Keep food cool the natural way with a zeer pot
Ever wondered how food was traditionally kept cool in baking hot countries? The answer is the zeer pot, an example of 'pot-in-pot refrigeration' that is being brought back as an alternative to the energy-guzzling fridge.
How does it work? By simply placing one lidded earthenware pot inside another, insulating with sand and keeping that sand wet, you have a ready-made fridge. It can then keep perishable food fresh for up to 20 days, so the zeer pot is essential for life in the poorest parts of Sudan even today.
If you'd like to try using this time honoured method of food cooling, it won't cost you much to try: Practical Presents stocks them for £12.
Practical Presents don't send YOU the 'pot-in'pot' - it goes to the Sudan. It is one of the schemes where you buy something for someone in the developing world instead of buying a present for someone.
It would be nice if there was a way to get hold of a 'pot-in-pot' in Britain.
Posted by: Caroline Harmon | January 31, 2008 3:13 PM