You may be wondering: do root cellars really work and what are the benefits?
Because root cellars are cool and dark, they are ideal for long-term food storage. The underground nature of root cellars ensures that they maintain an even and ideal temperature. This is because the soil itself remains at a constant temperature when it is well below the frost line.
I like to think of my basement as an extension of my cellar pharmacy at home. It’s a great feeling to know that I have what I need and have it at hand on a regular basis. Here are a few good reasons to have a root cellar.
Keep harvested food fresh longer
Root cellars are an excellent place to store the fruits and labor of your harvest. Whether you collect yourself garden or a suitable sale at your local supermarket, you can store things such as pumpkin, grain, beans, onions, potatoes and various other vegetables.
You can also store canned goods, spices, oils, teas, wine and alcohol, dried goods, spices, baking supplies and other important staples. Fresh food in a basement cellar will last approximately 2 – 9 months depending on what it is and how it is stored. For example, radishes can last quite a long time if stored in a box with soil. Whole unripe pears will keep for about a month or two. Pumpkins and squash can last more than a year. Naturally, canned properly goods can last a few years.
Basements provide greater storage space for storing perishable goods
During the growing season my refrigerator is full of fresh produce. For those of us who have a bumper crop, we often run out of places to store our goods. Having a large underground room is extremely useful. Root cellars provide a great place to store perishables, as well as tinctures, supplements, herbal infusions and fermentations. Having a basement is like having your own walk-in refrigerator (without refrigeration). .
Other purposes
Root cellars are not only ideal for storing food, but can also serve as storm shelters. If you live in a place prone to tornadoes, having a root cellar is an ideal solution.
You can also store items like soaps, essential oils, ointments, and other bath essentials. A root cellar is also ideal for storing seeds. For those of us who store and process our own food, a root cellar is a great place to store canning supplies, extra jars and bulky equipment.