Forever foods: 9 cooking staples that can outlast you (Prepper Ping!)

Yahoo ^

[Red in Blue PA]

Most weeks, you make a big grocery list and head to the store, prepared to buy loads of fresh food to make your family's meals. We often don't give a thought to stuff sitting in the kitchen cupboard or we automatically throw out anything that's been in there longer than we can remember.

But Janice Revell, co-founder of StillTasty.com, says "Look in your pantry and your cabinets and check whether the items really do need to go. You'll be shocked by what you really don't need to throw away."

So before you throw out that years-old sugar or replace that bottle of vanilla that's been gathering dust, consult this list of "forever foods." You may be surprised how many of your kitchen staples have a shelf life of decades — even after they've been opened.

[OB1kNOb]

Vacuum pack rice, beans, spices and dried vegetables for much longer life.

Would that keep a bug problem from happening as well?

[Uncle Ike]

” Get a food saver vacuum system and vacuum pack “

Yes, that’s a good thought - just as a lot of the ideas/advice on these threads are good thoughts....

The fly in the ointment is that, for me, “just dash out and buy this gadget or that specialized ‘survival’ food” just ain’t gonna happen... I’m on a (rapidly fraying) shoestring, here..... ;)

(I have been able, however, to find affordable totes and containers, from time to time, at the “Dollar” stores - a bead of silicone caulk around the top helps them to seal..)

[Errant]

Would that keep a bug problem from happening as well?

Yes and will eventually kill any bugs that have already hatched.

[OB1kNOb]

Thanks for the info.

[Errant]

I’m on a (rapidly fraying) shoestring, here..... ;)

You can pick these up from "big box stores" for around $100. Get a separate box of vacuum sealing bags. Pack all of your rice and if you're not satisfied with the sealer, most "big box stores" will take it back within 30 days. ;)

I vacuum pack corn meal, beans, peas, dried vegetable, instant potatoes, flour and much more. Rice (sharp edges)or things that become airborne like flour, should first be placed in a ziplock bag (flour dust can be explosive) and then the vacuum bag.

The best totes for the money (< $11) IMO are from Home Depot:

These seal well enough that caulk shouldn't be needed and are large @ 27 gallons.

[Errant]

You're most welcome. Here is another great, great item to own. It saves money and teaches you how to make your own bread (all types).

[MayflowerMadam]

“I have eaten sugar and salt left over from the 1930s Depression.”

In 1996, after retiring, Mom moved back to the family farm where she grew up. In the basement, she found vegetables that Grandma had canned. Grandma died in 1948. Wanting to keep the glass jars, Mom and Dad dumped the contents, but said they looked and smelled fine. Eeeeewww.

[MayflowerMadam]

“They won’t be knocking on my door when the time comes.....”

You hope. People can be resourceful when desperate.

[ChildOfThe60s]

900 miles

[bgill]

Wanting to keep the glass jars, Mom and Dad dumped the contents, but said they looked and smelled fine. Eeeeewww.

My grandmother sent grand dad down to the cellar to clean it out on day. He and the neighbor found her very old home-canned fruit and fruit juice. It had fermented so they had a fine ol' time that day...

[vetvetdoug]

There wasn’t enough moisture in the dry goods to build up inside the containers. Freezing the dry goods for a couple of days killed the insect larvae that may have escaped. What is worse, the larvae that can live in an microaerophilic environment, or a little moisture? I cannot answer that but do know the USAF did it as a SOP.

[JoeFromSidney]

Yes. Fat is the quickest way to get calories inside you: 9 calories/gm vs. 5 calories/gm for carbohydrates. Also needed for digestion of fat-soluble vitamins. Nevertheless, it fills you up fast, too.

[redhead]

"Are you talking about stuff like what comes from GNC for body building or something else? What brand do you recommend? Thanks!"

Don't waste money in GNC for this stuff, you can get it in walmart or target. just make sure it says pure WHEY PROTEIN on the label. It's no gourmet meal, but it will keep you alive when all the rice and beans are gone. As long as you have drinkable water. Oh, yes...almost forgot. You need a source of saturated fat with pure protein like this. I suggest coconut oil, which you can get in capsules from Puritan's Pride. One a day should be plenty. You can buy it in bulk wherever soapmaking supplies are sold, too. Look for "extra virgin" on the label, and you can be sure it's safe to eat. it will keep forever, and is awesome for cooking. A gallon costs me about $75, but it will last for two or three years.

[meowmeow]

Thanks!

[texgal]

You can refrigerate it or freeze it to extend the shelf life. It has more oil in it than white rice and oxygen causes it to go rancid after a while. No idea on the shelf life but would assume it depends on the temperature it is stored at. Higher temps = shorter shelf life.

[texgal]

If you get parboiled rice, Like Uncle Ben’s brand, it has already been partially cooked so you won’t have the bug eggs hatch.

[texgal]

Vitain C powder mixed with water in a spray bottle beats dipping them & is quicker.

[ODC-GIRL]

If you have a ping list for Prepper articles, would you please put me on it?

Thank you!

[Redcitizen]

10 years later ping...

What food items have survived quite well?

[Sawdring]

And what were the items? Yahoo does not have the link.