How do I Store Food for Long Term



If you live in a remote area, or if you like being prepared for any sort of disaster that might occur, you probably have a small store of food in the corner of your basement or pantry.  While rotating these resources won't normally be a problem, many might ask what sort of foods keep best. Canning and pickling methods have not changed much within the last one hundred years or so, but these aren't your only options for long lasting food stuffs

There are many foods and ingredients which spoil only after long periods of time, if they ever go bad at all.  While no supply should be without canned goods, consider supplementing your supplies with these versatile staples. 

Honey:  This should be considered an essential.  Not only is it packed with nutrients, it's also never really goes bad; it might dry out, but heating it will solve the problem.  Not only edible, it can be used as a wound antiseptic.  There is really no such thing as too much honey on your shelves!

Salt: Salt, much like honey, really can't go bad.  It can be used to break up ice, flavor food, remove infection, cure leather, and it can even help in cleaning!  That's a lot of power in something so small.  It's also an important component in pickling, which is another great way to keep foods good for long periods of time.

Sugar: While not quite as impervious as honey and salt, sugar has a very long lifespan provided you can keep it away from moisture.  Not only is it everyone favorite sweetener, it's also a cornerstone for baking.  Concerned about how you will bake in an emergency?  Keep in mind that anyone with a campfire and a little creativity will be able to cook food.  Canned goods are much easier to transport than raw material, so consider cooking from scratch when in a tight situation.

Baking Soda: While relegated to keep refrigerators from stinking in our modern lives, baking soda has a wide variety of uses.  It acts a cleaning agent, both for humans and for their homes.  When combined with sugar, it can act as a natural pesticide.  It also is, naturally, used in baking.  It's a good resource to have at hand, regardless of the situation.

Instant Teas, Coffee, and Cocoas: Aside of adding some flavor to your water rations, these can also be used as ingredients in baking and cooking if you are imaginative.  The high number of preservatives in this means unless you add water, they should be good indefinitely.  If the thought of a morning without coffee scares your more than any sort of apocalyptic scenario, this is a very easy inclusion.

White Rice: Not quite as bulletproof as some of the other items on this list, white rice is still a solid choice.  Properly packed up and stored, these little grains can last for over 30 years.  Since you're stocking your pantry for an emergency that should last less than a week or two, you should never have to worry about it as long as you take care of it.
