Welcome to my ‘Essential Foods for Storage: Short & Long Term’ Guide. As the Summer ends, it’s the perfect time to think about preparing for the upcoming winter. Whether your pantry is well-stocked or looking a bit empty, now is the ideal time to stock up.
In these unpredictable times, with the threat of a second wave, political unrest, and natural disasters, being prepared is more important than ever. No matter where you live, having a well-stocked pantry is a smart move.
Here are some easy and essential foods to stockpile for both short-term and long-term storage, which are currently available in stores:
Ready Cooked
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Ready-to-Eat Canned Foods: These are a must-have for emergencies. Look for canned meals that are fully cooked and easy to open. They provide quick nutrition when you might not have the time or resources to cook. Options include chili, tamales, ravioli, beef soups, chicken soups, and pot pie soups. Choose foods that you and your family enjoy to avoid waste.
Just Add Water/Oil
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Simple to Fix Meals: Stock up on foods like pasta, which lasts a long time in your pantry. Pair it with various sauces. Macaroni and cheese is another great option, especially those that come in cups for easy preparation. Look for packaged meals like Knorr mixes, Rice-A-Roni, and Pasta Roni, which require just water and some oil. Always check the additional ingredients required and make sure you have them on hand.
Boxed
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Boxed and Packaged Foods: Items like instant potatoes, muffin mixes, and other foods that only require adding water are excellent for long-term storage. They are easy to prepare and can last for years if stored properly.
Canned
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Canned Meats: Canned tuna, chicken, ham, roast beef, and more can last for years and are great for adding protein to your diet. They can enhance the flavor and nutrition of other packaged foods.
Beans
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Beans and Legumes: No pantry is complete without a variety of beans. Stock up on chili beans, refried beans, baked beans, and more. They are filling, nutritious, and can be combined with other foods to create hearty meals.
Fruit/Veg
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Fruits and Vegetables: While canned fruits may not last as long as other canned goods due to their acidity, they are still valuable. Pay attention to expiration dates and rotate your stock to ensure freshness.
Dry Foods
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Dry Foods: Rice, beans, peas, and lentils are staples that can be stored in jars or food-safe containers like soda bottles. They last a long time and provide essential nutrients.
Seasonings
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Seasonings and Bouillon Mixes: Make your food more flavorful with seasonings that are easy to store and last for years. Instant coffee and tea bags are also great additions to your pantry for their long shelf life
Nuts
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Nuts and Nut Butters: Peanut butter and other nut butters are excellent sources of protein. If you have peanut allergies, explore other options to diversify your stock.
Vitamins
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Vitamin Pills: Consider adding vitamin supplements like Vitamin C to your stockpile to ensure you’re getting complete nutrition, especially in an emergency.
I hope you enjoyed my Essential Foods for Storage: Short & Long Term Guide. You can achieve stockpiling over time if on a budget. Now’s the time to do so!
Thanks for stopping by. Call on me again for fresh ideas and reviews of great new products!
