The Ultimate Guide To Basic Long-Term Food Storage
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The basics of a long-term food supply are affordable and can be stored for years to come. The following list will provide you with the basics, including wheat, rice, beans, oats, pasta, sugar, and salt.
The Purpose of Basic Food Storage
There are many reasons to have basic food storage. Perhaps you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters, such as hurricanes or earthquakes. Maybe you're a prepper who likes to be prepared for anything. Or maybe you just want to have a stock of food on hand in case of an emergency.
Whatever your reason, it's important to know the basics of long-term food storage. That way, you can be sure that your food will stay fresh and edible for as long as possible.
The most important thing to remember is that food storage is all about rotational eating. That means that you should only keep enough food on hand for the amount of time that it will take you to rotate through your entire stockpile. For example, if you have a two-year supply of food, you should eat from it and then replace what you've eaten so that your inventory is always full.
Another important consideration is shelf life. Some foods will last longer than others, so it's important to know how long each type of food will last in storage. For example, dried beans can last up to 30 years, while canned goods will only last for about 2-5 years.
Finally, it's important to have a plan for using your stored food. That way, you'll know exactly what to do with it when the time comes. Make sure to include recipes or cooking instructions so that you can make the most of your stored food supplies.
How to Store Foods
When it comes to long-term food storage, there are a few things you need to keep in mind in order to ensure that your food stays fresh and edible. Here are a few tips on how to store foods for the long term:
1. Store foods in airtight containers: This will help to keep out oxygen and moisture which can cause foods to spoil.
2. Store foods in a cool, dark place: Heat and light can also cause foods to spoil, so it’s best to store them in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard.
3. Use desiccants: Desiccants help to absorb moisture which can also cause foods to spoil. You can find desiccants at most hardware stores or online.
4. Rotate your food regularly: Even with all of these precautions, foods will still eventually go bad. That’s why it’s important to rotate your food regularly so that you’re not eating spoiled food without realizing it. A good rule of thumb is to consume the oldest food first and then work your way through the rest of your stockpile.
What to Store
Assuming you're starting from scratch, below are lists of suggested food items to store for long-term emergency preparedness. These are basics; feel free to add other items as desired.
Canned goods:
soup, chili, stew, meat (tuna, chicken, beef), fruit, vegetables, pasta sauce, tomatoes (whole, crushed, paste)
Dry goods:
flour, sugar, cornmeal, oats, pasta, rice, cereal, baking powder and soda
Condiments and spices:
salt, pepper, vinegar (cider or white), ketchup mustard, mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder
How Long Can You Store Your Food?
Assuming you have a properly functioning fridge, most food will be safe to eat for at least a week. After that, it’s still technically edible, but the quality will start to decline. Here’s a general guide to how long different types of food will last in the fridge:
-Meat (raw): 3-5 days
-Meat (cooked): 3-4 days
-Poultry (raw): 1-2 days
-Poultry (cooked): 3-4 days
-Seafood (raw): 1-2 days
-Seafood (cooked): 2-3 days
-Eggs: 3-5 weeks
-Milk: 5 days
-Yogurt: 1 week
-Butter: 4 weeks
-Cheese: 6 weeks+
Storage times may vary depending on the type of food, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution and throw out anything that’s been in the fridge for more than two weeks. When in doubt, smell it! If it doesn’t smell right, don’t eat it.
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Helpful Tips
There are many things to consider when stocking up on food for long-term storage, but these tips will help you get started.
1. Choose the right foods. Not all foods are created equal when it comes to long-term storage. Make sure to choose items that will keep well and won't go bad quickly.
2. Store in a cool, dark place. Temperature and light can both affect the quality of your stored food, so make sure to store your supplies in a cool, dark place.
3. Use airtight containers. Oxygen is one of the biggest enemies of stored food, so make sure to use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to keep your food fresh for as long as possible.
4. Rotate your supplies regularly. Even the best-stored food will eventually go bad, so it's important to rotate your supplies regularly. This way, you'll always have fresh food on hand and won't have to worry about waste.
Conclusion
If you're looking to get started with basic long-term food storage, this guide is for you. We'll cover everything from the basics of what you need to get started to more advanced tips and tricks for storing your food so that it lasts as long as possible. By the end of this guide, you'll be an expert in food storage and will have everything you need to start stocking up for the future.
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