vents should ideally be placed higher than any shelf or bin to allow greater temperature control while dispersing odors more evenly throughout a cellar. An optimal ventilation system includes one inlet vent with two exhausts, although multiple vents could also be utilized if desired.
Once the ground temperature of a cellar has stabilized, shelving can be added and produce stored therein. However, carefully selecting items to store is key as different vegetables require different conditions of storage: carrots may last long periods while cabbage and cauliflower require humid environments – to assist this, some people spray water onto dirt floors in the cellar from time to time for added moisture.
Most people find the ideal storage option is a small insulated shed or barn for root crops and food supplies, such as grain. Insulation material such as straw, sawdust or foam insulation boards will help ensure temperature and humidity balance, while wood will prevent freezing temperatures from freezing over the structure itself. Insulation becomes especially crucial if using your shed as a root cellar; should there be sudden freezing weather events, it would be wise to move any stored food items away from vents and exterior doors until conditions improve before returning them when temperatures warm again when temperatures return when temperatures warm again.