Essential Long-Term Food Storage Tips
Are you prepared for emergencies that may require you to survive with limited access to food? Having a long-term food storage plan is essential, and it can be accomplished with a few easy steps. In this article, we will provide you with long-term food storage essentials to help you prepare for any emergency.
When it comes to long-term food storage, it's important to focus on items with long shelf lives. Here are some of the best foods for long-term storage that can last for years or even decades, according to Taste of Home:
- Bouillon
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Dried beans and lentils
- Spices
To ensure maximum shelf life for each item, it's important to store them properly. For example, spices should be stored in airtight jars in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and sugar can last forever if kept in a dark, dry place in an airtight container. Taste of Home provides more information on how to properly store each item on their website.
In the next section, we will discuss how to prepare for long-term food storage and recommended quantities of food to store.
How to Prepare for Long-Term Food Storage
When it comes to preparing for long-term food storage, it's important to consider the recommended quantities of food to store. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension recommends storing at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food for each person. However, in case of an emergency, it's better to have a two-week supply of food as well as a month's supply of vitamins and protein supplements.
Here are some tips for preparing your long-term food storage:
Store Bulk Staples
Storing bulk staples, such as rice and pasta, can be a great way to prepare for long-term food storage. These items have a long shelf life and can be used in a variety of different dishes.
Canned and Dried Foods
Canned and dried foods are also great options for long-term food storage. These items can last for years and can be used to make a variety of different meals. It's important to check expiration dates regularly and rotate your stock to ensure that the items are still fresh.
Vitamin and Protein Supplements
Vitamin and protein supplements can also be important for long-term food storage. These supplements can help ensure that you are getting the nutrients your body needs, even if your diet is limited.
Proper Storage
Proper storage is key to ensuring that your long-term food storage remains fresh and safe to eat. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension recommends storing all food supplies off the floor in clean, dry, dark places away from moisture.
In the next section, we will take a look at emergency food supply options.
Emergency Food Supply Options
When it comes to emergency food supply options, there are a variety of different options available. Here are two emergency food supply options that you might consider:
30-Day 1-Person Variety Pack
This emergency food supply option is a great choice for individuals who want to be prepared for emergencies. EZ Prepping offers a 30-day 1-person variety pack with a 25-year shelf life. This pack includes a variety of different foods, including freeze-dried meats, fruits, and vegetables, as well as grains and dairy products. This option requires only water and has a long shelf life, making it a great choice for those who want to be prepared for emergencies.
Freeze-Dried Meals
Freeze-dried meals are another great option for those who want to be prepared for emergencies. BePrepared.com offers a bulk freeze-dried meal option with a 3-month or 12-month supply for multiple people. These meals require only water and have a long shelf life, making them a great choice for emergencies.
In the next section, we will take a look at building your emergency food supply and basic food items to start a long-term emergency food storage plan.
Building Your Emergency Food Supply
Building your emergency food supply can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some basic food items to start a long-term emergency food storage plan, according to Backdoor Survival:
- Rice
- Beans
- Canned goods
- Spices
- Pasta
- Powdered milk
- Sugar
- Salt
Optimizing Storage Space
Optimizing storage space is essential when building your emergency food supply. Backdoor Survival recommends using stackable containers and storage bins to save space. It's also a good idea to keep your emergency food supply in a cool, dry place and to keep inventory of what you have on hand.
Monitoring Inventory
Monitoring your inventory is also important when building your emergency food supply. Backdoor Survival recommends creating a spreadsheet to keep track of what you have on hand and to regularly check expiration dates to ensure that your food supply is still fresh.
In the next section, we will take a look at where to buy long-term food storage essentials.
Where to Buy Long-Term Food Storage Essentials
When it comes to buying long-term food storage essentials, there are a variety of different options available. Here are some tips for where to buy long-term food storage essentials:
Online Retailers
Online retailers, such as BePrepared.com, are a great option for buying long-term food storage essentials. These retailers offer a variety of different options, including freeze-dried and dehydrated foods, seasonings, heirloom seeds, and sprouting seeds.
Grocery Stores
Grocery stores can also be a good option for buying long-term food storage essentials. Many grocery stores offer a variety of different canned and dried foods, as well as bulk staples like rice and pasta.
Farmers' Markets
Farmers' markets are another option for buying long-term food storage essentials. These markets often offer a variety of different fresh fruits and vegetables that can be canned or dehydrated for long-term storage.
Outdoor Retailers
Outdoor retailers, such as REI, are also a good option for buying long-term food storage essentials. These retailers offer a variety of different camping and outdoor food options, many of which have a long shelf life.
In the next section, we will take a look at how to properly store long-term food storage essentials.
Properly Storing Long-Term Food Storage Essentials
Properly storing long-term food storage essentials is essential to ensuring their maximum shelf life. Here are some tips for properly storing long-term food storage essentials:
Use Airtight Containers
One of the most important aspects of properly storing long-term food storage essentials is to use airtight containers. This will help to prevent air and moisture from getting in and causing spoilage. Taste of Home recommends storing items like spices in airtight jars in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Keep in Cool, Dry Places
Keeping your long-term food storage essentials in cool, dry places is also important. Taste of Home recommends keeping items like sugar in a dark, dry place in an airtight container.
Rotate Your Stock
Rotating your stock is important to ensure that your long-term food storage essentials stay fresh. Backdoor Survival recommends using the oldest items in your stockpile first and regularly checking expiration dates to ensure that your food supply is still fresh.
Label Everything
Labeling everything is important to keep track of what you have in your long-term food storage. Backdoor Survival recommends labeling containers with the date of purchase and the expiration date, as well as the contents of the container.
In the final section, we will summarize the key takeaways from this article.
Final Thoughts
Long-term food storage essentials are an important part of any emergency food supply. By properly storing these items and regularly rotating your stock, you can ensure that you and your family will have access to food in the event of a disaster. Here are the key takeaways from this article:
- Basic food items for a long-term emergency food storage plan include rice, beans, canned goods, spices, pasta, powdered milk, sugar, and salt.
- Optimizing storage space and monitoring your inventory are important when building your emergency food supply.
- Online retailers, grocery stores, farmers' markets, and outdoor retailers are all good options for buying long-term food storage essentials.
- Using airtight containers, keeping items in cool, dry places, rotating your stock, and labeling everything are important when properly storing long-term food storage essentials.
Thank you for reading! Be sure to check out Survival Gear Experts for more great content on emergency preparedness and survival gear. Stay safe out there!
FAQ
What are long-term food storage essentials?
Long-term food storage essentials are non-perishable items that can be stored for extended periods of time.
Who should consider long-term food storage?
Anyone who wants to be prepared for emergencies or disasters should consider long-term food storage.
How do I store long-term food storage essentials?
Long-term food storage essentials should be stored in airtight containers in cool, dry places with proper labeling.
What are some good options for long-term food storage?
Grains, canned and dried meats, fats and oils, beans and legumes, milk and dairy, and freeze-dried meals are good options.
How long can I store long-term food storage essentials?
Properly stored, many long-term food storage essentials can last for years or even decades.
What if I don't have a lot of storage space?
You can optimize your storage space by using stackable containers and storing items in a space-efficient manner.
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