The food cellar served as a combination refrigerator and extended pantry. Because most families grew most of their own food, they needed a large storage area. Meats and fruits, vegetables and other harvested foods were canned, pickled, or dried and stored in the food cellar for use during the winter months. The stone walls and the roof, which was insulated with sawdust, kept the cellar cool enough to store apples, potatoes, sauerkraut, and similar foods.