Prepping 101 - Food Storage

[AZ Prepper]

Prepping 101 - Part One - Long Term Food Storage
http://stealthsurvival.blogspot.com/2008/08/prepping-101-part-one-long-term-food.html (http://stealthsurvival.blogspot.com/2008/08/prepping-101-part-one-long-term-food.html)


When starting a long term food storage program, it is best to start with a basic supply of the needed items and increase the quantities as your budget permits. Shortages of basic items in your long term supplies may cause other food stocks to be of little use in the preparation of meals for you and your family. A proper balance is needed to insure your health and well-being, especially in the stressful conditions created by an emergency or crisis situation.


The best survival foods for your long-term preparedness stocks:

1) Wheat – Hard Red Wheat is the best variety for long term storage
2) Rice – Brown / White
3) Beans (dry) – try to stock a variety of different kinds
4) Powdered Milk – try to find it in the most durable container possible
5) Flour (All Purpose) – if you don’t have a grinder or it breaks / fails
6) Corn (dry) / Corn Meal – once again, if you don’t have a grinder
7) Canned Meats – ham, beef, Spam
8) Canned Fish – tuna, salmon, sardines, etc.
9) Canned Fruits / Juices
10) Canned Vegetables – beans, corn, beets, etc.
11) Shortening / Cooking Oil – include stocks of vegetable or olive oil
12) Honey / Jams & Jellies (either store bought or home canned)
13) Sugar / Sugar Substitutes (for those with diabetic conditions)
14) Salt (Iodized) / Sea Salt (additional mineral content) / Salt Substitutes
15) Various Spices – pepper, paprika, etc. / Various Vitamin Supplements
16) Vinegar / Pickling Salt (for home canning purposes) / Seeds – for a garden
17) Ramen-type soups (dehydrated) – inexpensive, easily prepared
18) Dried Fruits (banana chips, raisins, etc.)
19) Dried Vegetables (dried parsley flakes, dehydrated onions, etc.)
20) Baking Soda / Baking Powder / Corn Starch – for misc. cooking needs

Make sure that when starting a long term food storage plan that you include all the above items in your basic food storage plans to help maintain a healthy and well balanced diet.

Remember, if you or your family members won’t eat it, then don’t stock it! Save your money and use it to purchase those items that you know will be consumed or used by the members of your family. Store what you eat and eat what you store!


You will also need to insure that you have sufficient amounts of water stored to enable you to prepare meals from these items. Water supplies may be contaminated or unavailable in an emergency situation. A minimum of one gallon (two is even better) per person per day and an additional gallon of water per person per day for sanitation purposes will be the minimum required. This needs to include purification and filtration methods to insure water quality.

Make sure you also stock those needed items for those in your family with special needs due to medical conditions. People with diabetes, certain food allergies, or conditions that require low salt or no salt diets will be at an even greater risk of health or diet complications should you fail to include this important aspect in your plans.

You will also need to allocate the necessary storage space for these food items that will allow you to:

1.) Have ready access to your food supplies in an emergency.

2.) Enable you to rotate your food supplies as needed in order to maintain food quality.

3.) Stored in safe “Food Grade” containers and/or packaging.

4.) Offer varied bulk storage that will offer portability and be easy to transport if required.

5.) Allows you to control the major factors affecting long term food storage:


A.) Temperature – temperature extremes (heat / cold) are to be avoided
B.) Humidity – excess moisture is a danger to your food stocks
C.) Air – using oxygen absorbers, etc. to eliminate this problem
D.) Pests – rodents, insects, etc.


Don’t forget that you will also need the necessary pots, pans, and utensils. Don't forget to include a can opener! This will be an absolute necessity. Cans can be extremely difficult, if not outright impossible, to open without one. A supply of disposal plates, bowls, napkins, and eating utensils is also a good idea, especially if water for cleaning and washing is in short supply and doing so will help to maintain your drinking water supplies and water supplies for other sanitation needs.

A means of cooking and heating your meals will also be needed. This includes the ability to make a fire and the necessary fuel for that fire and the necessary equipment (gas or charcoal grill, etc. and the necessary fuel - charcoal, propane, etc.).

There are numerous aspects of all the previously mentioned items that could be gone into more and greater detail. This is by no means all inclusive but will help to get you started.


Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker


Preppin 101: Long Term Food Storage - MREs
http://stealthsurvival.blogspot.com/2008/10/preppin-101-long-term-food-storage-mres.html


MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) were originally designed for use by our military and can play a vital part in your Long Term Food Storage if you properly understand their use and purpose. They were meant to serve the nutrtional needs of soldiers in the field and their original use was intended for a period of approximately 10 days as a substitute for traditional meals. Although they have been used many times for extended periods of up to 30 days or more, the actual consumption of all foodstuffs in the MREs falls off dramatically with repeated consumption periods longer than a week to 10 days.

MREs provide an average of about 1,250 calories (13% protein, 36% fat, and 51% carbohydrates). This is a third of the Military Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamins and minerals. A full day of meals consisting of three MREs would give you a total caloric intake of approximately 3,750 calories. This is well in excess of civilian dietary requirements that estimate the need for approximately 2,400 calories per day. This increased calorie amount is directly related to the increase needs of rigorous physical activity.

One of the most definitive websites for information on MREs can be found here:

http://www.mreinfo.com/

You can read about the history of MREs here:

http://www.mreinfo.com/us/mre/mre-history.html

You can read about buying MREs here:

http://www.mreinfo.com/us/mre/buying-mres.html

The final decision as to whether or not to include MREs in your food storage plans should be made only after you understand what they are and their intended purpose.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker


Preppin' 101: Long Term Storage Food - MREs Update
http://stealthsurvival.blogspot.com/2008/10/preppin-101-long-term-storage-food-mres.html


A reader sent me an e-mail bringing up some important changes that are in the works regarding MREs. This was in response to my recent article on MREs. Here is that e-mail:

Riverwalker,

I don't know if you know, but there is a new MRE being released that will only have shelf life of one year... this is opposed to the current MREs that if stored correctly last for a good long time (forever) , with no ill effects other than half the food becoming difficult to eat (powdery, hard, or in the case of Tabasco, simply disappearing ). Basically the guys at Natick cooked up a biodegradable MRE bag that will not last forever once we discard it. The over all effect will be nice for active duty guys, it means when they give us MREs we won't have the sneaking suspicion that the food they're giving us is left over from the Revolutionary War, (I'm not saying that they give us old MREs, but I did once get an MRE that said "Stegosaurus Burger" on it.... ) but for long term storage for survivalists, it's not going to be great news. Although, it does mean that prices on legacy MREs should drop, once the supply suddenly goes up. - Jim

Thanks Jim for the reminder!

Thanks to everyone else that sends me e-mails with tips or information.

Get information about the new MRE packaging here:

http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2004/04-21.htm


Get information about the new sip-n-zip drinking pouches here:

http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/pubs/warrior/04/mayjune/index.htm

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

[AZ Prepper]

Prepping 101 - Part One - Short Term Food Storage
http://stealthsurvival.blogspot.com/2008/08/prepping-101-part-one-sort-term-food.html (http://stealthsurvival.blogspot.com/2008/08/prepping-101-part-one-sort-term-food.html)


Having food is a good thing. In an emergency or crisis situation a few days or even a week’s supply of food can make a real difference in the quality of your life. Foods that are easy to prepare and taste good will get you through the first few days or even a week after a disaster, either natural or man-made. You will have confidence knowing that you don’t have to wait for assistance from a government entity or a non-profit relief agency.

Having extra food is an even better thing. Will you be involved in a natural or man-made disaster or emergency situation? There is always a possibility that it may never happen, but why take a chance when having extra food stored requires a minimum of effort and very little of your resources. A food storage plan for a few days or a week doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself. You can always increase your food preparedness by adding extra food to your storage for a longer period of time at a later date.

Canned food and dry goods, along with dehydrated foods are usually the best types of food to keep on hand for an emergency or a disaster situation. Most canned foods can be eaten or prepared without cooking or the need for additional water. In fact, many canned items have a lot of water already in them and can be used to supplement your emergency water supplies. A large number of dry foods items can be eaten as is (jerky, dried fruit, cereals, granola bars, etc.) and require no cooking or preparation time.

You will need to store enough food items for you and your family. The average person will need at a minimum 2000 to 2400 calories per day. So check the calories listed on the extra food items you have stored and make sure they are sufficient to cover the minimum calories needed. You will also need to figure out the quantity of food you and your family members will eat in 72 hours or a week (number of meals x number of days x number of family members). You will also need spices to add variety to your food supplies (sugar, salt, pepper, etc.). A supply of vitamins will also be needed to supplement your diet.

You can store your extra food supplies in any type of “food grade” container or simply leave them in their original packages (especially in the case of canned items). Ensure that any container you use has a tight fitting lid. Label the containers as food storage with the appropriate date and place them in an area of your home that is most likely to remain intact during a disaster and will not be subject to excess heat or humidity. Remember to also place or store your extra food items where you can easily access them if or when the need arises.

Most fresh foods (bread items, vegetables and fruit) will not last more than a week so make sure that you rotate these types of food items on a regular basis. You will need to rotate your food supplies in your storage containers as well. Make sure you clearly label your food storage containers with the appropriate name and date. Many canned foods have an expiration date on the can itself. When rotating the older food items with the newer food items, you can still use the older food items for your regular meals at home.

Another very important consideration is to store extra food items that you or your family will eat. The saying to remember here is: Store what you eat and eat what you store. It does you absolutely no good to have food items stored that your family will not eat.

Less than 10% of people have taken any positive action towards being prepared.
Most people want to be prepared but need something simple and easy to obtain and that doesn't require a lot of time and maintenance on their part. When contemplating food storage as part of your preparedness efforts, make sure that it is healthy, good tasting and economical. Make it a part of your daily routine and it will be easier to accomplish and create less of a demand on your time.

By simply purchasing additional food items during your regular trip to the grocery store, you can build a short term food storage program that will put you ahead of the game if a disaster strikes. The canned foods, dry goods, and bottled water as many government agencies, preparedness and survival websites recommend will automatically be there when needed and can be easily stored in your home. This can usually be done in a couple of hours or less (your regular shopping trips) and you can determine your own budget for expenditures on extra food that will meet you and your family’s needs.

Don’t forget to include a supply of “comfort” food in your short term storage food. Cookies, chips, or crackers, etc. can help alleviate the stress of an emergency situation. A little extra time and effort on your part is really all that is required.

Short term food preparedness should be:


1.) Food that is simple and easy to prepare even in a disaster and that requires little or no cooking and doesn’t require a lot of water.

2.) Food with a variety that tastes good, that will satisfy your appetite and items that you and your family will eat.

3.) Food that is easily stored and can be transported easily if you need to evacuate due to an emergency or a disaster.

There are additional items you will need such as cooking utensils, manual can openers, the ability to make a fire and cook, dishes, and water. These are topics for later.

A simple short term food storage program is an absolute necessity. With a little effort on your part you can be better prepared than the average person. Being prepared for a disaster or emergency is simpler and easier than you think.

[AZ Prepper]

Preppin' 101 - Simple Food Storage Items - Part One
http://stealthsurvival.blogspot.com/2008/09/preppin-101-simple-food-storage-items.html (http://stealthsurvival.blogspot.com/2008/09/preppin-101-simple-food-storage-items.html)


There are many common food items and condiments that have long shelf lives and can be an important part of your food storage program. They require little more than a cool, dry place and an airtight container to maintain their usefulness for a long period of time. Avoiding exposure to sunlight will also help to maintain the shelf life of these food items.


1.) Salt has an almost indefinite shelf life with proper storage.

Salt is very stable in its most commonly used form. Salt crystals do not become stale and its almost indefinite shelf life is usually limited only by the lumping of salt due to exposure to moisture. Proper storage conditions with low humidity are helpful in prolonging the life of salt. It comes in many forms, with equally long shelf lives, including sea salt, which has an increased mineral content and pickling salt, which is required in most canning recipes.

2.) Whole black pepper has a shelf life of almost 4 years with proper storage.

The best storage method for black pepper is to keep it in a dry place with very moderate temperatures. It will lose the quality of its flavor and should not be stored near any direct heat sources. Moisture will also cause lumping of ground black pepper. Black pepper can be protected against the loss of flavor and lumping due to moisture by keeping your containers tightly closed after each use. Ground black pepper has approximately half the shelf life of whole black pepper. Proper storage of black pepper can give a long shelf life and the only major effect of longer storage times being a negative impact on the flavor quality when used in your cooking. This problem can be solved by simply increasing recipe amounts until the desired taste is obtained. It simply requires more to achieve the same result.


3.) Sugar has an almost indefinite shelf life.

Sugar when properly stored in a cool, dry place has an almost indefinite shelf life. The reason for this is that sugar will not support the growth of microbes. It will suffer the same lumping effect due to exposure to excess moisture. Keeping it stored in an airtight and moisture proof container will eliminate these problems.

4.) Vinegar has an almost indefinite shelf life.

Vinegar (distilled,white variety) because it is acid in nature needs no refrigeration and will keep for an extended period of time with little change in quality or flavor. There may be some changes in other types of vinegars, such as apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar. These changes usually include a degradation of color, developing a haze, or the presence of sediment. These are simply cosmetic changes and the vinegar can still be used in your cooking and recipes to good results. Note: Filtering may be required if sediment build-up is excessive.

Some simple storage rules are in order to maintain the quality and freshness of many everyday foods which have an indefinite shelf life.


1.) Avoid exposure to excessive sunlight which can adversely affect the temperature.

2.) Avoid exposure to excessive moisture which can lower quality.

3.) Avoid exposure to air which can cause flavor loss, among other things.

4.) Avoid exposure to temperature extremes which can degrade food quality.

Here’s a witty saying to help you remember some of the basics for a good food storage program:


Cool and dry, out of the light,
In a container that is air tight,
Will keep the taste just right!

[AZ Prepper]

Preppin' 101 - Simple Food Storage Items - Part Two
http://stealthsurvival.blogspot.com/2008/09/preppin-101-simple-storage-food-items.html (http://stealthsurvival.blogspot.com/2008/09/preppin-101-simple-storage-food-items.html)


There are numerous items that can be used in a long term food storage program that don’t require special packaging in order to insure their quality. Most require little more than a cool, dry storage area and to be kept sealed in their original containers. Many of these simple food items, such as sauces, sweeteners and condiments, can add a significant variety to your long term food storage. Remember, taste does matter!

Here are a few examples.
[edited]

1.) Sweeteners


Honey has an almost indefinite shelf life and needs only to be stored in a cool, dry place.

Artificial sweeteners have an almost indefinite shelf life. They should be stored in a moisture proof container and kept in a cool, dry place.

Chocolate syrup has an approximate shelf life of 2 years and does not require any type of refrigeration until opened. Keeping it refrigerated after opening helps to maintain its quality.

Syrups, including both real and imitation varieties, have an approximate shelf life of 1 year. It will also need refrigeration after opening to maintain its quality.

2.) Condiments


Salad dressing (NOT mayonnaise) that has not been opened has an approximate shelf life of 1 year if stored properly in a cool, dry place After opening it will need to be refrigerated.

Ketchup that has been unopened has a shelf life of approximately 1 year. After opening it should be refrigerated and will generally be safe for consumption for several months after it has been opened.

Mustard has a shelf life of approximately 2 years and like the other condiments mentioned above should be refrigerated after opening and will maintain its quality for about 6 months.

3.) Sauces (stored in glass containers)


Tabasco sauce has an approximate shelf life of 5 years and requires no refrigeration, even after it has been opened.

Worcestershire sauce has an approximate shelf life of 5 years. It has a limited shelf life of about 2 years once it has been opened. It too should be refrigerated to maintain quality.

Steak sauce has an approximate shelf life of 2 years when unopened and will require refrigeration after opening.

Safety in your food storage program should always be your first concern. If there is any doubt as to the quality of any food item it is best to err on the side of caution. If it doesn’t look, smell or taste right; discard it! Don’t take unnecessary chances with your health and well-being.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker