Objects in Material Culture. F is for Fridge — Chilling chronicles of the coolest kitchen companion

Hello Hello! We’re the cool crew inside your trusty old fridge, and let us tell you, our world is a treasure trove of tales just waiting to be told. If we could chatter away, we’d regale you with stories of how this humble appliance has revolutionised the way your kitchen operates. Here is a sneak peek into our exciting fridge-bound lives.

First things first, let’s chat about time – that invaluable currency in every home. You see, your fridge is the ultimate time-saver. Take Shalini, for instance, the proud owner of this chilled wonder. She knows the secret sauce to a hassle-free life — buying us ingredients in bulk during her weekly sabzi mandi escapades. No more daily veggie hunts, no more haggling with the sabziwala, and definitely no more lugging bags stuffed with groceries. Thanks to the fridge, not only homemakers but every family member can say goodbye to the daily shopping grind and make time for more exciting pursuits.

But this is more than just a time-saving device; it’s a symbol of freedom. Remember the days when homemakers were tied to their daily chores, the mere thought of running out of veggies or milk causing a mini-crisis at home? Well, say farewell to those days. With the fridge on their side, there’s no need to rush to the market daily. Planning and stocking fresh food items are the new cool, and it means liberation from the kitchen’s eternal grasp. Now Shalini, my owner, stocks up, sorts everything, and then happily loses herself in the latest episode of her favourite daily soap, ‘Anupama.’ Not just that, she does her crochet and all other activities that give her some ‘me time’. You see, the fridge isn’t just a life-saver; it’s a life-changer.

Moreover, this fridge of ours embodies some classic middle-class values like thrift and the aversion to wastage. Food is pretty much sacred in Indian culture and your fridge ensures that every last morsel is cherished and put to good use. It’s not just about saving a few extra bucks; it’s about honouring the hard-earned resources that go into every meal. Leftovers? No problem. Leftover steamed rice is magically transformed into a scrumptious pulao the next day.

But wait, the fridge isn’t all about tradition. It’s like a passport to international living right in your kitchen. You’ll find not just the familiar desi veggies but also the exotic newcomers like baby corn, zucchinis and yes, chocolate syrup! Fruits from faraway lands grace our shelves, and there’s a world of dairy delights waiting for you — think ice creams, cheese cakes and an array of desserts. In the blistering summer heat, even Sharvari, Shalini’s little one, can’t resist the allure. She often silently tip toes as her mum frowns upon her when she is caught having cold delights. She swings by for a chilled mango lassi or a refreshing glass of iced water straight from the fridge, especially after a long day at school. It’s like her personal oasis in the kitchen.

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Now, don’t get us started on the creativity that flows in here. The fridge is like a playground for culinary experimentation. Shalini loves to dabble in international recipes, whipping up scrumptious salads and desserts. And not just that, she even concocts her own fusion dishes within the realm of Indian cuisine. The fridge sparks her culinary imagination, and we’re more than happy to oblige her experiments.

So, the next time you open this fridge, remember it’s not just a cold box; it’s a gateway to freedom, thrift, global flavours and a canvas for culinary ingenuity. We, the ingredients, are here to help you unlock the delicious potential of this unassuming yet transformative appliance. Bon appétit!

(Hamsini Shivakumar is a Semiotician and founder of Leapfrog Strategy. Naheed Akhtar is a senior research analyst at Leapfrog Strategy.)