Tips

The Magic Ingredient: Why You Should Always Have Alum in Your Kitchen

"In addition to the essential spices that every household should have in their kitchen pantry, homemakers should also stock up on alum for the following reasons."

Administrator

23 July, 2024

102

1 Clean Animal Organs

Alum’s cleansing and purifying properties make it ideal for cleaning and removing slime from animal organs such as pork and beef. Simply rub some powdered alum on the organs, then soak and rinse them thoroughly with water. This method not only eliminates odors but also ensures food safety.

2 Egg Preservation

It’s common to buy eggs in bulk and store them in the refrigerator. But what if you don’t have a fridge or the power goes out? Alum comes to the rescue! Soak freshly bought eggs in a diluted alum solution (around 5% alum). Then remove and air-dry them. This simple trick will extend the shelf life of your eggs, keeping them fresh for longer.

3 Remove Rust from Metal

It’s frustrating when metal objects start to rust and become unusable. Before tossing them out, try this handy tip: boil about a liter of water with 50g of alum until it dissolves. Let the solution cool, then soak a cloth in it and use it to wipe down rusty stainless steel items. Just remember to rinse them with water before use.

4 Prevent Clothes from Fading

To keep your new clothes from losing their color, soak them in water mixed with a small amount of alum. This will help the colors stay vibrant and prevent fading. Soak for a few hours in cold water, then wash with soap to get rid of any alum residue. Your clothes will look brand new!

5 Clean Moldy Bamboo Chopsticks

Bamboo chopsticks can develop mold if they’re not dried properly. To fix this, soak them in a 10% alum solution for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Your chopsticks will look as good as new!

6 Remove Shoe Odor

Shoe odor can be a problem, especially during the rainy season when shoes tend to get damp. This can not only be embarrassing but also lead to foot health issues. Alum can help eliminate this problem. Simply place some alum in a cloth bag and leave it in your shoes overnight. In the morning, you’ll have fresh-smelling and dry shoes ready to wear!

These are some of the amazing uses of alum that we wanted to share. Let us know in the comments if you found them useful or if you have any other tips to add!

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Source: cooky.vn

Frequently asked questions

Alum is a mineral salt that has a variety of uses in cooking and household tasks. It is considered a ‘magic ingredient’ because of its ability to act as a natural preservative, improve the texture and appearance of food, and enhance the flavor of dishes. Alum is also known for its medicinal properties and can be used to treat minor ailments.

Alum can be used to improve the texture and appearance of certain foods. For example, it can be added to pickles to give them a crisp texture and a shiny appearance. Alum can also be used to tenderize meat, making it softer and more juicy. Additionally, alum acts as a natural preservative, helping to extend the shelf life of perishable foods.

Yes, alum is known for its medicinal properties. It can be used to treat minor cuts and wounds, soothe insect bites, and reduce inflammation. Alum is also believed to have astringent properties, which can help tighten pores and improve skin tone. Additionally, alum can be used as a natural deodorant and mouth freshener.

When used in small quantities, alum is generally safe to consume. However, it is important to use it sparingly as excessive consumption of alum can have negative side effects. People with kidney problems or those who are sensitive to minerals should avoid consuming alum.

Alum is readily available in most grocery stores and markets. You can usually find it in the spice aisle or with the pickling supplies. Alum should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. It has a long shelf life and can be kept for several years if stored properly.