Tips for cooking

How to save energy while cooking in South Africa. Photo: Pexels

Four ways to save energy when cooking

As South Africans we are living in a country with constant power cuts and finding ways to save energy when cooking is an ideal idea.

Tips for cooking

How to save energy while cooking in South Africa. Photo: Pexels

The kitchen is one of the greatest culprits when it comes to energy consumption.

It houses the majority of our largest appliances, is a bustle of activity, and is the center of the home for many families.

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Therefore, the kitchen is a wonderful place to start if you’re searching for methods to be more efficient, whether it’s for financial or environmental reasons (or both).

Here are some tips for conserving energy when meal prepping and cooking:

Boil only one cup of water for your coffee if you’re having one

One of the kitchen’s most utilised gadgets is undoubtedly the reliable kettle. However, it’s crucial to ensure it isn’t the appliance that gets used the most.

Only fill the kettle with the necessary amount of water; boiling larger amounts of water takes more energy.

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Shorten the total amount of time spent when prepping for food

It seems sensible that reduced time spent would result in a reduction in energy use. Use energy-saving cooking techniques, and by preparing ahead, you may shorten the cooking process.

Before using, try defrosting any frozen foods in the refrigerator instead of the microwave or oven. Additionally, avoid covering the oven racks with foil.

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You may speed up cooking by spreading the cooking across many pans and delaying oven heating. Avoid frequently opening the oven door to inspect the oven. In addition to wasting energy, it is typically a poor cooking method.

Batch cooking

Together, prepare items that may be cooked in bulk, such as rice, pasta such as spaghetti, lasagna, and other dishes, and store them in the refrigerator. As a result, energy use is decreased.

Since the dessert will be ready at the same time as the main course, who is going to complain when your oven consumes less energy as a result?

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Finish cooking with the remaining heat

Making the most of lingering heat is another way to conserve energy. If you don’t use the heat energy that remains in your oven after it shuts off, it will go to waste. It can be used to warm meals, possibly reducing energy use.

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