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.
https://www.britannica.com/place/Guatemala/Climate
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.