The cold cellar is a pre-fridge, pre-electricity survival invention, also known as a root cellar, where root vegetables and
cured meats were stored to prolong their life, through the long winter.
Initially it was literally a hole in the ground, covered with earth and evolved into being a part of the main house but the important components of it being dark and temperature- consistent have remained.
Typically it is stocked with canning, potatoes, onions, carrots and such. Some store wine in their cellar, smoked meats such as prosciutto, smoked cheeses etc.
When we hit the indulgent eighties, people completely lost interest in the fruit cellar and used it for storage of patio furniture etc and now, the cold cellar is back and back with a bang.
The consciousness of the home owner has turned to conserving energy, saving money, eating healthy and the fruit cellar serves all those purposes.
It runs on zero energy, can keep out of season vegetables and fruits over the winter, along with dry goods like rice and pasta or homemade canning.
The cellar is usually built under the front stairs or porch and according to some builders it’s making quite a comeback in new construction.
Comments(2)