Is it getting colder outside and running out of space in your fridge? Certainly, many people are tempted to put prepared food on the balcony. Unfortunately, we often do it incorrectly, which can have very negative consequences for our health. It is better to be careful in this regard.

In many Slovak apartments, the balcony is considered one of the biggest advantages. In the summer, we can lay out the laundry there so that it dries faster, while in winter we get an “extra fridge”. But the question is, is it really a healthy solution? In some cases, yes, although it is important to keep in mind the many disadvantages of this practice. Find out what you should pay the most attention to in order not to hurt yourself.

Is it okay to put hot soup out on the balcony? You better not make these mistakes because you risk getting poisoned

Although storing food on the balcony is convenient, it is often a very risky practice. The temperature outside will practically never be as constant as in our refrigerators. On the contrary.

  • Fluctuations can reach tens of degrees, which can lead to complete spoilage of prepared food in a short time.
  • Bacteria develop in a short time and can lead to dangerous food poisoning.
  • In addition, food is exposed to a much larger amount of pollutants, including those from the air, especially if we live near a busy street.

If we do not properly protect our food, such exposure to external influences will prove unnecessary. Therefore, it is better not to expose hot soup or boiled vegetables to the balcony. However, in some cases it is possible, but we should prepare properly to minimize possible negative effects.

How to store food on the balcony? Follow these rules and you will have an “extra fridge

  • First of all, we should monitor the weather and only when we are sure that no big changes are expected, we can place the food outside. It is good that the temperature is as close as possible to the temperature in the refrigerator, ie no more than five degrees Celsius.
  • Food should only be placed on the balcony in tightly closed containers. If you want to put the container outside, you can carefully wrap it in aluminum foil beforehand or put it in a plastic bag and tie it tightly.
  • It will be safest to store bread, cakes without cream, raw vegetables and fruits and drinks outside. But be careful that they don’t freeze overnight and thaw in the morning. These are ideal conditions for bacteria to multiply.
  • Finally, we must remember that we cannot use the “extra refrigerator” for a long time. The maximum storage time of one food item should not exceed 24 hours.

Do you store pots of food on your balcony or terrace in winter? The consequences can be devastating