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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Root Cellaring summary
Mike Bubel
Nancy Bubel
Brief summary
Root Cellaring by Mike Bubel and Nancy Bubel is a comprehensive guide to storing fruits and vegetables in a root cellar. It provides valuable tips and techniques for creating and maintaining an efficient and effective storage system, allowing you to enjoy your homegrown produce year-round.
Table of Contents
Root Cellaring
Summary of key ideas
Understanding Root Cellaring
In Root Cellaring, Mike Bubel and Nancy Bubel delve into the history and practicality of root cellars. The authors begin by discussing the fundamental concept of root cellaring - utilizing the earth's natural cooling, humidity, and darkness to store fruits and vegetables. They also describe the various types of root cellars and their construction, including the use of materials such as wood, stone, and concrete.
The Bubels emphasize the importance of proper ventilation and insulation in a root cellar to maintain an optimal storage environment. They explain how to create a system for controlling temperature and humidity, as well as ways to prevent pests and diseases. The authors also offer guidance on selecting the best location for a root cellar, taking into account factors such as soil conditions, drainage, and accessibility.
Storing and Preserving Fresh Produce
After establishing the groundwork for root cellaring, Root Cellaring delves into the specifics of storing various types of fruits and vegetables. The Bubels provide an extensive list of produce that can be successfully stored in a root cellar, including potatoes, carrots, apples, and onions, among others. They discuss the ideal storage conditions for each type, such as temperature, humidity, and whether they should be stored in bins, on shelves, or hung from the ceiling.
The book also explores alternative storage methods, such as sand, sawdust, and straw, as well as techniques for preserving produce, including drying, canning, and pickling. The authors stress the importance of choosing the right produce for storage - only healthy, unblemished, and unbruised items should be stored, as damaged produce can spoil quickly and affect the rest of the stored items.
Extending the Harvest Season
One of the main benefits of root cellaring, as emphasized in Root Cellaring, is the ability to extend the harvest season. The Bubels explain that with proper storage, many fruits and vegetables can be kept fresh for months after they are harvested. This allows gardeners to enjoy their homegrown produce well into the winter months, reducing the need for store-bought, often less flavorful, and less nutritious options.
Additionally, the authors discuss the economic and environmental benefits of root cellaring. By reducing reliance on refrigeration and other energy-intensive storage methods, root cellaring can help lower energy costs and decrease the carbon footprint associated with food storage and transportation.
Embracing a Sustainable Lifestyle
In the latter part of Root Cellaring, the Bubels delve into the broader implications of root cellaring for a sustainable lifestyle. They argue that by preserving and storing homegrown produce, individuals can reduce their dependence on industrial food systems, which are often associated with high energy use, chemical inputs, and long transportation distances. In doing so, they can also enhance their food security and self-sufficiency.
In conclusion, Root Cellaring provides a comprehensive guide to an age-old method of food preservation. The book offers practical advice for constructing and maintaining a root cellar, as well as valuable insights into the benefits of root cellaring for personal, environmental, and economic well-being. It encourages readers to embrace this traditional yet highly relevant practice in their pursuit of a more sustainable lifestyle.
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What is Root Cellaring about?
Root Cellaring by Mike Bubel and Nancy Bubel provides a comprehensive guide to storing fruits and vegetables in a root cellar. From planning and building your own root cellar to selecting the best produce for long-term storage, this book offers practical tips and techniques for extending the shelf life of your harvest. Whether you're a homesteader or a backyard gardener, this book will help you make the most of your seasonal bounty.
Root Cellaring Review
Root Cellaring (1991) explores the art of storing fruits and vegetables underground for long-term preservation. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Provides practical tips on building your root cellar and selecting the right produce for storage, ensuring food security and reducing waste.
- With time-tested techniques combined with modern insights, it offers a comprehensive guide for both beginners and experienced homesteaders.
- Its fascinating history of root cellaring practices and the benefits of preserving food naturally make the topic surprisingly engaging and far from dull.
Who should read Root Cellaring?
Home gardeners who want to extend the shelf life of their produce
People looking to reduce food waste and save money by preserving their harvest
Individuals interested in traditional and sustainable food storage methods
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Book summaries like Root Cellaring
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Root Cellaring FAQs
What is the main message of Root Cellaring?
The main message of Root Cellaring revolves around traditional food preservation techniques for self-sufficiency.
How long does it take to read Root Cellaring?
Reading Root Cellaring takes a few hours, while the Blinkist summary can be read in a much shorter time.
Is Root Cellaring a good book? Is it worth reading?
Root Cellaring is a practical guide for anyone interested in preserving food and living sustainably.
Who is the author of Root Cellaring?
The authors of Root Cellaring are Mike Bubel and Nancy Bubel.
What to read after Root Cellaring?
If you're wondering what to read next after Root Cellaring, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Fox by Martin Wallen
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- Green Illusions by Ozzie Zehner
- Energy Myths and Realities by Vaclav Smil
- Fukushima by David Lochbaum, Edwin Lyman, Susan Q. Stranahan and the Union of Concerned Scientists
- The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels by Alex Epstein
- Should We Eat Meat? by Vaclav Smil
- Cradle to Cradle by William McDonough and Michael Braungart