Introduction
In an emergency, you may need to survive on your stored food and water for several days, or even weeks. If supplies are limited or unavailable, you may need to ration food and water. The goal is to make sure you have enough to keep yourself and your family alive until help arrives.
Below are some suggestions for what foods to store. Focus on stocking non-perishable items that do not require refrigeration or cooking. Canned goods, dry goods, and packaged foods are good options.
Water is the most important thing to have in an emergency. It is recommended that you store at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day. If possible, store even more than that. You will need water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation.
Canned goods:
Canned fruits
Canned vegetables
Canned meat (tuna, chicken, salmon)
Canned soup
Canned chili
Canned beans
Canned tomato products (sauce, paste, stewed tomatoes)
Canned juices
Condiments (mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce)
Mayo/salad dressing
Dry goods:
Crackers
Cookies
Granola bars
Hard candy
Nuts
Dried fruits Applesauce cups
Packaged Foods: Instant oatmeal packets Peanut butter/jelly packets Gorp/trail mix Pudding cups/applesauce cups
The best foods for long-term survival
When it comes to long-term survival, you need to have food that will not only last, but that is also nutritious and calorie-dense. There are a few different food groups that you should focus on, and we will go over them in this article.
Grains
Grains are an essential part of any long-term survival plan. They are a good source of carbohydrates, which is one of the three macronutrients your body needs in order to function properly. Grains are also a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
There are many different types of grains, and they can be stored in a number of different ways. The most common way to store grains is in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cellar. Grains can also be stored in airtight containers, such as buckets or barrels. If you live in an area with an abundance of rodents or other pests, it is important to store your grains in containers that will keep them safe from infestation.
The following are some of the most common grains that can be stored for long-term survival:
-Rice: Brown rice has a shelf life of up to 30 years, while white rice has a shelf life of up to 10 years.
-Wheat: Wheat has a shelf life of up to 30 years.
-Oats: Oats have a shelf life of up to 10 years.
-Barley: Barley has a shelf life of up to 10 years.
-Quinoa: Quinoa has a shelf life of up to 8 years.
Beans
Beans are an excellent source of protein and are also packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They have a long shelf life and can be stored in both dry and canned forms. Dry beans should be soaked before cooking, but you can also cook them without soaking if you use a pressure cooker. Canned beans are a convenient option for long-term survival as they can be eaten straight from the can or used in recipes.
Dried fruits
Dried fruits are an excellent choice for long-term survival because they have a long shelf life and are a concentrated source of nutrients. You can find dried fruit in most grocery stores, and they come in a variety of flavors.
Dried fruits are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They’re also a good source of fiber, which is important for digestive health. When buying dried fruit, look for products that are unprocessed and free of added sugar.
Dried fruits can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to six months. Be sure to check the packaging for any expiration date.
Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are ideal for long-term survival because they are high in protein, fat, and essential vitamins and minerals. They are also relatively easy to store and have a long shelf life.
Some of the best nuts and seeds for long-term survival include:
-Almonds: Almonds are high in protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamin E, and magnesium. They can be eaten raw, roasted, or used in recipes.
-Walnuts: Walnuts are another great source of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. They can also be eaten raw or used in cooking.
-Pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds are a good source of protein, fiber, iron, zinc, and magnesium. They can be eaten raw or roasted.
-Sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds are a good source of protein, fiber, vitamin E, and selenium. They can be eaten raw or roasted.
-Chia seeds: Chia seeds are a good source of fiber, protein, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. They can be added to recipes or soaked in water to make a gel.
-Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are a good source of fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. They can be ground into a meal or used whole in recipes.
Preserved meats
There are many different ways to preserve meat, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The most important factor in deciding which method to use is the type of meat you’re preserving. Different meats require different preservation methods in order to taste their best.
The most common methods of preserving meat are smoking, drying, and canning. Below, we’ll go into more detail about each of these methods and explain how to choose the best one for your needs.
Smoking
Smoking is a popular method of preservation because it adds flavor to the meat as well as helps to preserve it. meats that are commonly smoked include ham, bacon, sausage, and chicken. Smoking works by slowly cooking the meat over low heat while exposing it to smoke from smoldering wood chips. This process not only imparts flavor to the meat but also dries it out, making it less susceptible to spoilage.
Drying
Drying is another popular method of preservation, especially for leaner meats such as jerky. Drying works by removing all the moisture from the meat, which makes it inhospitable for bacteria to grow. To dry meat, you need to expose it to low temperatures and plenty of airflows. This can be done either in a dehydrator or in an oven set on its lowest setting with the door propped open.
Canning
Canning is a popular method of preservation for fruits and vegetables, but it can also be used for meats. Canning involves boiling the food in jars or cans until all the air has been removed and the food is sealed tight. This process kills any bacteria that might be present and prevents new bacteria from getting in. Once canned, foods will keep for years without spoilage if stored in a cool, dark place.
Canned goods
Canned goods are a key component of any long-term food storage plan—they have a long shelf life, are affordable, and can provide a quick nutritious meal with little preparation. When choosing canned goods for your survival food storage, select items that you would normally eat—don’t stock up on things you wouldn’t normally eat just because they have a long shelf life. And remember, canned goods rotate just like any other food in your pantry— use them before they reach their expiration date and replenish your supplies on a regular basis. Here are some suggested canned goods for your long-term food storage:
-Canned fruits: applesauce, peaches, pears, pineapple, grapefruit sections, cherries
-Canned vegetables: potatoes, green beans, carrots, corn
-Canned meat: chicken, turkey breast, tuna fish, ham
-Canned soup: tomato bisque, cream of mushroom, chicken noodle
-Canned stews: beef stew, chili with beans
-Canned pasta Sauce: spaghetti sauce, Alfredo sauce
-Canned tomatoes: diced tomatoes, tomato paste
-Canned beans: black beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans
How to store your food for long-term survival?
If you’re planning on long-term survival, you need to know how to store your food properly. Depending on the food, there are different storage methods that will help keep your food fresh and edible for as long as possible. Here are some tips on how to store your food for long-term survival.
In a cool, dry place
Storing food is one of the most important things you can do to be prepared for an emergency. If a storm hits or a power outage occurs, you may not have access to grocery stores for days or weeks. That’s why it’s important to have a stockpile of non-perishable food items that can last for a long time.
There are certain foods that are particularly good for long-term storage. These include items that do not require refrigeration and have a long shelf life. Here are some examples of foods that can be stored for long-term survival:
-canned goods: soup, vegetables, fruit, meat
-dry goods: rice, pasta, cereal, flour
-nuts and seeds
-nut butter
-honey
-dried fruit
-canned coconut milk
-condiments: salt, pepper, vinegar, oils
In a dark place
You might be surprised to learn that one of the best places to store your food for long-term survival is in a dark place. That’s because light, especially sunlight, can cause food to spoil faster. So, if you’re looking for a place to store your food where it will last the longest, choose a dark location.
Another factor to consider when storing your food is temperature. Extremely cold or hot temperatures can also cause food to spoil faster. That’s why most experts recommend storing your food in a cool, dry place. A basement or root cellar is ideal, but any cool, dark place will do.
Finally, it’s important to keep your food storage area clean. That means sweeping and mopping the floor regularly and wiping down surfaces. You should also keep any food storage containers clean and free of debris.
In a sealed container
The best way to store food for long-term survival is in a sealed container. This will keep out oxygen and moisture, which can cause food to spoil. You can use either glass or plastic containers, but make sure they are airtight. You can also use vacuum-sealed bags, which will further protect your food.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many different types of food that you can store for long-term survival. The best foods to store are those that are high in calories, low in moisture, and do not require refrigeration. Other good options include canned goods, dry beans and grains, and dehydrated or freeze-dried foods.