Balcony "fridge" risks: Why outdoor food storage falters
When space in the fridge becomes a scarce commodity, many of us consider using balconies as an additional fridge. But can you safely store food on the balcony? Let's explain.
23 November 2024 15:54
In search of a place to store rapidly perishable products, many people look to the balcony, treating it like a large, natural fridge. The tempting prospect of saving energy and space is not without its flaws.
Although a balcony during the winter months can be colder than our home fridges, not everyone realises the dangers that come with this solution. Often, intuitive decisions to store tasty specialties outside result in unexpected problems.
Can you store food on the balcony?
The primary issue with storing food on the balcony is the variable weather conditions. Unlike a fridge, which maintains a stable temperature, a balcony is subject to temperature fluctuations. Even within a single day, it can vary by several degrees Celsius.
Some might think that the low temperatures outside are sufficient to store food. However, temperature stability is key. A brief warming during the day, followed by nighttime frost, can lead to repeated freezing and thawing of products, significantly shortening their shelf life. Additionally, sunlight can affect food by heating it up, which encourages the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.
Unstable weather conditions are not the only threat to food left on the balcony. Exposure to dust, pollution, and the presence of animals such as birds or rodents poses an additional obstacle to safely storing food.
Many people don't realise that food left outside is susceptible to bacteria and pathogens, which multiply slowly at lower temperatures, but with temperature fluctuations, their numbers can rise. For this reason, food stored on the balcony, although perceived as safe, may be more prone to spoilage than that kept in the fridge.
Storing food on the balcony should be considered a last resort or a temporary solution. For those seeking safer methods, it might be worth investing in an additional cooler or freezer that will provide stable storage conditions.
Remember that health is paramount, and proper food storage is not just about flavour, but above all, about health.
