In old country houses, grandparents did not use industrial sprays to clean the pantry or scented products to eliminate odors: They used herbs. And among the most effective, rosemary and cloves occupied a privileged place. Today, this wisdom returns to our kitchens, driven by a growing trend towards a more natural home, free of toxins and connected to nature.
Rosemary is an aromatic plant with antimicrobial, antifungal and repellent properties. Clove, for its part, is a powerful antiseptic and insect repellent. Together they form a infallible duo to keep your pantry in perfect condition: clean, protected and with a pleasant aroma.
Clean and bug-free pantry with Master Jacobina
Jacobina Griselda Sánchez Rodríguez, better known as Maestra Jacobina (@alacocinaconjacobina), is a famous 74-year-old TikToker who offers spectacular tips for taking care of the house.
Your first trick to keep the pantry clean and free of insect infestations is to Harness the power of rosemary.
Olive oil expires just like other foods, but do you know when?
Seasons
Rosemary, a plant known for its strong aroma and antiseptic properties, is perfect for keeping the pantry freshfree of bad odors and with a dry and protected environment.
Jacobina uses rosemary both in the form of twigs and loose leaves. The important thing, as he explains, is that it is fresh rosemary, because it dehydrates little by little. and releasing its essence for weeks.
How to prepare rosemary to protect the pantry
To prepare this simple natural sanitizer, you need:
- A small handful of fresh rosemary (twigs or leaves).
- A small plastic cup.
- A piece of healing gauze, the kind that comes with a very open weave.
- An elastic band.
Elaboration:
- Place the rosemary in the glass, cover it with the gauze and secure it with the rubber band.
- The result is an aromatic glass that can be placed directly in the pantry.
The expert He usually puts one glass on the top and another on the bottom of the shelves. Thus, the smell is better distributed and the pleasant atmosphere is maintained throughout the space.
Clove: small but powerful
Clove has antimicrobial and digestive properties.
iStock
The second version of the homemade sanitizer uses cloves. This ingredient has antifungal, repellent and antibacterial properties, so in addition to perfuming the pantry, it helps prevent the appearance of fungi, humidity and small insects.
Clove is especially useful in humid climates or in pantries that store flour, cereals or grains.
The procedure It is the same as with rosemary:
- Several cloves are taken (a tablespoon is usually enough).
- They are placed in a plastic cup and covered. with the gauze.
- The glass is closed with a rubber band.
The Jacobina Master recommends alternating between both; Sometimes he uses rosemary, other times cloves, depending on the smell he wants to achieve at the moment. You can also have both at the same time, placed on different levels of the pantry.
Maintenance routine: order and rotation
Beyond these tricks, the Jacobina Teacher insists that the key to a healthy pantry is cleaning and keeping it organized.
Every three months renew the rosemary or clove bags, and every two or three weeks do a general cleaning, taking everything out, checking expiration dates and reorganizing as needed.
Also, follow these guidelines:
- Maintain the flours, cereals and granola in closed boxes or jars, not in their original packages.
- Place the most used ingredients on handas flour, sugar, herbs and spices.
- Reserve specific areas for what the grandchildren use, like cookies, popcorn, etc.
This system not only preserves food better, but also It also makes everyday life in the kitchen more efficient. The pantry thus becomes a functional, clean space full of the aroma of home.
Simplicity and efficiency within everyone’s reach
The most admirable thing about this method is its simplicity: No expensive products or harsh chemicals needed. With two ingredients that you can find in any kitchen or herbalist, and a piece of cheesecloth, it is possible to keep your pantry in optimal condition.
In addition, the natural aroma given off by both rosemary and cloves It not only disinfects, but also provides a very special feeling of warmth: that touch of home that only traditional solutions can offer.
A tradition that is passed down with love
The Jacobin Master does not limit herself to applying these tricks for herself. She also lovingly passes them on to her children and grandchildren, teaching them to take care of the space from what is natural and everyday. As she herself says, “It’s not just about smelling good, it’s about taking care of what you have, being grateful for what you have.”
Whether you opt for the pungent aroma of clove or the herbal freshness of rosemary, This advice is easy to apply, economical and respectful of your health and that of the planet. A small gesture with a big impact in your kitchen.
If you were interested in this article and would like to receive more about a healthy lifestyle, join the Bodymente WhatsApp channel.
and discover tips and recipes to have a good rest. Exclusive content created by Bodymente experts.