A summer kitchen is a separate, outdoor cooking area that was commonly used in the past. It was an essential part of homesteads in the 19th and early 20th centuries, providing a place to prepare and store food away from the main house. Summer kitchens were especially popular in rural areas, where the main house could get too hot in the summer months for proper cooking and food storage.
History of Summer Kitchens
Summer kitchens first originated in Europe, where they were known as “outdoor kitchens” or “kitchens outside”. These outdoor kitchens provided a place where families could cook, bake, and even brew beer during the hot summer months. In the United States, summer kitchens were popular in the early 1800s, especially in rural areas. They were used to store and prepare food, and to keep the main house cool in the summer.
Benefits of Having a Summer Kitchen
Having a summer kitchen offers a number of benefits. The most obvious benefit is that it keeps the main house cooler in the summer months, as the cooking and food preparation is done outside. Additionally, having a separate area for food preparation means that the smells and smoke from cooking are kept away from the main house. Summer kitchens also provide a place for canning and preserving food, which was often done in the summer months.
Common Features of a Summer Kitchen
Summer kitchens typically included a stove, oven, or fireplace for cooking; a sink or hand pump for washing dishes; and shelves or cupboards for storing food. Other features could include a root cellar for storing vegetables; a smokehouse for keeping meat; and an outhouse for sanitary purposes. Covered patios or porches were often added to provide shade and protection from the elements.
Modern Usage of Summer Kitchens
Today, summer kitchens are becoming increasingly popular again. They provide a great place to cook and entertain outdoors, without having to worry about the heat and smoke of a grill. A modern summer kitchen may include features such as a refrigerator, dishwasher, and oven, and may be used for cooking, baking, and entertaining. Many people also use their summer kitchen to store canned goods and preserve food for later use.
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