Load shedding is a reality that most South Africans experience, and it can present challenges when it comes to preserving perishable goods like dairy products. However, with a little preparation and mindful storage techniques, you can ensure that your dairy products remain fresh and safe to consume throughout load shedding.
Here’s 4 simple tips to help keep your dairy products fresh during load shedding:
1. Plan ahead and stock up
An app like EskomSePush can help a lot with knowing your area’s load shedding schedule so you can adjust your grocery list accordingly, and we suggest stocking up on dairy products that have a longer shelf life. Having these on hand can ensure a continuous supply of essential nutrients. You can also use dairy products like sour milk, yoghurt and cream in your cooking or baking instead of fresh products as these last longer.
2. Optimise your fridge
Maximise the efficiency of your fridge to maintain a cool temperature for as long as possible. Start by organising your fridge to minimise warm air exposure; keep dairy products in the coldest part of the fridge, usually the bottom shelf or designated dairy compartment. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents spoilage. During load shedding, avoid frequently opening the fridge door to preserve the cool temperature inside.
3. Utilise cooler boxes and ice packs
Consider using cooler boxes during load shedding, as these help maintain a lower temperature for longer and act as a temporary fridge substitute. Place ice packs (or frozen water bottles) inside the cooler to provide additional cooling. Have these items prepared so that when load shedding happens, you simply transfer your dairy items and ice packs to the cooler box to minimise the risk of spoilage.
4. Practice smart consumption
Load shedding highlights the importance of mindful consumption and minimising food waste. During load shedding, prioritise using perishable dairy products that are closest to their expiry dates in your meals or recipes, to ensure they are consumed before they spoil. By practicing smart consumption, we can reduce food waste and even find new, creative ways to incorporate dairy into our diets.
With these tips, it is possible to navigate through load shedding. Our choices, as consumers, have the power to shape a more sustainable future for our households, as well as South Africa. Through small changes like these, we can minimise food waste, and make a positive impact on our environment. Remember to ensure that you are buying locally produced dairy products!
Tip-Top Milk is passionate about the dairy industry and is proud to transport raw milk from dedicated dairy farmers to processing plants across South Africa. These processing plants, through their expertise and craftsmanship, transform this raw milk into the hundreds of products you find on the shelves.
Needing inspiration for dairy-licious recipes? Click here to find recipes for all types of meals.