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46K views 83 replies 45 participants last post by  rcc4au 
#1 ·
I’ve noticed that a lot people have questions about food storage. There’s a lot of good info on this forum I just thought I’d add some resources and share some of what I’ve learned. Also condense some of the info into one thread.

If you are just starting out you’ll want to add the basics first. It won’t be a great diet but it will support you. What I’m doing is accumulating 6 months worth at a time.
First I get grains & beans; because you can live on just these, though it is rather boring. Then dehydrated/freeze dried: milk, eggs, veggies, & fruit.

After you get a year’s worth of food add specialty stuff like; cheese powder, dessert items, spices, freeze dried meat, soup mixes, bread mix, etc. What is six months worth?? Well here are a few calculators.
http://lds.about.com/library/bl/faq/blcalculator.htm
http://www.providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,7498-1-4070-1,00.html
Basically it comes out to 25lb grains, wheat-rice-etc, and 5lbs of legumes, beans-lentils-etc. per person per month. Most of this info comes from the Mormon church, I’m not Mormon but do check out their websites because they are a great source of info.

Rice, beans, lard (it has a very long shelf life), and pasta can be had at Cosco or SamsClub cheaply. Wheat, barley, millet (similar to grits), and corn is available in bulk at feed supply stores or sometimes health food stores (usually expensive though). The Safeway near me has lentils and barley for less than $1 per pound!

When you get your rice, wheat, beans or whatever you’ll want to pack them in mylar & 5 gal buckets with oxygen absorbers for long-term storage. If you don’t then their shelf life will only be about a year.
Here are some good sources for packaging food:
http://www.youtube.com/user/delta69alpha how to
http://www.shopsimplerliving.com/ mylar bags, oxygen absorbers, etc
https://www.usaemergencysupply.com/emergency_supplies/mylar_food_storage_bags.htm mylar bags, oxygen absorbers

Why do I stock up on freeze dried milk, veggies, fruit, etc instead of canned?? Freeze dried can be expensive if you start getting pre-made meals but it is cheap if you just get the basic items; IE..1year worth of veggies for one person can be bought for $100. FD items are lighter, no water, and last longer, typical shelf life of fruits & veggies is 15-30 years. Canned goods have an average shelf life of 2yrs and they are heavy!

Though I stock up on FD fruits/veggies you should learn how to garden and get canning supplies; however, even if you can and garden you should get some freeze dried items.

I attached a good article on building up food storage. It even has budgets and timelines. Here are some suppliers:
http://www.yourfoodstorage.com/products
http://www.jrhenterprises.com/category.sc?categoryId=2
http://www.mredepot.com/servlet/StoreFront much more than just MREs!!
http://stores.ebay.com/Gwens-Store
http://www.shopsimplerliving.com/
http://www.nitro-pak.com/


Hope some of this helps you guys.
 

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#2 · (Edited)
If you are going to store powdered stuff; flour, powdered cheese, eggs, milk, bread mix, etc you need to either buy it pre-packaged or with a moisture content below 12% ( I believe). MREdepot.com has powdered items; IE cheese in 40lb bags that has a very low moisture content you can package yourself to save money.

Corn.. it is great and everyone wants to grow it (myself included)… but… honestly wheat, barley, rye, and other grains should be grown first. Why?? A couple of reasons: Corn is actually pretty low in protein and you can not live on just corn. Grains like wheat, barely, etc are grasses; they require very little fertilizer or water when compared with corn.

Also wheat, barley, & rye can be stored longer and easier. If SHTF and you are growing corn you will deplete your soil very quickly and not be able to get more fertilizer unless you have animals. The protein content of wheat is very high and you can live of just wheat, it would suck though.

I’m not saying “don’t grow corn”. Just that you should be growing more wheat, barley, rye, and other grains first. Also a decent mill should be on your list.
For seeds you want heirloom:
http://www.bountifulgardens.org/ has a variety of wheat, rye, and many other grains
http://www.rickharrison.com/texts/info/seedsources.html is a list of seed sources


Oh one more thing. Popcorn. It is cheap in bulk!! And can be used in a couple different ways; either pop it or grind it into maize.
 
#3 ·
Another grain that is easy to grow, and has multiple uses is amaranth. First off, it is a grain, so it can be used for breads, etc. Amaranth tends to be very drought tolerant, so it does not require the massive amounts of water that corn and some other grains do. Next, there are varieties such as the red, which can also be used as a dye for fabrics. It is very pretty and ornamental looking, so it can be incorporated into your landscape design (even right out in the front yard), and the nosy neighbors don't have to know that you are growing it for the grain! If you want to get experience growing it, but don't necessarily want to harvest the grain, the local bird population will be very pleased to use it as a food source all winter long.
 
#5 ·
Another grain that is easy to grow, and has multiple uses is amaranth. First off, it is a grain, so it can be used for breads, etc. Amaranth tends to be very drought tolerant, so it does not require the massive amounts of water that corn and some other grains do.

the local bird population will be very pleased to use it as a food source all winter long.
Quite right. The Bountifull Garden link has alot of grains! And the birds will make a nice food source as well!


I was also going to suggest amaranth and quinoa. These can be grown very easily, and they're super nutritious. Quinoa is a complete protein, and amaranth can be grown for it's nutritious greens as well as it's seeds. They're also gluten free if anyone here has family members who are intolerant to gluten or wheat.
Quinoa: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=142
Growing amaranth and quinoa:http://www.saltspringseeds.com/scoop/powerfood.htm

The other thing I wanted to say was coconut oil is extremely nutritious- it's very high in lauric acid which is good for brain development (who couldn't use that in a SHTF scenario?)

Coconut oil in bulk: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/virgin_coconut_oil.htm
Thanks for the link! Bountiful gardens has a wide variety of different wheats and grains. They have an ancient wheat breed that has 16% protein. Quinoa is also a good one.
 
#4 ·
I was also going to suggest amaranth and quinoa. These can be grown very easily, and they're super nutritious. Quinoa is a complete protein, and amaranth can be grown for it's nutritious greens as well as it's seeds. They're also gluten free if anyone here has family members who are intolerant to gluten or wheat.
Quinoa: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=142
Growing amaranth and quinoa:http://www.saltspringseeds.com/scoop/powerfood.htm

The other thing I wanted to say was coconut oil is extremely nutritious- it's very high in lauric acid which is good for brain development (who couldn't use that in a SHTF scenario?), and antifungal, has a very long shelf life, and is extremely stable- it won't go rancid very quickly. It's also has the highest smoke point of any oil, so it can be used in all manner of cooking (unlike olive oil which really shouldn't be heated- it goes rancid very quickly), and you can buy large amounts of it at tropical traditions. And I swear, I don't work for them, I just really love it. :)
Coconut oil in bulk: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/virgin_coconut_oil.htm
 
#6 ·
The other thing I wanted to say was coconut oil is extremely nutritious- it's very high in lauric acid which is good for brain development (who couldn't use that in a SHTF scenario?), and antifungal, has a very long shelf life, and is extremely stable- it won't go rancid very quickly. It's also has the highest smoke point of any oil, so it can be used in all manner of cooking (unlike olive oil which really shouldn't be heated- it goes rancid very quickly), and you can buy large amounts of it at tropical traditions. And I swear, I don't work for them, I just really love it. :)
Coconut oil in bulk: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/virgin_coconut_oil.htm
I use coconut oil for my daughter's meals but I've had quite a resistance from the rest of the family (my partner and step-kids) when it comes to the flavor. I will admit it to y'all but deny it at home, but I agree. It's a crazy flavor to get used to but knowing how healthy it is I'm trying. :) I like the flavor when I pop popcorn, use it instead of other oils in baking and when I fry up pancakes, but otherwise it's tough to swallow. And hard to sneak in. I can usually sneak organ meat into sloppy joes but they always catch the coconut oil ;)
 
#8 ·
Wow, I've never noticed the flavor. The only problem I have with it, is when I REALLY want butter instead. There is NO fat that tastes better than butter! :) (which is why I plan on canning some, or making some ghee). But I can't taste it in baked goods, or in things I saute. But, I do like the flavor of coconut, so maybe that's it?

Oh, and it is REALLY good for pancakes- texture like no other cooking fat I've ever had!
 
#16 ·
Oats have a hull that requires processing. I grow oats mainly for the rabbits and chickens.

I would say wheat was easier to process than oats. Oats will do better in wetter areas than wheat will. Last year we had some wheat in one of our growing areas that tends to be a little wet. It sprouted, came up about ankle high then we got a good bit of rain. The area stayed wet for a long time and the wheat died out. Oats will tolerate wet a little better than wheat does, IMO.

Here's how you will process the wheat after you cut it-

 
#14 ·
Let's see from fall of 2009 to fall of 2012. In other words, about 3 years of food might see you through the upcoming trouble. Less if Obama's administration can work a true miracle. If not, as expected, then you may even need slightly more food than 3 years' worth. It's anybody's guess right now but 3 years would or may be the practical minimum.
 
#15 ·
If you are planning on growing amaranth, do the research into what seeds you are buying. Amaranth is raised to be either a grain plant or a greens plant. If you are looking to grow it for grains make certain you are buying the grain seeds and the same for the greens. Don't buy ornamental amaranth because you won't get much in grains from it and the greens are not as good. Also check with your local ag extention office because if may already be growing wild in your area. This can be a good thing as you can get free seeds or it may be bad if you buy seeds and you get cross pollination, then seed collecting for replanting is not adviced.

blt
 
#20 ·
I think its hilarious that a lot of people on this site, believe that freezing food, will do you a lick of good when TSHTF. What do you plan on running your freezer off of, when there is no electricity? It is my firm opinion, that the best way for long term food storage is canning, and to smoke or jerky your meat. With this method, I've had foods last for 3 or 4 years Only because I can so much it takes me that long to get around to eating it. But I honestly believe that it would last for years longer. Also to store dried beans and rice, and such. From that point, you can build a Can House, and a Spring House (provided you have access to a fresh spring or creek) to keep your food cool. You don't even need electricity to can food. Only the cans and seals.
 
#21 · (Edited)
check out pre industrial food storage and packaging, apples in my climate will remain edible if packed separately (not touching) and stored in a cool dry place for a year, many other fruits will also keep like this for far longer than you would expect....
eggs also can be stored for up to three months without refrigeration, but they do better in a cool slightly moist location.
carrots and many root vegetables.... pack not touching in single layers, fill with sand, six to twelve months storage with no processing.
sun dried and oven dries works on tomatoes, and stored in oil they will last up to three years if kept in the dark.
meats.... rather than the jerky that everyone seems to advocate and can get a little boring, whats wrong with the brined meats? pickled pork and pickled lamb rolls work well.. so does the pickled silverside... get the brine strong enough, up around 12% and you have between three and 12 months storage.... it worked for the british navy..... or look at european meat storage types... the salamis, they will hold for 12 months plus if made properly and appropriately stored. much longer if dried and smoked.
confit... meat slow cooked in duck fat (it sets harder than lard and is better for you) which is then allowed to harden, six to eight months.....
Oh if you didnt know, simply covering meat with a bath of vegetable oil will give you up to two weeks storage at room temperature.
Pemmican is a way of dealing with cheaper cuts of meat that it is unproductive to jerk.
Proscuitto.... is fairly easy to do as well and will give you 12 months to five years storage time on pork legs.... proprly made hams give you a similar storage time.
oh, another thing that is interesting is that no one seems to advocate the growing of mushrooms, many of us would have space to do this... under porches is ideal... and they have a good nutritional value as well. they can be dried, store for an 18 month period and are a welcome flavour boost.
we, as a community need to become more aware that the storage of heavily processed foods and our reliance upon them actually limits our ability to survive. MODERN DIETARY HABITS ALSO DO THIS. what do i mean? when was the last time you ate properly hung meat? or an aged steak? the bacterial load in these is much higher than most of us ever encounter, and as such they can often cause digestive system upset.... unless we accustom our systems to this level of bacterial load then we get sick.
try it... hold your steak in the fridge for a fortnight before eating.... it is not only more tender, but is better for you, the bacterial breakdown actually makes the proteins far more accessible to your body.
 
#22 ·
Ok so im not a every day farmer and such. So when you say things like grains (with the exception of rice) how would you cook those things and make what with them. I mean I kind of know what they are thru reading here and there but what can you really do with them and how. Cause honestly my name is not ol'McDonald and I dont have a farm ei ei oww lol
 
#28 ·
All grains (and all grass seeds, which most of our grain is) can be ground into flour. Most of them don't have gluten to make breads rise like wheat does, so you can mix other grain flour in with wheat flour if you want it to rise in bread. It adds more nutrition and makes white flour go further. Do you like buckwheat pancakes? They add their own taste to things. All grains can be cooked like a hot cereal, grind them if you want to shorten cooking time and eat like cream of wheat. You can add small grains like millet to baked goods like you would sesame seeds. Some, like amaranth, you can pop like corn. You can grind them, add oil, or add them to high oil nuts to make a spread, like peanut butter. You can add cooked grains to a sweetener to make a candy or add to pemmican for carbohydrate energy. Some can be sprouted and used like you would any sprouts. Those are some ways to use them, there may be others.

The more grains you use together, the higher the nutrition...each has something to offer that others don't.
 
#29 ·
In addition to those food items suggested, please store salt as well. Salt is absolutely essential for life. Canned goods have plenty of salt in them, but once you've run out of canned goods, your food may not have much salt, and nature does not provide much easily found salt. In some areas of the country, like the Midwest, it is better to store some iodized salt to prevent goiters. You could also store sea salt which has iodine.
 
#30 ·
I've been working 12hr days for months and have not had a chance to post anything. I figured I'd share some stuff with you guys. Canning Meat is a great way to store real meat long term!! I always thought canned meat only had a 6-9month shelf life or something like that. But I recently found out that canned meat has a 2-3 year shelf life! I was quite surprised!

Anyway.. I bought a good pressure canner off of Amazon.com for $80. Some canning jars at wall mart for about $7 per case and now have a great way to store meat (which is way better than TVP). And no refrigeration is required!

Here is some decent info on canning meat: http://msuextension.org/publications/HomeHealthandFamily/MT200903HR.pdf

As for a pressure cooker/canner make sure you get one that has a pressure gauge. They can be costly but here is one for a pretty good price: Amazon.com: Presto 23-Quart Aluminum Pressure Cooker/Canner: Home & Garden
There is a smaller one for about ten bucks less that is a great deal. The 23qt one is huge.

Here is a good youtube video on canning meat, it sold me:
There are 9 parts. Take the time and watch them all.
 
#31 ·
I apologize if this is answered elsewhere, but what about preparing long shelf life cans themselves? I know about putting varnish or something on the lbels to keep them intact, but would it hurt/help to put something like parafin on the exposed top and bottom to reduce the liklihood of rust...just in case?
 
#36 ·
Don't coat your lids or rings with anything.. It will prevent them from sealing. Growing up my mother canned lots of stuff and the metal lids & rings will out last the food you can. If you're concerned about being able to get more lids after SHTF just stock up on lots of spares now. A 20 pack of lids & rings is $3 and can be re-used many times. To avoid rust just don't store them in a damp area.
 
#32 ·
exactly the info i was looking for thanks! do you know if any local type stores (walmart, etc) would carry the mylar bags and food grade buckets? is it essential to have both the bucket and the bag? also, is there an advantage to storing food like this versus getting MREs? i assume the cost is probably quite a bit cheaper.

sorry if these have already been asked. thanks for the info!
 
#33 ·
The way I understand it is that

if you have the food grade bags you can use any type of container.

if you do not have the bags you need the food grade bucket.

if you do not have anything, get something, such as the 2 liter coke bottles, etc.

remember something is better than nothing.

I recommend starting with rice and beans (all types).

the ability to move your food and stores is very important.

compare the food value to weight. MRE are nice but comparied to the weight of the same amount of rice, you can get 10 meals out of the rice for each MRE package.

Poke a hole in the MRE, would you eat it later

POke a hole in the rice bag, would you eat the rice later

think out side the box, watch carefully that a post is not from someone selling stuff. They might not be bad but they will most likely be baise.



later
wayne
 
#37 ·
I'm just a back yard gardener but I just harvested my first crop of Red fife wheat, and I only planted it in July meaning I could probably get two crops out of the year which is pretty neat.

When growing both oats and wheat, spend some time reading about different varieties - some are easier to hand separate the berries from the stocks which is the hard part is seems. Like I said I grew red fife which is pretty easy to separate but there are some that are even better.
 
#38 ·
hey on growing the amaranth and quinoa, I have about 2 acres that has been torn up to lay underground utilitys in and it has been planted in fescue but it is thin. can I just broadcast either of these seeds or another grain into it and let it go. will any of the above mentioned grains thrive mixed in with the grass?
 
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