She ties it with a rope: This is how a Cuban woman manages to cook in Cuba

A Cuban woman shares on TikTok her ingenuity for preserving food in a faulty refrigerator, reflecting the challenges families in Cuba face due to shortages and the deterioration of equipment.

Cuban cooking on the islandPhoto © @yainelis.la.cubana / TikTok

A Cuban woman shared on social media how she manages her daily life to be able to cook, amid the shortages and challenges that many families on the island face.

In a video posted on TikTok, the woman shows her kitchen while preparing food for her son. "Good afternoon, I'm going to open the fridge to take out two chicken thighs that I have left for lunch. Of course, we'll close the fridge again. You might be wondering what this cable means: this cable means that the fridge doesn't seal properly, and it ends up ruining even the milk that I get from the store for the baby," she explained.

The Cuban woman demonstrated how to tie the refrigerator door shut with a rope to keep the cold air in, a clever home trick that prevents the few food items she can store from going bad.

In the same video, he showed the two chicken thighs he had to prepare the meal, with which he made a "ripiadito" as part of the family lunch.

His testimony reflects the everyday struggles of thousands of Cuban families who must come up with makeshift solutions in the face of food shortages, the precariousness of appliances, and the deterioration of household equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Difficulties in Cuba

How does the scarcity of resources affect cooking in Cuba?

The scarcity of resources in Cuba profoundly affects families' ability to cook. The lack of electricity, gas, and food forces Cubans to improvise creative solutions for preparing their daily meals. This includes using firewood for cooking and repurposing available food to prevent it from spoiling due to frequent blackouts.

What tricks do Cubans use to preserve food without electricity?

Cubans use various creative methods to preserve food without electricity. One of these methods involves using strings to secure refrigerator doors that do not close properly, thereby preventing cold air from escaping. They also resort to cooking food as soon as they acquire it to prevent spoilage.

How do Cuban mothers cope with the food crisis?

Cuban mothers demonstrate incredible resilience in the face of the food crisis by utilizing any available resources to feed their families. This includes cooking outdoors with firewood, improvising recipes, and seeking community assistance. Their priority is to ensure that their children do not go to bed hungry, despite the adversities.

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Yare Grau

Originally from Cuba, but living in Spain. I studied Social Communication at the University of Havana and later graduated in Audiovisual Communication from the University of Valencia. I am currently part of the CiberCuba team as an editor in the Entertainment section.