The Relevance of Old-Fashioned Food Preservation in the Modern Age

In today’s modern age, storing food has become simple and convenient with the use of refrigerators and freezing devices. However, in the past, preserving food for long periods of time without such assistance was a much more complicated and difficult process.

As autumn arrives, many people make it a priority to harvest and preserve as much food as possible to prepare for the freezing winter months. This is a time-consuming task for many families, as they understand that the preserved food will serve as the main source of sustenance for the entire family during this time.

There are several traditional food preservation methods that are still used today, including:

Smoke drying: In some regions, especially in mountainous areas, the traditional method of smoke drying is still used to preserve food. This method involves hanging grains such as corn and beans in the kitchen, where the smoke from the stove helps protect the grains from insect infestation. Additionally, meat and fish can also be preserved using this method.

Sand burying: The sand burying method is commonly used to preserve root vegetables like sweet potatoes, potatoes, and yams. By burying the vegetables under sand, their exposure to air is limited, preventing spoilage and sprouting. This method is also used by farmers to preserve vegetables for the next planting season.

Drying: Drying is a traditional and safe preservation method still widely applied today. Various vegetables such as carrots, turnips, bamboo shoots, and bitter gourd are sliced, soaked in saltwater, and dried in the sun until completely dry. These dried vegetables can be stored in bags for up to a year without spoiling.

Salting: Salting is an old method used to preserve meats and keep them fresh. After holidays and festivals, leftover food is often preserved using this method for long-term use. However, with the convenience of freezers in modern life, this method is no longer widely used.

Pickling: Pickling is a traditional Vietnamese method used to preserve various vegetables and fruits. Pickled cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and other foods not only serve as side dishes to aid digestion and enhance flavor but can also be preserved for 1-2 weeks. Pickling food is still widely used in daily life.