FOOD

Important information regarding food.

Ideas about what to purchase for pandemic supplies.

How to Store.

Tips on sources.

Originally posted by wannago:

Hi, I am an ex-cruiser (sailboat) and when we bought the huge bags of rice, cornmeal and flour, we "decanted" these into smaller ziplock bags (double layer) and lost only a very few to weavils and other bugs.  It was recommended we zap the bags in the microwave for a second or two which also kills anything still living in the drygoods, but we didn't have one.

We carried enough drygoods to last 2 of us 2 years.  This was on a 38ft boat with limited storage space.  Canned butter (yummy), canned bacon and New Zealand powdered milk were really appreciated.  Dried eggs were great for baking and crisco shortening didn't melt in tropical heat (no refrigerator) so canned chicken pies with reconstituted dried sh*take mushrooms were also on the menu.   Cheese kept under oil or wrapped in an oily cloth, keeps for months without refrigeration. We ate like kings and thoroughly enjoyed being self-sufficient.

Water was caught with a raincatcher, propane gas fuelled our stove .  We used a pressure cooker to conserve fuel usage (this is great for risotto in 5 mins).  Canned goods were dipped in a mix of varnish and thinners to stop the cans going rusty (remove label first) and relabel with something that doesn't rub off!  Creamed corn doesn't quite cut it for dessert  lol.

Don't forget some comfort foods like chocolate. Stay away from caffeine because it is a natural diuretic and could make you dehydrated if water is limited to begin with. Also limit salt on food because that just makes you thirsty.

I love the Dollar Tree store. I just went this morning and found 5# bags of white enriched rice for $1. They had a bunch of stuff I needed and spent $100 (100 items for $1 each). They had bags of beans, canned goods, cleaning supplies, paper products, batteries etc.

I thought Wal-mart or Sam's clubs were cheap...ha! I plan to go back with my husbands money this weekend.

do you have to refrigerate the butter once the can is opened?

Thanks-Libby

I ordered a can of the butter, cheese, and hamburger to sample. If we like them we'll order a case of each. This website offers several types of canned meat. Cooked hamburger and pork, which I've never thought of. You can use the hamburger, canned butter, powdered milk, and a little  water to make Hamburger Helper meals.

Gosh, my preps take up the whole corner of my bedroom. The sad thing is that I am not done shopping yet.

I've utilized our suitcases to store things in. They are really coming in handy.

Hi--I am ready to order food in bulk and wonder if I can get some feedback on what is best between dehydrated--freeze dried--and canned. Suggestions on where to order appreciated also.

Thanks!