Pandemics and natural disasters are inevitable. The good thing is, you can prepare for them. The most basic need to survive is food. So let’s start with that.
Some people stash food that will last for a year, some for just a month or two. Storing food for the long-term could definitely make you feel more secure.
Here’s a complete guide on how to do food storage.
Tips To Start Food Storage
No, food storage does not mean you go panic buying. You can start by getting extra things during your regular trip to the grocery store.
Only that you do not do it at random. To store food for the long-term requires careful planning. That’s why you are here, right? So here are tips on how to start food storage to be prepared for whatever life throws at you.
Determine What And How Much You Eat
Determine how much food your family consumes. It will help you in deciding how much ingredients or how much of each kind of food to buy.
Determine what you eat. Avoid buying and storing food that is out of your family menu. That is a waste of money.
Have Space For Storage
Determine a functional storage space. An extra pantry is ideal. Living in a small apartment is not a problem. You can keep food under furniture, in the basement, or anywhere that is clean, dry, stable, and low in humidity. Make sure the storage space is also accessible.
Your freezer is also a great space to keep food. You can prepare meals in individual portions or pan-sized, and freeze them.
Learn Food Storage Methods
Learn storage methods for different kinds of foods. Start with dry-pack canning and water bath canning methods.
Dry-pack canning is a method for storing dry foods, such as beans, wheat, and other grains. You can use cans, jars, or big bins.
On the other hand, water bath canning is a more complicated method. Still, it is worth learning if you are eager to expand the variety of your stash. It involves the use of a pressure canner and small jars in canning acidic foods.
Tips
Here are some tips in prepping food for long-term storage:
- First in, first out. Mark the date on top of the can or in the packaging each time you put in an item. When the need arises, consume the oldest food items first.
- Be mindful of the advantages and disadvantages of packaging when buying items for your storage.
- Watch out for sales during holidays so you can buy discounted items for your storage.
- Be mindful of expiration dates!
- Make sure you store ingredients for healthy, balanced meals.
Conclusion
Having food storage is an advantage during emergencies. It saves you time from going out to a trip to the grocery store during difficult times. Now that you know how to do food storage, you can find other ways to be self-sufficient. Keep yourself and your family safe, secure, and healthy. Know more about food storage.