Keep Your Cool in the Kitchen All Summer Long

A guide to staying balanced with life and work in the hospitality industry

Culinary Agents

Jun 18, 2019

2019 is predicted to be hotter than last year, and during the summer season, The Line can reach well above 100 degrees. Excessive exposure to heat can cause a range of heat-related illnesses, from heat rash and cramps to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or even death. If your job prevents you from getting out of the kitchen this summer, here are five ways to help handle the heat.

Kitchen Mise en Place

Setting your kitchen up for success in the summer can be a great benefit for everyone. If your kitchen has windows, covering them up can help reduce and block some of the intense rays of the sun. Resist the urge to open windows, keeping them closed will help keep in the AC. Installing fans and turning the hoods up can also assist with moving the air in the kitchen around, helping sweat to evaporate and keep you fresh.

Visit the Walk-in or Freezer Often

Along with storing ingredients, the walk-in can serve as a brief oasis from the heat. On those extremely hot days, offer to help pastry look for ice cream in the freezer - you'll get some relief while helping out your team. Remember, it can be challenging to find what you are looking for in the freezer, so don't be afraid to really lean in and get a good look around (*wink, wink*).

Hydrate

Keep drinking water throughout every shift even when you don't feel thirsty. Water, coconut water and sports drinks can help lower your body temperature and replace the fluids and electrolytes lost through sweating. Also, cut back on diuretics during hot days; soda, coffee, tea and alcohol all cause dehydration.

Lighten Up (Your Wardrobe)

If you work in a kitchen that allows short sleeve shirts -- or even shorts, switching out your usual uniform for them during the summer months can be a big help. Even if you have to keep your sleeves and pants legs long, thanks to modern textile technologies, there are a lot of high-performance clothing options available. Consider moisture-wicking shirts and headbands, water-activated evaporation gear and products that use gel packs or ice to help keep your body temperature down. Keeping your hair shorter can also help you improve your bodies natural heat-fighting abilities.

Find a Quick-Fix

If you’re in need of some instant relief, you can try commonly-found kitchen items to come to the rescue. The same properties that make it a great binder and thickener, also make cornstarch excellent at absorbing moisture. During the steamy months of July and August, this common kitchen ingredient can be used to help you keep things drier below the belt in a pinch.

Have other tips or hacks for keeping cool?!
Share them with us, [email protected].

Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.