The Secret of Ancient "Refrigerators": How Our Ancestors Used Charcoal for Food Preservation

In ancient times without modern refrigeration technology, food preservation was an extremely challenging task. However, ingenious ancestors creatively utilized simple materials—charcoal—to develop an astonishing food preservation system.

Archaeological findings reveal that as early as the Han Dynasty over 2,000 years ago, ancient Chinese people had mastered the technique of using charcoal for preservation. Charcoal possesses strong adsorption properties, capable of absorbing moisture and odors from the air, creating a relatively dry and clean storage environment. Typically, ancient people would place food in sealed pottery jars and surround it with charcoal granules, forming a natural "preservation box."

Even more remarkable, ancient people discovered the synergistic effects of charcoal with other materials. By mixing charcoal with lime or plant ash, the dehumidification effect was further enhanced; while combining charcoal with spices like Sichuan peppercorns achieved both anti-corrosion and deodorizing dual functions. This composite preservation method shares striking similarities with the working principles of modern refrigerators.

Most astonishingly, in the Western Han Dynasty tomb of Marquis Haihun unearthed in Nanchang, Jiangxi, archaeologists discovered well-preserved remnants of grains and fruits. Research confirmed these were the results of charcoal preservation technology. This discovery not only showcases the wisdom of ancient people but also provides precious physical evidence for studying the development of ancient science and technology.

These innovative practices by our ancestors not only solved the preservation challenges of their time but also demonstrated early explorations in material science by the Chinese nation. Behind these seemingly simple techniques lie profound understanding and clever utilization of natural laws, worthy of continued research and learning today.