What is a Pantry?
Common to many kitchens in both homes and restaurants, the pantry is a special closet that is set aside for the storage of foodstuffs or kitchen appliances. Once located in close proximity to the food preparation area, pantries today may be attached to the kitchen proper or found in the basement or other areas of the home that would otherwise be considered unused space. Pantries usually feature a series of shelves as well as open space for the storage of larger containers. The exact configuration of the interior of the pantry will depend on the type of food storage that is intended for the space. Originally, a pantry was understood to be a cool and dark place where perishable foods such as freshly baked bread could be stored. In fact, the word pantry is thought to be derived from the French word “pan” which means bread. Over time, the concept of the pantry was expanded from a simple bread room into an area where essentials could be stored in bulk. The pantry is often identified by the
Forget all about grandma’s closet full of dusty, moldering jars and canned goods. The pantry isn’t really a place as much as a state of mind. It’s a way of thinking and planning ahead when you shop so you always have basic food items on hand. After you’ve stocked your pantry, supermarket trips may be less frequent. You’ll only need to shop for perishable foods and depleted pantry items. The physical pantry in your home is any cool, dry place you can store food items for a length of time, including kitchen cupboards, shelves — even a little floor space in a closet will work. Your refrigerator and freezer are part of the pantry, too!
