How was food frozen before electricity?

Prior to the invention of electrical refrigeration, various techniques were used to preserve food through freezing. These methods were primarily based on the utilization of natural winter conditions and the harvesting and storage of ice. Here are some common methods used for food freezing before electricity:

1. Natural Ice: During cold winter months, people would cut blocks of ice from frozen lakes, rivers, or ponds and store them in icehouses or cellars insulated with straw or sawdust. This ice was then used to cool food and beverages throughout the year.

2. Icehouses and Cold Storage Facilities: Icehouses were dedicated structures designed for storing ice. They were typically located near lakes or rivers and constructed with thick walls and roofs to maintain a cool environment. Ice was packed tightly inside, often layered with straw or sawdust for insulation. These icehouses allowed for the preservation of perishable foods over extended periods.

3. Glaciers: In certain mountainous regions, glaciers served as natural freezers. Communities would construct shelters near these glaciers to store and preserve food items.

4. Snow Packing: People in colder climates would pack perishable food items in snow-filled containers or pits to keep them cool. This method was suitable for areas with significant snowfall.

5. Root Cellars and Underground Storage: People utilized underground cellars, root cellars, and basements to store perishable food items. The naturally cool temperatures of the earth provided a suitable environment for food preservation.

6. Spring Houses and Cold Springs: Springs or natural cold water sources were used to keep food cool. People constructed spring houses near such sources to store perishable items.

7. Winter Freezing: In freezing winter conditions, some regions practiced outdoor freezing of food items. They would leave food outside overnight to freeze and store it in an insulated container during the day.

It's important to note that these methods had certain limitations in terms of reliability, consistency, and preservation time compared to modern refrigeration. With the advent of electricity and the development of electrical refrigeration appliances, food preservation techniques became more efficient and controllable.