Introduction
In an apocalypse, the food you have stored up will be one of your most valuable possessions. It is important to choose foods that will not only last a long time but also be nutritious and calorie-dense. Here are some of the best options for long-lasting food in an apocalyptic scenario.
- Canned goods: Canned foods have a long shelf life and are easy to store. They are also generally high in calories and nutrients.
- Dehydrated foods: Dehydrated foods last almost indefinitely if stored properly, and they are very easy to pack and transport. Dehydrated foods are also usually high in calories and nutrients.
- Jerky: Jerky can last for several months if properly dehydrated and stored in a cool, dry place. It is also high in protein and calories, making it a good option for an apocalyptic diet.
- Hardtack: Hardtack is a type of biscuit that can last for years if stored in a dry place. It is not particularly nutritional, but it is filling and will help you survive in an apocalypse.
- Rice: Rice has a very long shelf life and is very calorie-dense, making it a good choice for survival food.
Shelf-Stable Foods
Canned Foods
When you think of canned foods, you might envision a can of soup or green beans — but there are actually a plethora of options available. Canned goods have a long shelf life because they are processed and sealed in an airtight container, which prevents microorganisms from getting in and causing the food to spoil.
Canned fruits and vegetables, for example, can last for up to two years, while canned meat can last for up to five years. In addition to fruits and vegetables, there are also many other types of food that come in cans, including seafood, beans, soups, stews, sauces, and more.
When shopping for canned goods, it’s important to check the label for any expiration date or “use by” date. In general, as long as the can is unopened and the food looks and smells normal, it should be fine to eat. However, if the can is dented or damaged in any way, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.
Dried Foods
Dried foods are some of the best options for long-term food storage. They have a long shelf life, are lightweight and portable, and don’t require refrigeration.
Some of the best-dried foods for long-term storage include:
-Dried beans
-Dried fruits
-Nuts and seeds
-Jerky
-Granola
-Oatmeal
-Rice
-Pasta
Jarred Foods
With a good seal, jarred foods will last for a long time. Here are some examples of common jarred foods and their shelf lives:
-Jams and jellies: 1 to 2 years
-Fruit juices: 6 to 18 months
-Vegetables: 1 to 2 years
-Pickles: 1 to 2 years
Source: https://www.thespruceeats.com/shelf-life-of-jars-of-foods-1328966
Non-Perishable Foods
When stocking up for an apocalypse, you want to choose foods that will last the longest and won’t go bad. There are a lot of non-perishable foods that you can choose from that will last years and keep you well-fed.
Grains
Grains are the dried seeds of grasses such as wheat, oats, barley, and rice. They are staples in cuisines around the world and can last for years if stored properly.
Whole grains are the least processed form of grains and contain all three parts of the seed: the germ, endosperm, and bran. Refined grains have been milled to remove the germ and bran, leaving only the endosperm. This process makes refined grains quicker to cook but also decreases their nutritional value.
Here are some examples of whole grains:
-Amaranth
-Barley
-Buckwheat
-Corn
-Millet
-Oats
-Quinoa
-Rice (including brown, wild, and basmati)
-Rye
-Sorghum (also called milo)
-Teff
-Triticale (a wheat & rye hybrid)
-Wheat (including bulgur, farro, spelt, Kamut)
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are one of the best sources of protein and essential nutrients. They’re also relatively long-lasting. When stored properly, they can last for months or even years.
Some of the most popular nuts and seeds include:
-Almonds
-Walnuts
-Cashews
-Pumpkin seeds
-Sunflower seeds
-Chia seeds
-Flaxseeds
Oils
Vegetable oils are another non-perishable food item that can last for years when stored correctly. Most oils come with a “best by” date, but they can often be used long after that date has passed. See the chart below for specific storage times.
Type of Oil Refrigerator Freezer
Olive 6 months 1 year
Canola 12 months 2 years
Vegetable 6 months 1 year
Peanut 6 months 1 year
Conclusion
So there you have it, a list of foods that would last the longest in an apocalypse. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it should give you a good starting point. With a little bit of planning and some common sense, you can be sure that you and your family will have plenty to eat – even during the most difficult of times.