You may be wondering what the interest is about stockpiling food for emergencies and survival. In fact, long-term food storage has been practiced throughout the history of civilization. There is a particular science to the preservation of food dating back thousands of years. For many centuries we had no refrigeration, at some point someone had to figure out how to store food properly.
In the modern era, food storage techniques are extremely sophisticated and result in food that can last decades if sealed properly. So, why would you want to put food away for another time? Here is a list of a few reasons why you should consider practicing proper food storage.
Reasons for Food Storage
Natural Disasters
One of the most common reasons for stockpiling food is so that you are prepared in the event of a devastating storm such as a hurricane, tornado, earthquake, and more. Storing food can also prove useful in the event of a man-made disaster, such as war. Armed forces rely on MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) for sustenance while on the field.
Economic Struggle
Imagine that you suddenly lose your primary source of income and face the prospect that you can no longer put food on the table for your family for an indefinite period of time. This is when canned, jarred, and preserved food like pasta, grains, dried beef, and more can help you get through the rough times.
Remote Travel
Imagine taking a scenic trek through the great outdoors or visiting some remote destinations; you will probably have to rely on prepared meals and clean/safe beverages to survive. If you’re a passionate hiker, you may have noticed outposts along trails where some packages can be delivered for pick-up. These can often be food items preserved and mailed by backpackers to replenish their food stores.
Food Options for Long Term Storage
While there are not many limits on what you can store long-term, there are some staples that you may want to include in your stash. These foods have the most extended shelf life and provide the most nutrition. Just remember to store this food properly by date and replenish them immediately as you use the food. Here are some of our top choices for the best long term food storage:
• White rice
• Rolled oats
• Pasta
• Dried fruits and vegetables
• Dried beans
• Canned meats, fruits, vegetables, and soups
• Peanut butter
• Jerky
• Salt
• Sugar
• Honey
• Powdered milk
• Bouillon packets
• Coffee and tea
• Powdered electrolyte drinks
• Energy bars
Long-term food storage is a smart way to extend the shelf life of food that can save lives in an emergency, times of economic hardship, and for remote vacations. It is paramount that everyone should be prepared for the unexpected. Hopefully, this article has given you some entry education for the long-term benefits of canned food storage. However, just because you have a stockpile of cans doesn’t mean you should let them go to waste. Enjoy the food before it expires.
