|
Frequently
Asked Question About the "SHARE the sun" Project
Why is SHAREcircle promoting solar cooking
in Angola?
There are a
number of far reaching social, environmental and economic benefits to
introducing SUN OVENS in Angola. Solar cooking is an environmentally friendly
alternative to traditional cooking methods. Since using a SUN OVEN does
not rely on firewood and charcoal, it helps to alleviate dependence on
Angola’s already sparse forests and thus reduce deforestation rates.
Widespread SUN OVEN use will reduce the amount of greenhouse gases generated
through traditional cooking and also reduce deforestation which, often
results in soil erosion, heat islands and desertification.
The social
benefits of solar cooking are numerous and varied. Solar cooked food contains
greater nutritional value than food cooked through other methods, and
SUN OVENS provide another means by which to pasteurize water which can
reduce infant/child morbidity and mortality. As the number of meals cooked
over an open flame is reduced, the incidence of burns from open flame
accidents may be reduced as well. Additionally, solar cooking can reduce
the incidence of respiratory and ocular diseases associated with long-term
expose to indoor air pollution.
Solar cooking
also provides many economic benefits. Solar cooking frees up time for
the cookto pursue other activities that may be economically beneficial.
The SHARE the sun project will be assembling the ovens in Angola providing
badly needed jobs and bring additional money into the Angolan economy.
What can be cooked in a SUN OVEN?
Any food that
needs to be baked, boiled or steamed. Common Angolan foods like can be
cooked using the power of the sun.
How hot will the oven get?
Cooking temperatures
of 183°C (360° F) can to 204°C (400° F) can be maintained.
Can you sterilize water in a SUN OVEN?
Yes. Water can be brought to a boil. A little-known fact,
however, is that to make water safe to drink, itonly has to be pasteurized,
not sterilized. Pasteurization takes place at 65° C (150° F) in
only 20 minutes. This treatment kills all human disease pathogens, but
doesn't waste the energy needed to bring the water to a boil. One reason
that people are told to boil their water is that thermometers are not
readily available in many places and the boiling action serves as the
temperature indicator. The family you adopt will receive a Water Pasteurization
Indicator (WAPI). The WAPI is a durable reusable plastic tube that contains
soy wax, which melts when the water reaches pasteurization temperatures.
How much does a SUN OVEN cost?
The price of
the GLOBAL SUN OVEN purchase, shipping to Angola, distribution and training
is $200.00. In the U.S. GLOBAL SUN OVEN our sold by the manufacture for
$229.00 + $21.85 shipping and handling. By purchasing in large quantities
and assembling the ovens in Angola the ovens will be able to be sold for
40% less than the price in the U.S.
Will food prepared in a SUN OVEN taste the same?
The food tastes much better! Solar cooking allows many of the natural
flavors of food, which get smoked out in conventional open fire cooking,
to remain. The slow, even rise in temperatures in a GLOBAL SUN OVEN gives
the complex carbohydrates time to break down into simple sugars allowing
the subtle natural flavor to emerge. Sun baked foods stay moist, the natural
internal juices do not bake out, resulting in a superior, moist taste
and much less shrinkage.
Does food need to be stirred?
No. Stirring
to prevent scorching is not required when cooking in a GLOBAL SUN OVEN
due to the fact that there are no hot spots. The temperature of the food
and the pot it is cooked in rises equally. It is almost impossible to
burn food in a GLOBAL SUN OVEN.
In Angola the main meal of the day is often
eaten after sundown. Can a SUN OVEN be used?
GLOBAL SUN
OVENS are well insulated. When left in the oven, food that is cooked in
the afternoon sun will stay warm for several hours.
With the SUN OVEN getting so hot, what
is the risk of getting burned when using it?
The only parts
that get hot are the oven chamber, the cooking pan and the glass door.
Proper care must be taken to use hot pads when opening the door and removing
food. The entire exterior of the oven, including the reflectors, remains
safe to touch.
How long will a SUN OVEN last?
The estimated
life of a GLOBAL SUN OVEN is 20 + years. With proper care it should last
a lifetime.
Once again, if you
would like to make a generous donation, please: Mail-in
your donation by sending it to SHAREcircle, 726 Monroe, Floor 3, Evanston,
IL 60202. You can also donate
online here or by phone by calling (847)
733-1276.
Return to Top
|
RSS
