Top Tips And Tricks For Preserving And Storing Homemade

Diwali Treats

Preserving And Storage Tips For Mithai (Sweets)

Diwali is incomplete without sweets. With proper storage, dry sweets can last for up to 1-3 weeks, and milk-based or syrupy sweets for 2-5 days. Follow these tips, and the sweetness, pun intended, can last longer: 

• Let the sweet cool completely before storing: Don’t be in a rush to store freshly made sweets. Let them cool completely to prevent trapped steam from turning to moisture and spoiling the sweets. 
• Use separate containers: Always use separate, airtight containers to store the different sweets. Even if the type of sweet is the same (both dry, like ladoos and barfi), don’t store them together. This prevents flavors and odors from mixing and altering the original taste. 
• Opt for stainless steel or glass containers: Avoid plastic containers. Stainless steel or glass containers are non-reactive and offer temperature stability and better sealing against air. If using plastic, invest in rigid structures to minimize air leakage. 
• Use parchment paper: Place a sheet of parchment paper or butter paper between layers of sweets before storing in an airtight container. This dual barrier helps prevent exposure to air and moisture while reducing the risk of odor transfer. 
• Storage area: Always keep containers of dry sweets in cool, dry areas away from direct sunlight. On the other hand, syrupy and milk-based sweets should be refrigerated in sealed containers. 

Storage Tips To Keep Your Savory Snacks Crunchy

Anyone would tell you, the best part about a savory snack is the delightful crunch that comes with every bite. If stored correctly, very dry savory snacks (chakli, bhakarwadi, sev, etc.) can stay fresh for up to 4 weeks. Snacks with higher fat content (usually cooked in ghee or butter), like savory gujiys, can also be stored for up to two weeks. Here’s how to preserve these snacks:

• Drain excess oil and cool the dishes: Since most snacks are deep-fried in oil, make sure all excess oil is drained and the snacks are completely cooled down before you begin storing them. This prevents the snacks from becoming soggy after storage. 
• Use airtight containers: Similar to when storing sweets, use stainless steel or glass containers to store the snacks. Ideally, place the sealed containers in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight or constant air exposure. 
• Add a drying agent: For extra protection against moisture, place a few grains of uncooked rice tied in a small muslin cloth or a food-safe desiccant packet inside the container. 
• Don’t refrigerate: While most sweets can be refrigerated to extend their shelf life, don’t do this with snacks. This is because sweets, when reheated, retain their original texture and taste. However, snacks may lose their crispiness on being reheated after refrigeration. 

Lesser-Known Tips and Tricks For Preserving Diwali Treats

While preservation can be summed up in three steps—cooling, storing in airtight containers, and placing in cool, dry places—there are some additional tips you can follow to better store your sweets and snacks.

• Add natural preservatives (grandma-approved): Common kitchen ingredients don’t just add flavour but can help with storage. A pinch of cardamom, cloves, or edible camphor in the container infuses fragrance and deters insects and mold. For savory snacks, a few curry leaves or ajwain seeds can subtly keep them aromatic and crisp.
• Humidity hack: Unless you’re a God, Avenger, or X-Man, you can’t control the weather. But you can safeguard against it. In humid areas, place a small bowl of rock salt in the storage cabinet or box. This acts as a natural moisture absorbent, keeping sweets and namkeen dry and crunchy.  
• Decor with a purpose: Edible silver is often used on Indian sweets. Not only does it look pretty, but a thin layer of varq (edible silver) also acts as a natural sealant for select sweets. If you don’t have varq, you can even use light ghee brushing. This will prevent surface drying. 
• Avoid fridge odor transfer: While refrigeration can extend the shelf life for certain sweets, it also opens the risk of odor absorption. To avoid that, add a bowl of baking soda to your fridge compartment. This will neutralize the odors. 
• Right time to pack: As mentioned earlier, the right time to pack can make or break your treat. Always wait for the treats (sweet or savory) to cool down to room temperature before storing. Ideally, give your treats 2 hours of resting. This ensures trapped steam has fully escaped. 

Store And Savour For Long

Diwali may prompt you to bring out the pans, paraats, and pots and get cooking in the kitchen. But the experiments and efforts can serve your taste buds long after the lights come down, if you follow the right storage tips. After all, the best part about delicious treats is that they’re a gift that keeps on giving.