Chandigarh, April 8: As India braces for another sweltering summer, many households are not just switching to cooling foods but also rethinking the way their kitchens function. With temperatures rising well above 40°C in many parts of the country, and humidity levels making the air thick and sticky, kitchens—often already hot zones due to constant cooking—can turn unbearable. But this summer, the spotlight is not just on what we eat, but also on how we store, cook, and maintain our kitchens to beat the heat.
From adding clay pots to kitchen counters to revisiting ancient cooling techniques, Indians are reviving traditional wisdom and adopting smart hacks to ensure their cooking spaces remain as cool, clean, and hygienic as possible.
Why Summer-Proofing the Kitchen Matters
While most families are quick to fill their fridges with melons, curd, lemon water, and leafy greens, few think about adapting their kitchen setups. The result: greasy exhaust fans, sticky floors, and an environment perfect for flies, cockroaches, and even mold.
“A clean and well-ventilated kitchen isn’t just about comfort. It’s about food safety,” says Rekha Sharma, a home chef from Jaipur. “The heat can cause food to spoil faster, and the humidity encourages bacterial growth. If your kitchen isn’t kept in check, your efforts to eat light and healthy can go to waste.”
Summer-proofing, therefore, goes beyond cosmetic changes. It involves structural thinking—rethinking cooking habits, storage methods, ventilation systems, and cleaning routines.
Step 1: Stay Cool with Earthenware
One of the easiest and most eco-friendly solutions comes from the past—earthen pots. Traditionally used across Indian households for storing water, these clay vessels are now making a comeback. Their porous surface allows for natural evaporation, keeping the water cool without any electricity.
“Switching from plastic bottles to a matka not only keeps water cooler but also adds an earthy taste that many people love,” says Vinod Pal, a potter from Uttar Pradesh. “We’ve seen a huge surge in demand this year, especially from urban homes.”
Besides water, earthen pots can also be used to store curd, buttermilk, or even grains—helping maintain cooler internal temperatures and reducing the chance of spoilage.
Step 2: Go Seasonal, Go Fresh
Another cornerstone of a summer-proof kitchen is a shift in grocery choices. Seasonal vegetables like bottle gourd, cucumber, and bitter gourd are preferred not just for their nutritional value, but because they cook faster and produce less heat. These water-rich vegetables also help maintain hydration.
More people are also opting for no-cook meals—salads, chilled soups, or raw snacks—to cut down on stove usage. Cold-pressed juices, aam panna, and mint-based drinks are a common sight in Indian kitchens during this time.
Step 3: Optimize Kitchen Ventilation
Cooking in a closed-off kitchen during peak summer hours can be an ordeal. Without proper ventilation, kitchens trap heat and fumes, making them unbearable.
Experts recommend investing in a good exhaust fan or chimney and keeping windows open while cooking. If possible, shifting heavy cooking tasks to early morning or late evening hours can also reduce the load. In rural areas, outdoor cooking under shaded spaces continues to be a popular and practical solution.
In newer apartments, modular kitchens are now being designed with summer in mind. “Cross ventilation is a key factor,” says Ananya Joshi, an interior designer in Bengaluru. “We suggest lighter wall colors, heat-reflective surfaces, and even using mesh screens to keep insects out while allowing airflow.”
Step 4: Frequent Cleaning to Beat Grease and Germs
With soaring temperatures, kitchens become hotbeds for bacterial and fungal growth. Regular deep cleaning of countertops, stove areas, and even spice racks becomes crucial. Oily surfaces can attract more dust in humid environments, worsening the condition.
Natural cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon are increasingly being used to keep surfaces grease-free and fresh-smelling. Some households even use neem or camphor for natural disinfecting and pest control.
Step 5: Rethink Storage
Plastic containers can warp or release harmful chemicals in extreme heat. That’s why many people are now choosing glass or stainless steel for food storage. These materials do not react with food, are easier to clean, and keep food cooler for longer.
Also, perishables like milk and leafy greens must be stored with extra care during summer. Keeping the fridge organized and maintaining optimal cooling settings helps reduce spoilage and wastage.
Step 6: Plants and Herbs to the Rescue
Greenery is not just for aesthetic value—it can help regulate kitchen temperature. Keeping indoor plants like tulsi, aloe vera, or money plant near windows or corners helps improve air quality. Some herbs like mint and coriander also thrive in small kitchen gardens and double up as cooling ingredients in meals.
A Season for Smarter Kitchens
Ultimately, summer-proofing a kitchen isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. In a country where power outages, water shortages, and extreme weather are not uncommon, preparing the kitchen for the season ensures safety, comfort, and better health.
“It’s not about expensive upgrades,” Sharma adds. “Sometimes, all you need is an old clay pot, a few cleaning tweaks, and smarter meal planning. The kitchen is the heart of our homes—it deserves seasonal care just like we give our wardrobes.”
With climate change making summers more intense every year, adapting our kitchens may soon become as routine as switching to cotton clothes and turning on the ceiling fans. And the best part? Most of these changes are simple, cost-effective, and rooted in India’s traditional practices.
