Introduction
Doomsday is a very real possibility. Whether it’s caused by a natural disaster, economic collapse, pandemic or nuclear war, being prepared for the worst is always a good idea.
One of the most important aspects of survival is having enough food and water to last you through the crisis. But with so many options on what to buy, it can be hard to know where to start.
Here are 10 food items that you should consider stocking up on for doomsday:
- Canned goods: Canned soups, vegetables and fruits will provide you with essential nutrients and calories if fresh food is scarce. Be sure to include can openers in your Doomsday stash!
- Dried beans: Dried beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber. They can be cooked in a variety of ways and used as a main dish or side dish.
- Rice: Rice is another good source of carbohydrates and can be stored for long periods of time without going bad. It can be eaten plain or used in a variety of recipes.
- Pasta: Like rice, pasta is a versatile food that can be used in many different dishes. It has a long shelf life and can be stored without refrigeration.
- Peanut butter: Peanut butter is high in calories and fat, making it ideal for survival situations. It’s also a good source of protein and vitamins, and it doesn’t need to be refrigerated.
- Nuts: Nuts are another high-calorie food that’s perfect for doomsday preppers. They’re also a good source of healthy fats, antioxidants and vitamins.
- Seeds: Seeds are packed with nutrients and calories, making them ideal for survival situations. They can be eaten raw or sprouted, and they’ll last for years if stored properly
Non-Perishable Foods
There are many foods that you can store and not have to worry about them going bad. These foods have a long shelf life and can last for years without being refrigerated or frozen.
Canned Foods
Canned goods are a key part of any emergency food supply. Canned foods are shelf-stable, which means they do not require refrigeration or freezing and have a long shelf life. When stored properly, canned food can last for years.
Canned food is also very versatile. It can be eaten as is, used as an ingredient in recipes, or warmed up in a pot on the stove.
When choosing canned foods for your emergency food supply, look for items that are:
-High in calories and protein: Canned meat, such as chicken, turkey, beef, and fish, are good options. You can also look for canned soups and stews that are high in calories and protein.
-Easy to prepare: Look for canned foods that do not require cooking or can be prepared with minimal effort. Canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, and Jerkyare all good options.
-Non-perishable: Choose canned foods that do not require refrigeration or freezing and have a long shelf life.
Dried Foods
Dried foods are a great way to store food for a long period of time. They are lightweight and take up very little space, so they are perfect for storing in small places. Plus, they are easy to transport if you need to evacuate.
There are many different types of dried foods, but some of the most popular include:
-Dried fruits
-Dried vegetables
-Jerky
-BEEF STRIPS
-FISH STRIKS
-Pork Rinds
Frozen Foods
When the power goes out, the clock on your freezer starts ticking. In order to keep your food from going bad, you’ll need to move it to a working freezer as soon as possible. But if you can’t do that, there are still some things you can do to help your food last a little longer.
First, keep the door of your freezer shut as much as possible. Every time you open it, cold air escapes and warm air rushes in, which will cause your food to thaw faster. If possible, group together the items that you need so you can open and close the door quickly.
Next, if you have any dry ice, use it! Dry ice can lower the temperature of your freezer by up to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, which will buy you some extra time. Make sure to wrap the dry ice in newspaper or another insulating material before placing it in your freezer, and never put it directly against your food — it can cause burns.
Finally, if all else fails and your food starts to thaw, there are still some ways you can salvage it. Most fruits and vegetables can be refrozen if they’ve only thawed partially, but they won’t be as good as they were originally. Meat and fish that have started to thaw can also be refrozen if they’ve been kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below — just make sure to cook them thoroughly before eating.
Perishable Foods
Perishable foods are foods that spoil quickly if they are not refrigerated. Examples of perishable foods include meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and eggs. When choosing perishable foods to store for doomsday, it is important to select foods that will last the longest without spoiling.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables are a perishable food group and should be eaten as soon as possible after harvest or purchase. If you need to store them for any length of time, there are a few things you can do to extend their shelf life.
-Wash produce in cool water and dry completely before storing.
-Remove any damaged or bruised areas, as these will spoil more quickly.
-Store fruits and vegetables in separate containers.
-Do not wash produce that you plan to store long-term, as this can hasten spoiling.
-Store fresh produce in the refrigerator, except for bananas, tomatoes, melons, and onions, which should be stored at room temperature.
Meat and poultry
Cured meats, such as ham, bacon, and sausage, can last up to a year in the pantry if properly wrapped. Fresh pork and lamb will only last a few days in the fridge but can be frozen for up to six months. Most poultry can be stored in the freezer for up to a year; chicken breasts can be frozen for up to two years.
Dairy products
Dairy products are a perishable food group, which means they can go bad quickly if not properly stored. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) advises that all dairy products be kept refrigerated at 40°F or below to slow bacterial growth and prevent spoilage.
This includes milk, yogurt, cheese, butter, cream, sour cream, and eggs. Keep in mind that dairy products made with unpasteurized milk can spoil more quickly than those made with pasteurized milk.
Here are some specific storage guidelines for common dairy products:
Milk: Whole milk will last 5-7 days in the fridge, while skim and low-fat milk will last 7-10 days. You can extend the shelf life of milk by freezing it – whole milk will last 6 months in the freezer while skim and low fat milk will last 9 months.
Yogurt: Plain yogurt will last 7-14 days in the fridge while fruit-flavored yogurts will last 5-7 days. You can also freeze yogurt – it will last 1-2 months in the freezer.
Butter: Butter can be stored in the fridge or freezer. If you store it in the fridge, it will last 1-2 weeks while if you store it in the freezer, it will last 6-9 months.
Cheese: Hard cheeses like cheddar and Swiss will last 4-6 weeks in the fridge while soft cheeses like mozzarella and ricotta will only last 2-4 weeks. You can extend the shelf life of hard cheeses by freezing them – they’ll last 6-8 months in the freezer.
Conclusion
There are many opinions on what food is best to store for doomsday, but there are some basics that are universally agreed upon.
You should have enough non-perishable food to last everyone in your family for at least two weeks. This means having a lot of canned goods, as well as dry goods such as rice, pasta, cereal, and crackers.
You should also have a good supply of water. It’s recommended that you have one gallon of water per person per day.
And finally, you’ll need some way to prepare your food. A camp stove or BBQ grill is a good option, but you should also have some emergency rations that don’t require cooking in case you don’t have access to fuel.