Root Cellars

Root cellars were used in the past to keep food from spoiling. However, with the invention of modern day appliances like refrigerators and freezers, these cellars have become obsolete. Since root cellars used the earth to keep food at the right temperature and humidity, these were considered ideal storage facilities. Today root cellars are more commonly used by children as forts or hideouts due to the fact that many people no longer consider them useful.

Benefits of Root Cellars

Despite this belief, cellars for produce can still be very beneficial to families who have chosen to grow their own produce and to farmers who need to store a lot of produce. They can also double as storm shelters in times of inclement weather. These cellars can be constructed fairly simply and do not cost a great deal of money or time to build. However, there are a great deal of supplies you will need to purchase in order to build one successfully and the construction will be time consuming. You will also have to gain the right building permits to construct your own root cellar so as to prevent interference with underground utilities.

Root cellars are also used by many families today because of the chemicals used on store-bought produce. Families can grow their own fruits and vegetables and use these cellars to store their harvests while having access to their own fresh fruits and vegetables. Farmers use them for storage as well; however, theirs may need to be much larger than the 8x12 foot cellars that are ideal for families.

What Can Be Stored?

You can store many types of food products in this particular kind of cellar. Although the cellars are ideal for fruits and vegetables, they are also good for storing some types of meat as well. A root or food storage cellar prevents harvested fresh produce not only from spoiling, but also from taking up room in your kitchen. They can help a family save some money by not relying on electric appliances to keep their food items from spoiling.

If you want to build your own cellar, you should plan on spending about $160 to $200 on average for the supplies you will need. You can find plans or step by step instruction for building the average sized cellar online or in books that will help you with the construction process. The size of your root cellar will determine the cost as cellars can be constructed from stone, brick, concrete, wood, or even a cargo container.

Planning Process

When planning your cellar, you need to determine how far away from the home it will be so it is conveniently located. Some people like to place theirs near to where fruits/vegetables are harvested. If you plan to have your cellar double as a storm cellar, it should be easily and quickly accessible from your home as well. In addition, if it will be used for this purpose, it is important to make certain that there are two exits in case one is blocked during a storm.

If the cellar you are constructing is underground, you must also be certain it is properly supported with the right foundation so it will not cave in if dirt is piled atop it. The floor of the root cellar is also an important consideration -- concrete is often used to make sure that the cellar is secure and that the food will be kept in a location where it cannot spoil. Finally, the last key to making sure your cellar keeps your food fresh is to ensure it is neither too dry nor too humid in the cellar at any given time of year.