The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-05-27
HOW TO USE YOUR
REFRIGERATOR

-
Probably the most important piece
of kitchen equipment from the sum-
mer viewpoint is the family refrig-
orator or ice chest. Unlike the Vol
stead act. which makes America safe
for hypocrisy, the refrigerator must
keep food safe for health. On it de-
ponds the wholesomeness of food aft
err it reaches the housewives hands.
Therefore it's choice and care are I'M
portant and must not be left to
chance.
The whole theory of good refrig-
orator is summed up in that one
which keeps warm air out and cold
air in. In short. every good refrfg.
orator represents the principle OF
for it must keep in all possible air
chilled by the ice and prevent the
entrance of all possible warm air
from the room. That is why cross
section of the body of refrigera-
tor shows layers of cork, felt and
wood in such manner as to effect
this purpose, and that is why good
refrigerator costs real money.
The inner lining should be ali in one
piece without cracks or seams. and
preferably of porcelain, vitrified glass
or other impervious non -absorptive
substance. Never make the error of
trying to paint the inside of an old
Ice chest. because the paint polls off,
smells. and makes the box unsafe for
food.
The coolest air always falls to the
bottom. Therefore the best type OF
refrigerator has the milk and butter
chamber at the bottom. so that these
most perishable products will be kept
other foods with communicating
odors. Those boxes holding a large
amount of ice are in the end more
economical that those holding fifty
pounds or less because the smaller
the piece of ice the greater the pro-
portion of waste.
No matter how excellent a refrig-
orator is chosen, it must be kept
clean, and handled properly. If the
door of the ice chamber is opened
in ice and consequent lack of chill.
Do not put milk bottles or any other
foods directly on the ice itself.
Never cover the ice with newspaper
or oilcloth in the fallacious belief
that it prevents the ice melting
not be sufficiently chilled to keep
the foods cold and safe. If the box
is properly made. and the ice door
kept closed, no paper or other sub
stance is needed.
Have a definite plan for the way
you use your refrigerator. AS was
said always place milk, cream and
butter in the lowest and separate
compartment Use one shelf es-
pecially for meat Learn to stack
small dishes of left-overs in the most
space-saving way. Don't put saucers
of liquid salad dressings. etc, where
they will spill. soil the trays or
drop into food underneath. There
are on the market excellent refris-
orator dishes of white enamel in
square and oblong shape with close
ly fitting lid. These are of every
size to- hold small or large amounts
to their flat bottoms will not tip
over as do the usual bowl or dish.
1t seems almost unnecessary to eau
ton against putting highly favored
foods into any refrigerator. One
banana, half a sliced onion, or little
portion of salmon are sufficient to
faint the whole box. Foods give
flavors to each other. piece of
cheese will flavor meat, and any
strong vegetable the milder foods
alongside. Never place hot foods in
the refrigerators, nor cover closely
any food as that will encourage the
jolly bacteria boys to congregate and
multiply.
Every week cleanse and scale the
refrigerator as II the family's life de-
ponds on (which 1t does. Wash the
traps. flush down the trap with hot
water and a safe alkaline disinfect-
ant like I've or washing soda. Keep
food continuously clean, cold and
covered and you will avoid the dan
gers of summer complaint. typhoid
or ptomaine poisoning which Turk on
the edge of all hot weather