Table of Contents
The Garri Rules
Garri is resilient, but humidity is its enemy.
Air-Tight is Non-Negotiable:
Never leave Garri in the nylon bag you bought it in. Transfer it immediately to an air-tight plastic or glass container. If moisture gets in, it will clump and develop mold.
The Salt Trick:
Some grandmas swear by putting a small knob of charcoal or a packet of silica gel (food grade) at the bottom of the container to absorb excess moisture.
Air-Tight is Non-Negotiable:
Never leave Garri in the nylon bag you bought it in. Transfer it immediately to an air-tight plastic or glass container. If moisture gets in, it will clump and develop mold.
The Salt Trick:
Some grandmas swear by putting a small knob of charcoal or a packet of silica gel (food grade) at the bottom of the container to absorb excess moisture.
Beans vs. Weevils
There is nothing more heartbreaking than opening your bag of Honey Beans and seeing it moving.
The Freezer Method (Best):
If you have freezer space, store your beans there. No weevil can survive zero degrees. It also keeps the beans tasting fresh for over a year.
Dried Peppers:
If storing in a pantry, bury several dried red peppers (Atarodo) inside the beans. Weevils hate the smell. Ensure the container is sealed tight!
The Freezer Method (Best):
If you have freezer space, store your beans there. No weevil can survive zero degrees. It also keeps the beans tasting fresh for over a year.
Dried Peppers:
If storing in a pantry, bury several dried red peppers (Atarodo) inside the beans. Weevils hate the smell. Ensure the container is sealed tight!
Preserving Palm Oil
Palm Oil does not need a fridge, but it hates the sun.
Dark and Cool:
Light causes oxidation, which makes the oil go rancid (that "old oil" taste). Store your kegs in a dark cupboard or on the floor in a cool corner.
Avoid Water:
Never use a wet spoon to scoop oil. Even a drop of water can promote bacteria growth and spoil the whole bottle.
Dark and Cool:
Light causes oxidation, which makes the oil go rancid (that "old oil" taste). Store your kegs in a dark cupboard or on the floor in a cool corner.
Avoid Water:
Never use a wet spoon to scoop oil. Even a drop of water can promote bacteria growth and spoil the whole bottle.
Crayfish & Stockfish
These bring the flavor, but also the smell and the ants.
Crayfish:
Blend it immediately! Blended crayfish takes up less space and is easier to store in an airtight jar in the fridge or freezer. If storing whole, double bag it to contain the smell.
Stockfish:
Stockfish is tough, but pests love it. Keep it in the freezer if possible. If not, store in a dry place and check it regularly for "dust" (a sign of insect activity).
Crayfish:
Blend it immediately! Blended crayfish takes up less space and is easier to store in an airtight jar in the fridge or freezer. If storing whole, double bag it to contain the smell.
Stockfish:
Stockfish is tough, but pests love it. Keep it in the freezer if possible. If not, store in a dry place and check it regularly for "dust" (a sign of insect activity).
Yams & Onions
These two belong together, but not in the fridge!
Ventilation is Key:
Store tubers in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area. Do not stack them directly on the floor (which can be damp); use a wooden pallet or a rack.
One Bad Apple...
Check your yams weekly. If one starts to rot, remove it immediately before it infects the others. Slice off the bad part and cook the rest.
Ventilation is Key:
Store tubers in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area. Do not stack them directly on the floor (which can be damp); use a wooden pallet or a rack.
One Bad Apple...
Check your yams weekly. If one starts to rot, remove it immediately before it infects the others. Slice off the bad part and cook the rest.
Nnenna "The Organizer" Obi
Home Organization Coach
3
Nnenna turns chaotic kitchens into havens of order. She specializes in tropical climate food storage solutions.
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