Earth cellar
An earth, root, fruit cellar or cold store might be considered as a type of larder or pantry, though unlike most common pantry which might be part of a kitchen with an external wall it is often larger or separated from the main buildings. Typically they are wholly or partly underground in order to benefit from more constant and cooler temperatures, and often darkened making them suitable for storing foodstuffs without refrigeration. Temperatures should remain a constant of around 4-10°C, with relatively high humidity, good ventilation and low levels of light.
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