(Video link here.) Cara de Silva sent us this video with a short note:  “…there is something quite caring (and “scientific) about her approach.”

Indeed Korean Artist Jihyun Ryou cares so deeply about our relationship to food that she has researched traditional methods of food storage used before refrigeration was available, looking for ways that might be more sustainable AND forge a closer relationship to the foods we eat. Then she designed elegant, minimalist solutions -tools that are also lovely artworks – based on this traditional oral knowledge.

 I believe that once people are given a tool that triggers their minds and requires a mental effort to use it, new traditions and new rituals can be introduced into our culture.”
Ryou views fruits and vegetables as being alive, and teaches ways to nourish and interact with their aliveness. We especially like “The Breathing of Eggs”, a poetic explanation of  the logic of storing eggs outside the fridge and how to tell if they are fresh.
jihyun ryou preserving eggs
photo: jihyun ryou

We did not know that keeping root vegetables in a vertical position allows “the organism to save energy and remain fresh for a longer time”; Ryou devised a sand filled container that also keeps them at the right humidity.

We find Ryou’s pieces both illuminating and comforting: We’re not going to give up our fridge but if the power goes out, there are fine simple ways to preserve things.

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2 replies on “how to store fruits, vegetables and eggs without a fridge

  1. Sooo beautiful and usefull!!!

    Sally, this is what I exactly mean when I say improvisedlife gives me so much poetry and inspiration on my dayly life! You cant imagine how I do appreciate it! Thank you again!!!

  2. Wow–this is some of the most original and creative thinking about food I’ve seen in ages. Thanks so much for posting!

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