Introduction
There are many different kinds of food that can be stored for long periods of time and still remain edible. This is often useful in the event of an emergency, such as a natural disaster or power outage. While some foods will only last for a few days without refrigeration, others can be stored for months or even years.
Here are some examples of food that can be stored for 20 years or more:
-Dried beans
-Rice
-Pasta
-Oats
-Canned fruits and vegetables
-Canned meat and fish
-Powdered milk
-Dried fruit
-Nuts and seeds
Food Storage Guidelines
Assuming you have a supply of food that will last 20 years, you need to focus on foods that are high in calories, have a long shelf life, and are nutritious. Some examples of these kinds of foods are rice, beans, dried fruit, oats, and pasta.
Shelf Life of Foods
It’s important to know how long food will last in storage so you can rotate your supplies and always have a delicious, nutritious meal on hand. Here are some general guidelines for the shelf life of common food items:
-Dried beans and lentils: up to 20 years
-Brown rice: up to 20 years
-White rice: up to 30 years
-Wheat flour: up to 30 years
-Rolled oats: up to 30 years
-Honey: indefinitely
-Pure maple syrup: indefinitely
-Canned fruits and vegetables (unopened): 2-5 years
-Canned meats (unopened): 2-5 years
How to Store Food for Long-Term Storage?
Proper food storage is a key part of maintaining a safe, self-sufficient home. If done correctly, your stored food will remain fresh and edible for years to come. Here are some tips for how to store food for long-term storage:
- Choose the right location. The best place to store your food is in a cool, dry, and dark area. Avoid places that are exposed to direct sunlight or fluctuating temperatures, like attics or basements.
- Invest in airtight containers. Airtight containers will keep your food fresh and free from pests and moisture. Choose containers that are made from BPA-free materials, like glass or stainless steel.
- Label your containers. Label each container with the name of the food and the date it was stored. This will help you keep track of what needs to be used first.
- Rotated every 6 months. This will ensure that your food is always fresh and within the expiration date guidelines.
By following these tips, you can be sure that your food will stay fresh and safe for long-term storage
Foods That Can Be Stored for 20 Years or More
Many people believe that the only food that can be stored long term are grains, but that is not the case. With the right techniques, you can store a variety of foods for 20 years or more.
Grains
Many grains will store for 20 years or more if kept dry and cool. Here are a few of the most popular grains along with the estimated storage life. These grains can be used to make bread, cereals, pasta, and much more.
-Wheat: 30 years
-Rice: 30 years
-Barley: 10-20 years
-Oats: 10-20 years
-Corn: 20 years
Beans
There are many reasons that someone might want to stockpile food. Maybe you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes or other natural disasters and you want to be prepared, or maybe you just want to have a supply of emergency food in case of a power outage or other unexpected event. Whatever your reasons, it’s important to know which foods can be safely stored for long periods of time so that you can be sure your stockpile will be there when you need it.
Beans are a good option for long-term food storage. Most varieties can be stored for up to 20 years if they are kept in a cool, dry place. That makes them a great option for emergency situations where you might not have access to fresh food.
There are some things to keep in mind when storing beans, however. First, they need to be dry before they are stored. If they are not completely dry, they can develop mold or mildew which can make them unsafe to eat. Second, they need to be stored in an airtight container. This will help them stay dry and prevent insects from getting into your food supply.
With these considerations in mind, beans are a great option for long-term food storage and can help you feel confident that you have a nutritious emergency food supply on hand.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are some of the longest-lasting foods around, with a shelf life of 20 years or more. This is due to their high fat and protein content, which protects them from going bad. They also contain natural antioxidants that further extend their shelf life.
Some of the best nuts and seeds for long-term storage include almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, and sesame seeds. These can all be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If you live in a particularly warm climate, it’s best to store them in the fridge or freezer to prevent them from going rancid.
Dried Fruit
30 Years:
Dried fruit will last for 30 years if it’s properly sealed and stored in a cool, dry place. The best way to store dried fruit is in a food-grade plastic bucket with an airtight lid. You can also store dried fruit in mylar bags with an oxygen absorber.
20 Years:
Canned fruits and vegetables can last for 20 years if they’re stored in a cool, dry place. The key to storing canned foods is to keep them away from light and heat, which can cause the cans to degrade over time. Canned foods should also be stored in a food-grade plastic bucket with an airtight lid.
Canned Foods
Canned goods are one of the best ways to stock up on non-perishable items, and if stored correctly, they can last for years. Here are some foods that have an incredibly long shelf life and can be stored for 20 years or more.
-Canned meat: 5-10 years
-Canned vegetables: 2-5 years
-Fruit juices: 2-5 years
-Soups and stews: 2-5 years
Of course, these are just guidelines, and the actual shelf life of canned goods will depend on a number of factors, including the type of food, the quality of the canning process, and storage conditions. To extend the shelf life of your canned goods even further, store them in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard.
Conclusion
After much research, we have compiled a list of 25 foods that, if stored properly, can last for 20 years or more. These foods are perfect for long-term storage because they are non-perishable, durable, and have a long shelf-life.
Here are 25 foods that can be stored for 20 years or more:
- Grains (rice, wheat, oats)
- Beans (legumes)
- Nuts and seeds
- dried fruit
- canned goods (vegetables, fruit, meat)
- powdered milk
- vegetable oils
- vinegar
- alcohol (wine, beer, liquor)
- honey
- coffee beans and ground coffee
- tea leaves and tea bags
- spices and herbs
- flour and cornmeal