Let’s face it, power outages in Nigeria are unpredictable, especially during the rainy season. And if you’ve ever bought fresh tomatoes, vegetables, or meat only to lose them within a few days, you’re not alone. The struggle is real.
But here’s the good news: there are simple, effective ways to preserve perishables and reduce food waste even without constant electricity. At Sundry Agro, we believe in empowering Nigerian households with knowledge and access to quality foodstuff that lasts.
So whether you’re stocking up through bulk shopping or meal prepping for the week, here are the best methods on How to Preserve Perishables During Power Outages in Nigeria. Below are methods for food preservation in Nigeria that every smart shopper should know.
1. How to preserve perishables (Tomatoes Without Refrigeration)
Fresh tomatoes spoil quickly without light or cold storage, especially after being blended.
What to do:
-Boil and store in jars: After blending, boil the tomato mix (with pepper and onions) until it thickens and loses water. Store in clean jars or containers with oil layered on top to seal air.
-Freeze in portions: If power is fairly stable, freeze in smaller portions. That way, if power goes out, you only lose a littlenot the whole batch.
-Buy pre-blended tomato mixes from Sundry Agro that are thick, well-cooked, and portion-packed for longer shelf life.
2. Store Leafy Vegetables the Smart Way
Ugu, scent leaf, bitter leaf these go bad quickly. But there are ways to extend freshness.
What to do:
-Wash and sun-dry: For long-term use, wash, shred, and sun-dry your leaves. Store in airtight containers.
-Blanch and freeze: Dip leaves in hot water briefly, then cool and squeeze. Pack into freezer bags for use in soups later.
-With Sundry Agro, you can get pre-washed vegetables already sorted and packaged for easy preservation.
3. How to Keep Fish and Meat Safe
Dried or smoked proteins are your best friend during light outages.
What to do:
Stock up on dried fish, stockfish, or pomo: These don’t need refrigeration and still add rich flavour to your meals.
Salt and sun-dry fresh meat/fish: If you buy in bulk, consider seasoning and drying a portion under sunlight to avoid spoilage.
Sundry Agro offers dried fish, crayfish, and other proteins in hygienic, sealed packs.
4. Use Airtight & Moisture-Free Storage
Sometimes the issue isn’t the power ,it’s the packaging and how to preserve perishables. Moisture, heat, or pests can shorten the shelf life of your dry items like beans, rice, and spices.
What to do on how to preserve perishables:
Use airtight containers or resealable bags.
Add bay leaves or dried pepper to grains to deter insects.
Store food in cool, dry places off the floor and away from heat.
Sundry Advantage: Our foodstuff comes in moisture-proof, resealable packaging perfect for long-lasting storage in Nigerian kitchens.
5. Plan Your Shopping Around Storage Options
If you don’t have a freezer or constant light, buy perishables in smaller amounts or opt for already-processed options like: Blended and cooked tomato mix, Sun-dried vegetables, Packaged spices, Smoked proteins.
Sundry Agro, we help you plan smarter not harder on how to preserve perishables. Whether you shop weekly or monthly, we tailor bundles based on how much your storage can take.
Power outages don’t have to ruin your groceries. With the right storage tips and a little help from Sundry Agro, you can enjoy fresh, nutritious meals rain or shine.
Say goodbye to food waste and hello to smarter shopping. We’ve got your back with expertly packaged, long-lasting ingredients for every Nigerian kitchen.
Know What Spoils Fast and Plan Accordingly On How To Preserve Perishables
Some items are more sensitive to heat and time. These include:
- Raw meat, poultry, and fish
- Cooked foods (like soups and stews)
- Fresh vegetables like tomatoes, ugu, okra
- Dairy products like milk and cheese
- Fruits like bananas, pineapples, and avocados
Tip: Plan meals around what’s likely to spoil first. If you know there might be a blackout, cook and consume those items quickly or find ways to preserve them (more on that below).
2. Freeze What You Can Before the Light Goes
If your power is off and on, or you suspect an extended outage is coming:
- Move perishable foods to the coldest part of the freezer
- Freeze cooked soups, meats, and vegetables in portion-sized containers
- If you don’t have a freezer, keep items in a cool, covered box or ice chest with ice blocks if available
Pro Tip: The fuller your freezer, the longer it stays cold. If you don’t have much food in it, freeze bottles of water to take up space and keep it cold longer. These is how to preserve perishables
3. Invest in Insulated Coolers or Ice Boxes
A good cooler box or ice chest can be a lifesaver during blackouts. Store cooked meals, meat, or dairy inside with ice packs or frozen water bottles.
This might not be a big freezer, but it buys you time up to 24 hours or more.
Tip: Use foil paper or newspaper inside your cooler for extra insulation. Every degree helps.
4. Store Cooked Foods in Airtight Containers
Leaving food uncovered or in metal pots accelerates spoilage when there’s no power.
Instead:
- Use airtight plastic or glass containers
- Cover soups with cling film or a tight lid
- Store in a cool, shaded area never in direct sunlight
Bonus Tip: Consider dividing big pots of soup into smaller bowls. That way, you only expose one portion at a time and reduce contamination.
5. Dry, Smoke, or Sun-Dry When Possible
If you don’t have stable electricity, try traditional preservation methods:
- Smoke meat or fish after purchase or cooking. It gives extra days of freshness and adds flavor.
- Sun-dry vegetables or pepper blends (like ugwu, uziza, or blended tomatoes) on a clean tray under a safe net.
- Use salt and spices to preserve chopped vegetables temporarily.
It may feel old-school—but it works.
6. Use Natural Preservatives
Sometimes, a little goes a long way:
- Salt and vinegar can preserve sliced vegetables like onions or cucumber.
- Palm oil can act as a seal for blended pepper or soups.
- Lime or lemon juice slows down browning in fruits and helps keep avocado, bananas, and apples fresh a bit longer.
7. Reduce Fridge Opening Time
Each time you open the fridge or freezer during an outage, cold air escapes—and perishables spoil faster.
Tip: Know what you need before opening. Take it all out at once and close the door quickly.
8. Store Dry Goods Separately and Securely
During outages, the kitchen gets humid—and this can affect:
- Bread (it molds fast)
- Cereals (they absorb moisture)
- Snacks (they go stale)
Use airtight jars, Ziploc bags, or covered containers to protect your dry goods from humidity and pests.
9. Consider Small-Scale Backup Power or Gas Cooling
If your budget allows:
- Solar-powered freezers are becoming more popular and efficient
- Rechargeable fans or AC units help cool spaces a little
- Some coolers now come with gas-based cooling technology
This may be a long-term goal, but it’s worth keeping in mind for consistent food preservation.
10. Don’t Beat Yourself Up if You Have to Throw Food Away
Sometimes, despite all efforts, food will spoil. It hurts—especially with today’s prices—but please know this:
It’s not your fault. You’re doing your best in an unpredictable system.
Try to learn what you can from each situation and prepare a little better next time. Over time, it gets easier.
This method on How to Preserve Perishables During Power Outages in Nigeria are helpful because We’re In This Together.
Living in Nigeria means learning to adapt, plan ahead, and find creative solutions. Preserving perishables without steady power isn’t always easy but with the right tips, tools, and mindset, you can reduce waste, stress less, and keep your kitchen stocked even during tough times. www.sundry.com is at your service.
Remember: planning a little ahead is an act of self-care. https://sundryagro.com
You deserve meals that nourish you whether NEPA cooperates or not.