Food
Storage
There
are many possible problems that can occur in which having
a supply of food on hand will allow for life to continue in
a relatively normal manner. Such circumstances as a trucker's
strike, famine, drought, or other natural catastrophes could
prevent food from being readily available. By having your
own supply of several months of food, such circumstances will
not have as great of impact on you and your family. This article
will address what to buy, how to store it and how to rotate
it effectively.
Whole
grains, rice and legumes are the most nutritious, easy long
term storage items. However, the foods bought for storage
should not only be used in emergencies. Whole grains incorporated
into your daily diet will have health benefits as well as
allow for your food to stay fresh. Using, or rotating your
bulk foods is a method that will also be economical as foods
bought in their whole form are less expensive. You will also
save money preparing your own foods instead of buying things
ready made or commercially processed. Along with saving money,
it is better for your health, as commercially processed foods
contain preservatives, additives, refined sugars, extra fat
and lack the nutrients found in whole grains. Wheat, in its
whole form and unrefined is very healthy and easy to store.
Wheat is one of the best sources of nutrition, containing
Thiamine, Niacin, Iron, Zinc, and Riboflavin. More and more
people are trying to incorporate whole grains into their diet.
Whole wheat berries (the wheat grain before it is ground)
have a shelf life for several decades, if stored properly.
Wheat berries can be soaked, cooked, cracked, baked, sprouted,
and ground into flour. It is best to grind wheat when needed,
as this will allow for the most nutrients to be available
for the body. Legumes are an under used food that is also
very easy to store long term and full of healthy nutrients.
Other than used for baked beans, soups, casseroles and with
rice legumes can be used by pureeing them or grinding them
into flour. They are also excellent for making baby food.
Grains can also be bought rolled, oatmeal is the most common
rolled grain, but barley, rye, red and white wheat can also
be purchased rolled. Rolled grains can be served as a breakfast
cereal, made into granola or blended up into flour for cookies,
bread and cakes. Rolled grains can be served individually
or mixed in any combination.
Food
should be stored in a cool, dry and dark place in sealed containers
that keep out moisture and insects. Only food grade containers
should be used, or those properly sealed in cans or jars.
Food should be kept off the floor and away from concrete.
It is not enough to have it on carpet, it needs to be on shelves
or set on boards to raise it off the ground. Date items when
they are purchased so older items may be used first and it
is known how old food is in case it is not used in the time
frame that is suggested.
Although
having these whole grain items on hand is a great way to prepare
for emergencies, knowing what to do with them is equally important.
Often products are purchased in grocery stores and markets
ready made. However, if it is not possible to get them from
markets, for whatever reason, the skills to make them your
self will be vital. Practice making items that you normally
buy. Although this does not have to be a daily occurrence
to allow you to rotate your storage, done consistently, over
time, it will accomplish that goal as well as save money.
Tortillas and bread are two useful products to start with.
Also helpful is making pancakes, cookies, cakes and other
baked goods from scratch. It is also possible to make your
own mixes, like those you would buy in the store, to have
"convenience" items on hand to save time and effort.
Recognize
that problems can be personal as well as those far reaching
situations that effect many. Such things as a job lay off,
disability, medical problems or other things that might be
unexpected which take your financial resources, can all be
reasons to have a small food storage on hand. Preparing for
emergencies before they happen takes the fear out of them
and gives a plan and method for which to successfully cope
with such problems.
About
the Author
Francesca Black has worked in the emergency services field
for more than 10 years. More information available at Prepare
for Emergency http://www.prepare-for-emergency.com
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