In a display of ingenuity and nostalgia for the challenging times of the so-called Special Period, a Cuban woman has turned to a creative solution to tackle the current fuel shortage on the island. Through a video shared on TikTok, she demonstrates how to construct a small, homemade stove that reportedly can stay lit for up to 24 hours without conventional fuel.
The TikTok user, Rossy Guajira Natural, captioned her video with, "We've returned to the '90s in Cuba, but what's crucial is not to be left without cooking." Her video provides a step-by-step guide to this innovative process.
Previously, the creator had crafted a makeshift stove using a tuna can to brew coffee or tea. However, this method faced criticism due to its reliance on oil, a scarce and expensive commodity in the country. This time, she presents a more sustainable and long-lasting alternative.
"Due to the fuel scarcity in Cuba, we've had to go back to the '90s. Here is my mini torrichelli. I didn’t invent this, but many might have forgotten it," she remarked, as she showcased the device. The contraption is made from a metal can filled with compacted sawdust and features a central hole to aid in combustion.
The video reveals how, once the center of the can is ignited, the device produces a stable flame. Metal bars are then placed over the flame to support cooking pots. According to her, this setup allows for cooking any type of food or heating water throughout the day.
"The key is to make do with what's available. Try it out, don't just take my word for it; give it a shot and see that you can indeed cook and heat water—it stays lit all day. That's how I heated water for my kids today," she stated.
The young woman also mentioned that a complete tutorial with detailed instructions is accessible on her YouTube channel.
The video has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many Cubans recalling similar methods they used during the severe economic crisis of the 1990s. Three decades later, the persistent fuel shortages and extended blackouts are again forcing thousands of families to improvise in order to ensure they can accomplish something as fundamental as cooking.
Resourcefulness During Fuel Shortages in Cuba
What is the homemade stove made of?
The homemade stove is constructed from a metal can filled with compacted sawdust, featuring a central hole to assist in combustion.
How long can the stove stay lit without traditional fuel?
The stove can reportedly remain lit for up to 24 hours without the need for conventional fuel sources.
What was the creator's previous method for cooking?
Previously, the creator used a tuna can stove to make coffee or tea, which utilized oil—a costly and scarce resource in Cuba.