If you hadn’t previously thought about how you would build up a food supply for an emergency, the coronavirus pandemic probably made you consider it.
What kinds of foods are best to keep in the pantry and freezer in case of a natural disaster, zombie apocalypse or pandemic that drags on for more than a couple of weeks?
Start with the following options. These foods can last for years before going bad.
1. Oats
This prolific cereal grain and staple of many American breakfast tables can last up to 30 years, according to the Utah State University Extension.
Store oats in airtight containers in a cool, dark, dry place. To maximize shelf life, use oxygen absorber packets.
2. White rice
Also known as polished rice, white rice has a shelf life of 25 to 30 years when properly stored. That’s why we included it in “20 Things That Are Actually Worth Stockpiling.”
The best temperature for storing this grain is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. The best container is one that is sealed and oxygen-free.
3. Popcorn
Unpopped kernels can last two years, according to the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Best storage is at room temperature.
4. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate lasts up to two years if properly stored, according to Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
It should be stored in a tightly sealed containers and at a temperature of 65 to 70 degrees. Keep it in a dry location as well. Do not refrigerate it, because the sugar can rise to the surface and give the chocolate a whitish appearance.
5. Honey
Winnie-the-Pooh’s favorite can remain stable indefinitely, according to the National Honey Board. However, a two-year shelf life is standard.
The trade group explains:
“Honey stored in sealed containers can remain stable for decades and even centuries! However, honey is susceptible to physical and chemical changes during storage; it tends to darken and lose its aroma and flavor or crystallize. These are temperature-dependent processes, making the shelf life of honey difficult to define.”
6. Powdered milk
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s FoodKeeper storage guide, powdered milk can last three to five years — but keeps only three months once the package has been opened.
For best storage, keep at cool temperatures in a dark location.
7. Dried beans
Dried beans and lentils have a shelf life of up to 30 years or more when stored properly, according to the Utah State University Extension. However, for best color and flavor, they should be used within 12 months.
The best method of storage is in No. 10 cans or Mylar-type bags with the oxygen removed, and keep the beans at a colder temperature.
8. Certain cheeses
Low-moisture, hard cheese can last from 10 months to several years, reports Dairy Foods Magazine. For example, the typical shelf life for Parmesan is up to five years, and that of aged cheddar is up to 10 years.
The Food Network has a handy how-to on best practices for cheese storage.
9. Canned foods
Generally, commercially canned foods that are canned in liquid should maintain their best quality until their expiration date, which is usually two to five years from the manufacture date, according to the Utah State University Extension.
Note that unopened home-canned foods have a shorter shelf life — one year — and should be used before two years. The USU Extension explains:
“Commercially canned foods are superior to home canned for food storage. Commercial canners can closely control quality and safety to produce the best product.”
When buying canned foods, avoid cans that are:
- Rusted
- Dented
- Scratched
- Bulging
10. Frozen foods
That succotash that’s been in your freezer for years might not taste amazing, but it’s perfectly safe and likely still nutritious — assuming your freezer has been kept at zero degrees Fahrenheit or colder.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, foods frozen at that temperature remain safe almost indefinitely, and freezer storage has little to no effect on food nutrient value. Quality is a different matter, but the USDA has a handy storage chart showing how long different frozen foods maintain their quality.
The USDA recommends storing frozen food in packaging that keeps air out.
11. Sugar
How long does the sweet stuff last? Domino Sugar says:
“Sugar, properly stored, has an indefinite shelf life because it does not support microbial growth.”
However, Domino adds that sugar is best when used within three years of purchase. Powdered sugar is best when used within two years of purchase.
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Source: moneytalksnews.com