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I have been having some problems with cultural adjustment with my wife.  Today my wife screamed when she cracked an egg and it was all black and rotten.  Upon investigation, I found that she had been storing the eggs in the cupboard and not the refrigerator.  I told her that it was important that things like milk and eggs are always in the refrigerator.  She said that in Colombia people don’t store eggs in the refrigerator.  I find this hard to believe.  For those men who have Colombian wives, is this true?

... in response to Colombian wife in America, posted by valuedcustomer on Apr 2, 2005

My wife always stored eggs in the refrigerator back in Colombia and still does.

... in response to Colombian wife in America, posted by valuedcustomer on Apr 2, 2005

I don't remember about Colombia, but my noiva in Brazil doesn't refrigerate a lot of things that we do here in N.A.  

At Christmas, she prepared a very nice dinner.  Christmas dinner is eaten at midnight in Brazil.  SHe had done the cooking in the morning and early afternoon and left the food out in the kitchen for HOURS until we ate.  After our meal, the food continued to stay out in the kitchen for the rest of the night and into the morning.  It seemed that Brazilians used their refirderators to keep cold water, cold fruit juice or soft drinks.  Raw meats were also kept in the fridge.

My impression is that fridges are used primarily to make things cold and only secondarily to preserve the freshness of foods.  I know that I am going to put a stop to that in a hurry wherever we end up living.  On my visit, there were far too many flies and such around the food for my comfort.  

I live in south Florida and there are all kinds of insects and lizards or geckos that make their way into houses.  I put EVERYTHING in the fridge, including bread and opened cereal.  Only well sealed, unopened packages stay out.  That is the way it will be.  Patience is secondary in this case.  Eating spoiled or contaminated food is a serious health hazard that is easily prevented.

... in response to Colombian wife in America, posted by valuedcustomer on Apr 2, 2005

I too would say that from what I can remember in all people I have stayed with  a majority of the food tends to be purchased for consumption within a day or two.   Most of the refrigerators I have seen tend to be sparse with little contents and used mostly to keep meats and similar items fresh.   I think is has more to do with a way of living, the differences in culture and lifestyle.   We tend to have products here kept in situations for a longer "shelf life".

... in response to Colombian wife in America, posted by valuedcustomer on Apr 2, 2005

[This message has been edited by doombug]

My wife (Peruvian) leaves her eggs out, usually in the very bags or trays in which she bought them.  She has been recently learning about refrigeration after having finally bought her first (used) refrigerator about a year ago.  In fact, the markets in Peru sell eggs unrefrigerated, whereas most major outlets here don't.

It seems the Peruvians, Mexicans, and other Latinos that I know--or have met or lived with--eat eggs a lot sooner after buying them than we do.  In Peru, I never witnessed them buy (or sell) multi-dozen packages (as I have done--even living alone).  We eat out for breakfast more often, and seem to eat more sweetened cereals, pancakes, waffles, etc., than Latinos.  So, with our breakfasts tending to not be as "traditional" any longer, we can't afford to allow our eggs to sit out unrefrigerated as they do in LA.

Almost every morning in Lima we'd eat some sort of egg concoction, often with ham, and with such sides as french bread, papaya or mango juice, fried platanos (bananas), marmalades, olives, and pantry-stored MILK, and an awesome little treat called "maca avena," which they simmer with cloves and raw cinnamon sticks (my wife calls it 'kweker,' since it's made by "Quaker." Coincidently, it is impossible to find in the U.S.)  Still, it was remarkable to discover that they don't refrigerate milk, eggs, and much more that we would consider perishable.  Milk is sold in half-liter cartons right off the shelf; and eggs in transparent bags, stacked in bins near the cash registers.  

One of the most horrid breakfast foods I've ever eatin--anywhere--are "huevos de la tortuga" (the eggs of fresh water turtles).  Their smell, taste, and appearance is disgusting in equal parts.  And my wife and her sisters are not ashamed to admit loving them.  Peruvians love a variety of eggs:  Quail eggs in their soups, chicken eggs for breakfast/soups, and turtle eggs for breakfast or as a treat.

Still, the breakfasts--the food in general--that I've eatin while in Peru has been the most memorable and yummy anywhere.  And it is one of the leading reasons why I hope some day to retire there.

... in response to Colombian wife in America, posted by valuedcustomer on Apr 2, 2005

when i went to exito in bogota the eggs were all in the isles, with the sodas, cereals, etc, not refrigerated.

... in response to Colombian wife in America, posted by valuedcustomer on Apr 2, 2005

[This message has been edited by Cali James]


I don't know, my experience was that people refigerated their eggs.  My wife said everyone she knows does the same but that in Bogota there are some people who don't.

... in response to Colombian wife in America, posted by valuedcustomer on Apr 2, 2005

When I visited my ex novia in Bogota, her family hardly put anything in the frig. If I remember correctly I think I only ever saw raw meat in the frig.  Milk, eggs, cheese, and other stuff was always left out overnight.  

The first time I stayed at her house, I awoke the next morning before everyone else and I threw away all the food that they left on the dinning room table and such.  Her mother was so upset and didn't understand my actions but I explained to her what I thought the food wss no longer good and she informed me that in Colombia they don't put stuff in the frig. (except for meat).  

Just be patient.

... in response to Re: Colombian wife in America, posted by Onephd on Apr 2, 2005

This depends. My wife's family always puts everything in the refrigerator. They even put stuff in there that doesn't really need to be there.

... in response to Colombian wife in America, posted by valuedcustomer on Apr 2, 2005

Guys… thanks for the good information.  At least that verifies for me that they don’t refrigerate eggs in Colombia.  But, I told my wife what you said and she said that in Colombia they do buy large portions of eggs and keep them for more than two weeks.  She says that in Colombia they take the eggs directly from the chickens and don’t use chemicals thus the eggs last longer… she claims the eggs must spoil faster in America because of all the chemicals we put in them.  She has also claimed that the food here has no taste because of the chemicals.  I don’t know what the truth is here .. but if you bring a wife over from America make sure she puts the eggs and milk in the refrigerator.

... in response to Re: Colombian wife in America, posted by valuedcustomer on Apr 2, 2005


Fresh eggs in the shell will last up to 3 weeks if not refrigerated.  However it is best to refrigerate them for freshness and to prevent illness such as botulism.  

Your wife is correct that the eggs taste better in Colombia but it's probably because of the feed or better living conditions than our mass produced egg ranches.  Range free eggs are the best tasting.

Here are a couple informative sites with suggested shelf life on various foods you can show your esposa.

http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/docs/d000001-d000100/d000066/d000066.html

http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/foodbornedis.htm

... in response to Colombian wife in America, posted by valuedcustomer on Apr 2, 2005

My wife put them in the fridge when I was in Colombia but then the store did
not have them cold either so who knows...

... in response to Colombian wife in America, posted by valuedcustomer on Apr 2, 2005

You can store eggs unrefrigerated for awhile.Maybe a week,2 weeks max.They are not refrigerated in the store here.She probably just used them up faster when here.
For women who come from such a hot climate they seem to have little comprehension of things spoiling.Probably because they get eaten quickly and they tend to buy everything in small quantities here.
My ex would just leave food in the rice cooker.She liked to put all kinds of ingredients in rice.But it could spoil in a few hours,overnight for sure.
Lucky for you those rotten eggs were so rotten it was obvious.

Pete

... in response to Colombian wife in America, posted by valuedcustomer on Apr 2, 2005

Yes it is. Even when you buy them in the local store you will see them in the dry goods area. I think that in Colombia they (eggs) are used so quickly they don't have the chance to spoil. I would help her adjust and eat more eggs.

... in response to Re: Colombian wife in America, posted by Craig on Apr 2, 2005

This cracks me up. My wife and her kids eat more eggs than anyone I ever saw. They eat so many eggs I am thinking of getting some chickens to keep them supplied.

... in response to Re: Re: Colombian wife in America, posted by utopiacowboy on Apr 2, 2005

Utopiacowboy,

Now, that sounds like a real good idea.  It would give your wife and kids even more of a feel for Texas living; and give them a project too.   But, I don't know what the chicken feed costs.  Feed is not not cheap these days, that's for sure.  My Dad has raised chickens off and on for years.  He really gets into it.  He and Mom live by Fort Gibson Lake, just north of Wagoner.  Since you used to live in Oklahoma, I am sure you know a little about this area.  Anyhow, your wife and kids would probably get a real kick out of having their own chickens.  I know that all the little kids in my extended family have always wanted to go see my Dad's chickens.  My kids are all grown now, but I well remember when they were young.  I think that farm animals of all types are good for kids to be raised around.  Especially if they have some responsibility for the care of the animals and birds.  By the way, my Dad really goes a little nuts with the birds: ducks, guineas, and geese; as well as chickens.  When I was a kid, Dad always had the "critters"; but my favorites were always the horses.  I am no cowboy like you, but I loved having our horses when I was growing up.  My ex-wife and I had two mares when we were married.  As far as I know, she still has them.  But, they were starting to get old, so one or both may be dead by now.  Well, it was good visiting with you about this.  Who knows, you just might have a rooster crow waking you up in the morning soon! ha

                          OkieMan

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Colombian wife in America, posted by OkieMan on Apr 2, 2005

I had chickens for a long time until we took in an unwanted Dalmatian. They are terrible dogs and that was the end of the chickens. Thank God, a neighbor later shot that dog when it was running loose. Many of them are deaf and the rest of them act like they're deaf.

... in response to Re: Colombian wife in America, posted by Craig on Apr 2, 2005

When I was married to my first wife who is from Mexico, After opening a bottle of mayo,she would put the mayonaise in the cupboard. I had to explain to her and her family that it could spoil. Needless to say, I got a lot of strange looks. I guess the lesson here is if you have a latina in the house always check your cupboards.
Also, I think that  a lot of colombians think that the usa has a lot of chemicals in their foods. I remember a family of a girl that I dated in Barranquilla. Always, they stressed that the food they gave me was completely natural. They were very proud of that.

Typher

... in response to Re: Re: Colombian wife in America, posted by typher on Apr 2, 2005

Always, they stressed that the food they gave me was completely natural."

My wife's like that, too.  She believes in a lot of the hype, schemes, fads, etc., that the media and diet industry puts out.  I see it in her approach to buying shampoo, facial cream, juices, and such.  Ironically, some recent health problems she's had are intensified by her urge to keep her figure lean .  She's become anemic.

Organic food is another recent fad here in the States that hasn't caught on in LA yet (maybe because most of their food still qualifies as organic anyways).  Though it may not have been treated with chemicals, it is no more healthy than the chemically treated stuff.  In fact, it is more likely to go bad quicker, yet be more pricey.

... in response to Re: Re: Colombian wife in America, posted by typher on Apr 2, 2005

Jup,refrigerate after opening doesn't sink in.Mayo can go bad in a few hours.Poisionous.Much worse for you then any immagined chemicals.

Pete

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Colombian wife in America, posted by Pete E on Apr 2, 2005

Pete,
Since you live there, what do you do concerning food left out by one of your latinas?  Do you have to follow up behind them and put some stuff in your frig?  By the way, what size refrigerator do you have in your apartment?  I know that you seem to eat out a lot; based on your posts.  I am just curious how you handle that situation in your home? I am also curious about Utopiacowboy in Texas or other guys who post here who are married to latinas.  What does their wives do about food left out?

                             OkieMan

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Colombian wife in Americ..., posted by OkieMan on Apr 2, 2005

I have a big side by side,26 cubic ft.It came with the apartment.Thats good because we keep lots of beer wine and soda in it in addition to food,which includes lots of produce.The chicken and meat gets frozen if we will not eat it today.Plus its got automatic ice and water after I had it repaired.
My maid kind of ers on the side of freezing everything.So no big spoilage problem.,She sometimes puts plates of food in the microwave just to keep bugs off them untill someone is ready to eat.She usually remembers to transfer them to the frig in a couple of hours.
Its common for families to have smallish refrigerator.They come in liter sizes but some are probably 5 or 6 cubic ft.If you happened to be married to a Colombiana when the refrigerator dies they will let you know.My mother in law had this little OLD frig with a feezer in the same compartment that was always iced up,probably a real energy hog.When it died I get this story,they have no refrigerator.I asked directly if I was expected to buy them one.My ex said yes.Its like 13 Cubic ft,small by US standards but big for here.They got a deal on it.It was scratched and their friend worked at the store.Only about $300 as I remember,and it did alot better with the beer and ice.Probably saved its cost in power in 2 years or so.I think the other one was like 30 years old.Hopefully the new one will last them that long.If something of value still exists for my money spent it seems more acceptable now.They moved WAY up in strata and lifestyle when I came along.From a strata 2 to a 5.And I gave them money to start a business that is still going 3 years later.They did wreck the truck I bought them but I guess they got it repaired enough to  still drive.
But they are smart with their money.I don't feel its wasted.

Pete

Pete

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Colombian wife in Am..., posted by Pete E on Apr 2, 2005

Pete,

 Thanks for the info. I am not as aware as you to what is actually available in Colombia.  I understand that the upper class can afford more.  But,I do not know anything about where the appliances come from? Are any of the appliances actually manufactured in Colombia; or are they imported? Just curious.  At any rate, it sounds like you have a great set up.  You also talked about your ex-wife, and her family.  Is she still in Colombia, or is she in the States?  You said that you helped your ex-wife's family start a business?  What type of business?  This is fascinating to me.  I am glad that you still think you did the right thing, and the people are wise with their money. It is always a good thing when you can help someone like that, and see that they truly benefit by it.  On the other hand, if you try to help someone, and they just blow it; that is a crappy deal!  So, I am glad these people are better off. Before I forget it, thanks for the info about the place you mentioned with the parasailing, etc.  I am not sure I could deal with going up high like that.  I am not paranoid about heights, but that might freak me out a little!  ha   Still, I will consider it.  I have a brother-in-law who used to go parachuting every so often.  He took lessons, and then joined a club.  I went to see him jump a time or two.  I just don't think it would be my cup of tea; but he got a charge out of it.

                                OkieMan
                          OkieMan

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Colombian wife i..., posted by OkieMan on Apr 2, 2005

Alot of appliances are out of Japan and Korea.They have Mitsubishi and LG refrigerators.They are not so overpriced as the TV's.Maybe no tax??
When I married my ex she had one of 2jobsin the family.So we sent them money,like $300 a month,about what my ex was making.Then her step dad,who they thought was very secure in his job got layed off.He managed a plant nursery,called a vivero here.He said he taught the owner everything he knew then the guy decided he did not need him.The step dad wasmaybe 50,not a good age to get a new job.I thought Oh Oh,now we will have to send alot more money.So when they talked about opening a vivero themselvesI was open to the idea.I only gave them $3500,then $5200 later for the pick up truck to do deliveries.I don't know what they would have done otherwise.
Its a cute little place.They sell lots of plants as well as potery.The last time I was at their house a few months ago the whole place was stacked with about 12 inch clay pots,I guess they got a deal on them.I am proud of them.I never expected to be paid back.I just hoped it would help them life a good life.

Pete

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Colombian wife in Americ..., posted by OkieMan on Apr 2, 2005

She doesn't leave food out. She puts it in the refrigerator.