The history of refrigeration

Refrigeration is the action of creating cooling conditions by removing heat. It is used for preserving food by slowing bacteria growth.

• Around 1000BC, the Chinese used to cut and store ice.
• Five hundred years later, the Egyptians and Indians left earthenware pots out during cold nights to make ice.
• In the 17th century, it was found that saltpeter dissolved in water creates cooling conditions.
• In the 18th century, Europeans collected ice in winter, salted it, wrapped it in flannel, and stored it underground for months. Ice was even shipped around the world.
• People also used cool cellars or placed goods underwater.
• Others built ice boxes out of wood, lined with tin or zinc, and insulated with cork, sawdust, or seaweed, and filled with snow or ice.