A solar oven utilises sunlight to cook meals with minimal environmental impact. In the developing world, Solavore Sport could be a viable alternative to potentially hazardous wood-fuel fires.
Anne Patterson, an American entrepreneur, was first acquainted with the principle of cooking with the sun while vacationing on a sailboat. After her favorite solar oven brand went out of business, she founded Solavore to continue promoting and distributing solar ovens around the world. Her company created a new solar oven model, the Solavore Sport.
© The benefits of the Solavore Sport are numerous, and a detailed list can be found on their website. It is completely powered by sunlight (and therefore environmentally friendly), and light enough to be taken on camping trips. Besides, the oven can be used to purify water in case of an emergency.
The oven is not only targeted to eco-conscious, outdoor-loving people with disposable income. The business is also active in developing countries.
“Solavore believes in profit with a purpose. Every solar oven purchased helps to fund a Solavore Sport somewhere in the world where an open fire is still the main kitchen appliance.”
Wood-fuel fires are still used in several countries, though it is linked to several issues (deforestation, fire hazards). It is also extremely time-consuming for women to collect wood, sometimes kilometres away, in addition to preparing dinner. The Solavore Sport is a safe and eco-friendly alternative.
The Solavore team prides itself on respecting local traditions. They target countries where the traditional cuisine is usually simmered to avoid disrupting food behaviour. In addition, the business uses the ovens to promote local entrepreneurship instead of simply donating them. At the moment, Solavore is active in Kenya, Cambodia and India.
© Solavore You can cook plenty of healthy, delicious meals with the Solavore Sport. Head over to Solavore’s recipe page to see some examples, from butternut squash lasagna to minestrone soup. For those with a sweet tooth, it is also possible to bake with the solar oven: some recipe examples include peanut butter cookies, chocolate cake and peach crisp.
The Solavore Sport Solar Oven can be purchased online for 229 US Dollars apiece, or 485.50 US Dollars for two ovens.
