What to Eat When the SHTF: 3 Types of Food to Stockpile Now
It’s no secret that the world is in a precarious state. Economic instability, political unrest, and natural disasters are all becoming more and more common. And while we may not be on the brink of an all-out apocalypse just yet, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. That’s why, if you’re the type of person who likes to be prepared for anything, it’s important to stockpile some food now so that you’ll be ready for whatever comes next.
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What kind of food should you buy? Here are 3 types of food that will help you survive when the SHTF – Dried Goods, Canned Goods, and Frozen Food. Most food items are typically found in stores like Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, and online stores like Amazon, Augason Farms, Wise Foods, and Valley Food Storage.
1. Dried Goods
Dried goods are defined as food that has been prepared by removing the water content through a process of drying. Dehydration is the most popular method of drying foods, though other methods such as freeze-drying and air-drying can also be used. Drying food is a great way to preserve it for later consumption. When done correctly, dried foods can last for months or even years without going bad.
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Why Dry Foods?
Dried foods are convenient and easy to keep for later consumption. This makes them perfect for emergencies where you may not have access to fresh food. Dried foods are also lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
How to Dry Food?
One of the most popular methods of drying food is dehydrating it. Dehydration removes the water content from food without affecting its nutritional value. To dehydrate foods, you can use a dehydrator, an oven, or even the sun. Air drying is also an effective method of drying food.
What Foods Can Be Dried?
Almost any food can be dried, though some are better suited to the process than others. Fruits, vegetables, and herbs can all be dried with ease. Dairy products such as milk and yogurt can also be dried but may not taste as good as their fresh counterparts and some specialized equipment and knowledge for processing (these items are inexpensive and can be purchased easily).
Advantages of Dried Food
There are many advantages to dried foods. As mentioned earlier, they have a long shelf life, can be stored for months or even years, and are lightweight and easy to transport.
Disadvantages of Dried Food
Dried foods can be more expensive to purchase than their fresh counterparts. They also require a little bit of preparation before they can be eaten, as they need to be rehydrated.
2. Canned Goods
Canned goods are foods that are sealed in airtight containers and can be stored for long periods. This type of food preservation was first developed by the French chemist Nicolas Appert in 1809. Appert’s discovery led to the development of canning factories in the United States and Europe, which began mass-producing canned foods for soldiers and explorers.
Why Canned?
Canned goods became a staple of military diets during the 19th century, as they were portable and versatile. During World War II, canned goods were once again in high demand, as fresh food was hard to come by.
In recent years, canned goods have become popular with preppers and survivalists, as they can be stored for long periods without spoiling, which makes them ideal for stockpile purposes. But canned food is also great for taking with you on camping trips, hiking trips, or any other time when refrigeration might not be available. Plus, canned food is usually cheaper than its fresh or frozen counterparts.
Types of Canned Food
Canned foods come in all shapes and sizes, and can be used to store both perishable and non-perishable items. Common types of canned foods include fruits, vegetables, soups, meats, fish, and even some desserts.
Canned fruits and vegetables are typically packed in syrup or water, and can last for months or even years on a pantry shelf. Canned soups and stews are also common, as they can be easily reheated and consumed without any fuss. Meats like chicken, beef and pork can also be found in cans, as well as seafood like tuna, salmon, and sardines. Finally, some desserts like fruit pies and custards can also be bought in cans.
Advantages of Canned Food
One of the main advantages of canned foods is that they have a long shelf life. When stored properly, canned foods can last for years without spoiling. This makes them ideal for emergencies like power outages or natural disasters. Canned foods are also easy to transport and don’t require any special equipment to prepare. Simply open the can and enjoy!
Disadvantages of Canned Food
Although canned foods have a long shelf life, they cannot be stored indefinitely. Eventually, the cans could rust or break down, causing the contents to spoil. Additionally, canned foods often contain large amounts of sodium or sugar, which can be unhealthy if consumed in excess. Lastly, cans can be heavy to transport in a bug-out situation.
3. Frozen Foods
Frozen foods are foods that have been cooled to very low temperatures to preserve them. This type of food preservation was first developed in the early 20th century and has since become a staple in the modern diet.
Why Frozen?
Frozen foods are convenient and easy to store. They can be kept in a home freezer for months or even years without spoiling, making them ideal for stockpile purposes. Additionally, frozen foods are easy to transport and don’t usually require any special equipment to prepare (except meat/fish, etc…). Simply defrost the food and enjoy!
Types of Frozen Food
Frozen foods come in all shapes and sizes, and can be used to store both perishable and non-perishable items. Common types of frozen foods include fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and even some desserts.
Frozen fruits and vegetables are typically packed in bags or boxes, and can last for months or even years in a freezer. Frozen meat and fish can also be found in abundance, as they can be thawed and cooked at a later date. Finally, some desserts like ice cream and cake can also be bought frozen.
Advantages of Frozen Food
One of the main advantages of frozen foods is that they have a long shelf life. When stored properly, frozen foods can last for months or even years without spoiling. This makes them ideal for storage.
Disadvantages of Frozen Food
Although frozen foods have a long shelf life, they cannot be stored indefinitely. Eventually, the food will get freezer burned. Additionally, if you lose power they may not keep well (especially meats/fish etc…).
Whether your focus is on dried goods, canned, goods, or frozen foods, remember these things; perishable items need to be eaten first, non-perishable have a longer shelf-life, and focus on stocking up items your family will actually eat and that you can prepare during an emergency. Finally, have a plan for rotating your stockpile so that nothing goes to waste.
With a little bit of planning, you can have a well-stocked pantry that will last you through any emergency.
Buying in Bulk
Bulk foods are large quantities of food that are packaged and sold together. Most food items are typically found in stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and online stores like Amazon, Augason Farms, Wise Foods, and Valley Food Storage.
Why Bulk?
Bulk foods are convenient and easy to store. They can be kept in a home pantry for months or even years without spoiling, making them ideal for stockpile purposes. Additionally, bulk foods are usually cheaper than their non-bulk counterparts, making them a more cost-effective option for those on a budget.
Types of Bulk Food
Bulk foods come in all shapes and sizes, and can be used to store both perishable and non-perishable items. Common types of bulk foods include grains, flour, sugar, rice, pasta, beans, lentils, peas, oats, cereal, nuts, seeds, and even some processed foods like peanut butter and jelly.
Bulk grains, flour, sugar, rice, pasta, and beans are typically packaged in large bags or boxes, and can last for months or even years when stored properly. Bulk nuts, seeds, and cereal can also be found in abundance, as they have a long shelf life and can be eaten as is or used in recipes. Finally, some processed foods like peanut butter and jelly can also be bought in bulk.
Advantages of Bulk Food
When stored properly, bulk foods can last for months or even years without spoiling. This makes them ideal for emergencies. Bulk foods are also usually cheaper than their non-bulk counterparts, making them a more cost-effective option for those on a budget.
Disadvantages of Bulk Food
One of the disadvantages of bulk foods is that they can be difficult to store. If you don’t have a lot of space, it can be hard to find a place to keep all of your bulk food items. Additionally, some bulk foods (like grains) can attract pests if not stored properly.
In conclusion, no one knows when the next big disaster will hit, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared. Stockpile some food now and make sure you have enough to last you through whatever comes your way. And remember, not all food is created equal – make sure you buy mix of dried goods, canned goods, and frozen food so that you have a variety of options in case of an emergency.
Additional Content: Growing and Raising Your Own Food
In these troubling times, it is more important than ever to be self-sufficient and prepared. One of the best ways to do this is to grow and raise your own food. Here are some tips on how to get started:
Planting a Garden of Annuals and Perennials
Annuals vs. Perennials
Planting a mix of annuals and perennials will ensure that you have a continuous supply of fresh produce. Annuals are plants that only live for one growing season. They include popular vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers etc… Perennials are plants that live for more than two years. Some popular perennial vegetables include asparagus, dandelions, rhubarb, or berries like raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries. Planting a mix of annuals and perennials will ensure that you have a continuous supply of fresh produce.
Perennial Advantages
Perennials have many advantages over annuals. The main advantage is that they come back every year without having to replant them. This means less work for you in the long run! Perennials also tend to be hardier than annuals and can better tolerate adverse conditions such as drought or pests. And because they live for several years, perennials can establish extensive root systems that help to improve soil structure and prevent erosion.
Annual Advantages
Annuals have certain advantages over perennials as well. Because they only live for one growing season, they often mature faster than perennials and provide an earlier harvest. Additionally, annuals can be grown in areas where perennials would not survive such as areas with very cold winters or very hot summers. Finally, because they must be replanted each year, annual gardens can be easily customized to change things up from one year to the next!
Planting a garden made up of both annuals and perennials has many benefits. You will have a continuous supply of fresh produce, and your garden will be low maintenance since the perennials come back every year without having to replant them! Perennials are also hardy plants that can better tolerate adverse conditions such as drought or pests. Annual gardens can be easily customized to change things up from one year to the next! So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start planting!
Planting Microgreens for a Fresh and Nutritious Food Supply
If you don’t have space outside for a garden, microgreens are a great option to grow indoors. Microgreens are young greens that are harvested just after they sprout. They can be grown in a windowsill or under grow lights. Most microgreens only take a few weeks to mature, so you can have a constant supply of fresh greens even if you don’t have an outdoor space. Read on to learn more about the benefits of microgreens and how to get started growing your own.
The Benefits of Microgreens
Microgreens are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. They are also low in calories and high in antioxidants. In fact, some studies have shown that microgreens can have up to 40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts. Microgreens are a great way to add extra nutrition to your diet without having to take supplements.
In addition to being nutritious, microgreens are also tasty. They can be used as a garnish or added to salads, soups, and sandwiches. Microgreens can also be juiced or blended into smoothies. You can get creative with your microgreen dishes, and they’ll add flavor as well as nutrition to your meals.
Getting Started with Microgreens
Now that you know the benefits of microgreens, you’re probably wondering how to get started growing them. Luckily, it’s easy to get started with microgreens, even if you don’t have any gardening experience. All you need is a sunny windowsill or some grow lights, some potting soil, and some seeds. You can find microgreen seeds at your local nursery or online.
Planting micro greens is a great way to add freshness, flavor, and nutrition to your diet while also being self-sufficient. Users should get creative with their dishes, adding micro greens as garnishes or as part of salads soups and sandwiches.
Have Fresh Meat and Eggs Today
When SHTF, you’re going to want to have a reliable source of food. And while stockpiling canned goods is always a good idea, there’s nothing quite like having fresh meat and eggs. But which animals should you raise? If you’re looking for a place to start, chickens and rabbits are great options. Chickens are relatively easy to care for, and they provide a good source of meat and eggs. Rabbits are also relatively easy to care for, multiply well, and they provide a good source of meat. Plus, both animals are relatively small, so they won’t take up too much space. So, if you’re looking for a way to be self-sufficient and prepared for the worst, raising chickens and rabbits is a great place to start.
Why You Should Start With Chickens If You’re Raising Animals For Meat Or Eggs
When it comes to raising animals for meat or eggs, chickens are a great place to start. Chickens are relatively easy to care for and they provide a valuable source of protein. Here’s a closer look at why chickens are a great place to start if you’re raising animals for meat or eggs.
The Benefits Of Chickens
Chickens are a great source of protein. In fact, chicken is one of the most popular meats in the world. Chicken is also relatively low in saturated fat when compared to other meats like beef or pork. Chickens are also easy to care for. They don’t require a lot of space and they can be fed a variety of different things including table scraps, bugs, and even some vegetables.
Another benefit of chickens is that they’re versatile. You can raise them for meat or eggs (or both). If you’re just starting out, we recommend getting a dozen or so meat birds and/or six to twelve egg layers. That way, you can see what works best for you and your situation.
The final benefit of chickens is that you’ll not only have a consistent supply of fresh eggs but great compost for your garden.
As you can see, there are many benefits to raising chickens. They’re a great source of protein, they’re easy to care for, and they’re versatile. If you’re thinking about raising animals for meat or eggs, we recommend starting with chickens. They’ll provide you with everything you need to get started and they won’t take up too much space.
Raising rabbits for protein
If you are like most people, you probably think of rabbits as being cute and cuddly pets. However, did you know that rabbits can also be a good source of protein? That’s right! If you cannot have chickens because of local laws or space, you can raise rabbits outside or in the garage. Rabbits also provide a good source of protein, they won’t take up as much space, and they have high production rates.
Why Rabbits as food?
Rabbit is an excellent source of lean protein. A four-ounce serving of cooked rabbit meat has about 28 grams of protein and only about two grams of fat. Rabbit is also a good source of vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus. Moreover, rabbit meat is lower in calories than other meats such as beef, pork, and chicken.
If you want to raise rabbits for meat, you will need to purchase some quality breeds such as New Zealand Whites, Californians, or Flemish Giants. You will also need to build a hutch for the rabbits to live in. The hutch should be at least four feet by two feet and be made from a wire mesh to keep the rabbits safe from predators such as dogs, cats, and birds of prey.
When it comes time to slaughter the rabbits, you will need to do so humanely. The most common way to kill a rabbit is by breaking its neck. However, if you are not comfortable dispatching this way, you can always use a firearm (abide by all applicable laws and safety requirements).
Rabbits can be a great addition to any homestead or survivalist retreat. Not only are they a good source of lean protein, but they are also relatively easy to care for. If you are interested in raising rabbits for meat, be sure to do your research and purchase quality breeds. Most importantly, always slaughter the rabbits humanely.
In conclusion, in these troubling times, it is more important than ever to be self-sufficient and prepared. One of the best ways to do this is to grow and raise your own food. It’s not difficult, and you can get started today with just a small amount of space. If you are interested in learning more about how to become self-reliant by growing your own food, please contact us for further information or join us on one of our upcoming webinars. We would love to help you prepare for whatever the future may bring.
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