Anyone had experience with root cellars for long term storage in Latin America - Guatemala specifically?
I’m not an expert, but my impression is that root cellars only work in areas where there is a long enough cold period to cool the lower levels of the soil to be able to function like a refrigerator…
Like in Middle Europe the average soil temperature at a certain point is pretty cool (I forgot the exact numbers. In my head it says 1m deep and 4°C, but I have a hard time believing this).
Deep ground temperature is usually around the average air temperature.
Climate of Guatemala
Located within the tropics and with elevations ranging between sea level and more than 13,000 feet (4,000 metres), Guatemala experiences a diversity of climates. Below 3,000 feet (900 metres) in elevation, average monthly temperatures range between 70 and 80 °F (21 and 27 °C) throughout the year; between 3,000 and 5,000 feet (900 and 1,500 metres), temperatures range between 60 and 70 °F (16 and 21 °C); and from 6,000 to 9,000 feet (1,500 to 2,700 metres), they range between 50 and 60 °F (10 and 16 °C). Above 9,000 feet, temperatures are marginal for crops, but the grazing of animals is possible.