In the Gojal Valley of Hunza, a remote region of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, farmers have been using an ancient method of storing potatoes for centuries. The method is simple: the farmer buries the potatoes in the frozen earth before winter. The potatoes stay fresh and useable for several months, even though the outside temperature can drop below freezing.
The method is thought to have originated in the region’s harsh winter climate. The frozen earth provides a natural insulation that keeps the potatoes from freezing. The straw that is often used to cover the potatoes also helps to insulate them and keep them dry.
The ancient method of storing potatoes is still widely used in the Gojal Valley today. It is a simple, effective, and environmentally friendly way to store potatoes.
Here are some of the benefits of using this ancient method of storing potatoes:
- It is a cost-effective method. The only materials needed are the potatoes, straw, and a shovel.
- It is a sustainable method. The potatoes are stored in the ground, where they can decompose naturally.
- It is a safe method. The potatoes are protected from pests and diseases when they are buried in the ground.
If you are looking for a way to store potatoes for the winter, this ancient method is a great option. It is simple, effective, and environmentally friendly.
How to Store Potatoes Using the Ancient Method
Here are the steps on how to store potatoes using the ancient method:
- Harvest the potatoes when they are fully mature.
- Allow the potatoes to dry for a few days in a cool, shady place.
- Dig a hole in the ground that is deep enough to keep the potatoes from freezing.
- Line the bottom of the hole with straw.
- Place the potatoes in the hole and cover them with more straw.
- Cover the straw with a layer of soil.
- Water the soil lightly.
The potatoes should stay fresh and useable for several months. You can check on them periodically to make sure they are not rotting.
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