T&T: Food Storage

[Bonnie@nethere.com]

"But where do I store carbonated beverages so they don't lose their fizz?
Where do I store bottled water so it doesn't start tasting like the
plastic container? Where do I store the 35 pound bags (more than one,
I'm sure!) of "special" dog food which can only be had at very few and
far between places? Is there a secret to temperature or moisture issues
that I need to know about? I've noticed that cupboards that are deep and
generous often go right up to the inner skin of the hull. I've heard a
lot of people talk about condensation issues, and I'm guessing that this
involves more than just the galley . . . like bedding and clothes. And
I've heard talk of excessive heat, to the point where cupboards need to
be left open during the day."

Peggy--

Carbonated beverages will not lose their fizz until they are opened no
matter where you store them. Don't forget, they will more than likely be
readily available wherever you are going. I'm not sure why you would take
bottled water in large quantities, but you insist on bottled water, it will
be available along the way.

I stored 22 10 lb. bags on kitty litter (on sale at $1.00 per bag) before we
left for Mexico in underneath the main deck, opposite the settee and
accessible by removing the step inside the side door. After my first year
in Mexico, I found local sources for kittly litter at local vets. You may
want to scout out a source, if possible, ahead of time to renew your
special dog food supply.

On the other hand, I found that a 25 lb. bag of organic oatmeal went bad
very fast in the hot, humid climate, eventhough it was kept dry.

Most cupboards doors on boats have louvers or woven material to aid in air
circulation to prevent heat/moisture build-up. We didn't have air
conditioning at all the first year on Mexico and had the black German made
fans installed at strategic locations to keep cool.

Depending on the climate, etc., moisture build up under bunks, there is a
material (expensive) that I've seen advertised in Lattitude 38 that is
designed for this purpose.  A layer of anything that promotes air
circulation would serve the same purpose.

Hope this helps...

Bonnie

formerly Serenity SD
now Third Time SD