How To Build a Cold Storage Room

Building a cold storage room can help you reduce your monthly grocery expenses by eliminating the amount of food you throw away because of it spoiling. These structures are excellent for storing vegetable as well as other prepared food while freeing up traditional freezer space.

What You'll Need:

• Storage bins


• Sand


• Notebook


• (2) Thermometers


• Portable air conditioning unit


• Newspaper


• Shelves

1. Determine what area you will use for your cold storage room. Consider an unheated area of your basement.


2. Construct the shelves per the manufactures instructions. Ensure that they are secure enough to be able to handle the weight of the food.


3. If you plan on storing vegetables, fill some of the storage bins with a lightly moistened sand mixture. Then root the vegetables into the sand mixture. Place these storage bins on the bottom or middle shelves for the best results.


4. Place any canned, preserved or other dry foods such as beans or herbs on a higher shelf for the best results.


5. Use the notebook to record the exact date that you stored each food item. This notebook will allow you to know exactly when you should both cook and eat the items before they spoil. Its helpful to utilize this restaurant rule concerning food storage: first in should always be the first out.


6. Place a thermometer on both the low and the high shelves. Its best to keep your cold storage area between 32 and 40 degrees. Use a portable air conditioning unit in order to help regulate the temperature.


7. For the best results, keep the are well ventilated and dark.