Chapter 6: Food Procurement & Storage  Long Term Storable Foods

My number one choice for food for storage is the freeze dried, nitrogen packed cans of food.  A large portion of your food futures worries are instantly solved by buying and storing a large amount of this survival food.  You simply store it until you need it. 

A store of cooking oils and condiments should always also be stored. 

Most of this food has a shelf life of at least 25 years. 

You must have adequate water for re-hydration of these foods.  Contrary to what many people believe, this food is tasty and highly nutritious.

Sprouting: Sprouting is an excellent way to provide fresh plant nutrition even in the most severe conditions.  A sprouter is simply a tray with mesh with seeds such as alfalfa, mung beans, or a variety of other seeds placed on the tray.  Water is poured over the seeds and within several days fresh sprouts are ready to eat.

Canned Goods:  Canned goods are another viable source of stored food.  Unless you are feeding large groups of people, limit can sizes to 20 oz or less.  Canned vegetables, fruit, pastas, soups, stews and meats are all good supplies to have in your home and to a lesser degree in your vehicle, motor home or travel trailer.

Obtain canned goods with the best expiration dates.  Many are available with dates at least 2-3 years ahead of time.  Canned goods near expiration date often times are deep discounted.  They should be considered as short term viable food sources.

The general rule of thumb is that canned goods should be safe to eat for at least 1 year after the expiration date.  Older canned vegetables and fruits should be served in the liquid they are packed in to obtain maximum nutrition, since they may tend to leach vitamins and minerals into this liquid after a period of time.  All canned goods should always be visually inspected after opening.  A smell test should also be conducted.  If in question, throw it out!

When weight and bulkiness are not a factor, canned goods are another excellent choice for food insurance.  remember to continually cycle through your foods to use oldest first and of course replace foods when financially and physically possible.

Avoid freezing of canned goods if possible.  Foil packed meats and fish are also excellent along with pre-cooked pouches of rice.  Entrees such as Campbell's "Select" and Chunky soups are good one dish meals. 

Canned nuts, packaged dry fruit and granola are all good snacks and supplements.  Pickles, pickled vegetables, peppers and ketchup should be stored in quantity.  

Again, don't forget spices and cooking oils - especially olive, canola and peanut oil.

Spaghetti sauce and canned tomatoes are versatile ingredients for a variety of meat, vegetable and pasta dishes. 

Store grains, cereals, and four, rice and sugar in waterproof sealed containers.  Don't forget oatmeal.  Wheat germ is an excellent addition to baked goods and cereals to add both nutrients and roughage.  

Brown sugar, whole grains, and unprocessed rice afford you the most nutrition.  Black strap molasses is an excellent sweetener as is honey. 

Again, don't forget spices and herbs.

Canned coffee and tea can be stored for long periods of time. 

A stock of bottled red wine may also be a good on-going menu item for both cooking and good health.  Store wine in a cool, low light area.  Avoid freezing.

More to come soon.....