In times of uncertainty, having a well-stocked pantry can bring a sense of security and peace of mind. But, it’s not just about having food on hand, it’s also about knowing how to store it properly so that it lasts a long time. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of 10 foods to keep in your pantry that will last a long time when stored correctly.
From dried beans to canned meat, these foods are versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes. But, storing them properly is key to ensuring their longevity. In this article, we’ll share tips on how to store dried beans, rice, oatmeal, powdered milk, peanut butter, salt, honey, dehydrated fruits, canned meat, and freeze dried foods so that they stay fresh for as long as possible.
Whether you’re stocking up for emergencies or just looking to have a well-stocked pantry, these tips will help you make the most of your food storage and ensure that you always have something to eat.
1. Dried Beans
One of the foods that can last a long time in your pantry is dried beans. To keep them fresh for an extended period, it is crucial to store them correctly. The first step to properly storing dried beans is to keep them in a sealed container in a cool, dry place like your pantry. For more extended storage, keeping the beans in the freezer can make them last indefinitely.
To ensure that you know how old your stored beans are, label your containers or ziplock bags with the first stored date. It’s also important to note that whole grains and dry legumes have significantly longer shelf life than processed versions; this makes buying whole bean varieties quite useful and cost-effective.
In storing dried beans long-term, you should ensure they’re kept in ideal humidity conditions of 15% or less. A high humidity level tends to quicken spoilage due to mold growth which thrives more efficiently here other conditions being perfect so it might be advisable to use a dehumidifier if this becomes necessary.
Lastly- but far from least – Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers are great options when seeking ways on how best roasted best store dried beans over extended periods, as they keep pests such as weevils away while safeguarding the food within from oxidation; and so increasing its longevity beyond what putting them directly into regular zip lock bags offers as well as retaining more of their delicious flavor longer even after storage while keeping out any harmful insects or rodents looking for something sweet to eat.
2. Rice
Storing rice properly is important if you want it to last a long time in your pantry. One way to do this is by using mason jars. Place the rice into a mason jar and vacuum seal the jar or add an oxygen absorber. Use 100cc O2 absorber per quart of rice for best results. Screw on the ring for extra protection, date and label the jar.
It’s worth noting that white rice can last up to 4-5 years when stored in a pantry, whereas brown rice has a shorter shelf life of around 6 months past its best-by date. To increase storage longevity, make sure you store your rice in cool, dry, and dark locations as heat and moisture could shorten its shelf life over time. Proper storage can extend the shelf life of brown or white rice up to 30 years.
It’s important to be mindful of how you store other items alongside your longer-term stored foods like sugar, nonfat dry milk, salt, baking soda and cooking oil as these items will also have an impact on how long your food lasts overall. Additionally, wild, jasmine basmati are types of specialty rices that can be stored indefinitely if kept free from dust, insects and moisture just like whole grains such as oats, barleyetc which have a longer shelf life than bread so storing them correctly could help prevent waste too.
3. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a pantry staple that can last up to 6-24 months if stored properly. But if you want to store oatmeal for more than a year, it’s important to remove the cereal from its original packaging and store it in an airtight container. This will prevent air, moisture, light, and pests from damaging your food.
Bulk instant oats can be stored for 6-9 months, bulk rolled oats for 1-2 years, and steel cut oats for 3-5 years in an airtight container. Oats can also last longer than two decades with oxygen absorbers in airtight packaging. Mason jars are an excellent option to store dry goods like rice and beans but remember that the seals are designed only for one-time use.
Besides proper storage methods for oatmeal, it’s also important you preserve other ingredients like canned fruits and vegetables, freeze-dried fruits as well as frozen onions and garlic which have long shelf lives while maintaining their flavor. When stockpiling pantry staples make sure they’re kept cool, dry and dark enough spots to extend their longevity.
Properly storing oatmeal in your pantry is just one of the many ways to keep your extended pantry stocked at all times with healthy foods that can last you months or even years when stored correctly.
4. Powdered Milk
Powdered milk is a pantry staple that has a long shelf-life due to its low moisture content. Storing it properly can help to extend its life even further. To keep powdered milk fresh for an extended period of time, store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and sources of heat. Temperature fluctuations can shorten the lifespan of powdered milk.
It’s important to make sure that the container used to store powdered milk is airtight because exposure to air can cause the powder to oxidize and lose its flavor. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids or plastic containers with snap-on tops work well for storing powdered milk.
Before transferring your powdered milk into an airtight container, be sure that it is completely dry. Any excess moisture in the container will increase the likelihood of spoilage or clumping over time. Clumping causes lumps in your beverage mixture leading to wastage.
Finally, check any expiration dates listed on the package before purchasing or storing powdered milk products in your pantry. Even though they have long shelf-lives, expired goods are not suitable for consumption since their quality may have deteriorated past acceptable levels.
A practical tip would be ordering bulk quantities directly from manufacturers who ship them well-packaged than buying frequently from stores which could lead to frequent handling thus increasing risks of contamination and reducing lifespan ultimately impacting on cost savings as you would have made frequent orders compared just ordering once from producers directly.
5. Peanut Butter
When it comes to storing peanut butter in your pantry, there are a few methods you can try to help extend its shelf life. It’s important to note that the storage method can vary depending on the type of peanut butter and personal preference.
One common method is refrigeration, which is especially helpful for natural peanut butter without added preservatives or stabilizers. This type of peanut butter may have a shorter shelf life and require more careful storage. Storing your peanut butter in a cool, dry place can also help prevent spoilage and maintain freshness.
Another option is freezing, which can prolong the shelf life of your peanut butter up to six months. Before freezing, transfer the peanut butter into an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. When ready to use again, thaw your jar slowly in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before consuming.
It’s important to check the expiration date on your jar of peanut butter before consuming and make sure it hasn’t gone rancid. Once opened, stirring the contents and keeping the jar tightly sealed can help preserve its freshness as well. By following these methods, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious and fresh-tasting peanut butter stored in your pantry for an extended period of time.
6. Salt
Storing salt properly can help it last a long time in your pantry. The first step is to store it in an airtight container to prevent moisture and bad flavors. It’s important to avoid metal containers as salt can corrode them. Instead, opt for glass, ceramic, or clay containers with tight-fitting lids. These materials will keep the salt fresh while preventing contamination.
To further protect the salt from moisture, use food-grade silica gel packets in high-humidity areas. Silica gel packets absorb excess moisture and prevent clumping of the salt. This is especially useful when storing sea salt, which tends to be more moist than table salt.
When stored correctly, pure forms of salt such as sea salt or Pink Himalayan salt can last virtually forever since they do not contain any additives that could spoil over time. However, iodized table salt typically has an indefinite shelf life if stored in a cool, dry location.
In summary, by choosing the right container and adding silica gel packets if necessary, you can store your pantry’s supply of salts for longer periods without compromising their quality or taste. Proper storage will ensure that you always have fresh-tasting and safe-to-use salts on hand whenever you need them for cooking or baking needs.
7. Honey
When looking for pantry staples that can last a long time, honey is a great choice. However, to make sure your honey lasts as long as possible, it’s important to store it correctly. Here are some tips:
Firstly, store honey in a cool and dry area away from sunlight and heat sources. This will help prevent the enzymes in the honey from breaking down and crystallizing.
Glass jars with tight seals are ideal for storing honey long-term. Honey will not lose its water content or flavor in glass jars. Food grade plastic containers with tight lids can also be used.
Be sure to steer clear of metal containers when storing raw honey since it’s acidic and may react with certain metals. Additionally, do not refrigerate your honey; instead, store it at room temperature.
By following these simple steps, you can help ensure that your honey lasts up to two years if stored properly at temperatures less than 80°F below 70% humidity. If your honey does crystallize over time, simply place the jar in warm water and stir until the crystals dissolve without overheating the product.
8. Dehydrated Fruits
Dehydrated fruit is a great option for a long-lasting pantry staple. To ensure their longevity, it’s important to store them properly. Store the dehydrated fruit in an opaque, airtight container at room temperature. The ideal temperature is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit or lower in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and free of moisture and odors. Mylar bags are also good for long-term storage as they block air and light.
Before storing fruits, rinse them with cold water and dry them completely before placing them in a dehydrator to prevent bacterial growth during the drying process. Once you’ve dried the fruit thoroughly and preserved it correctly with an airtight environment that prevents moisture cross-contamination, your dehydrated fruits should last up to 6 months.
Some good fruits to dehydrate are apples, bananas, cherries and grapes among others which not only offer tasty options but hold nutritional value making it possible getting snacking without leaving the house for quick access fresh food like produce when supplies run low.
Keep these simple tips in mind while storing your dehydrated fruits to maximize their shelf life while enjoying them as healthy snacks or adding texture to recipes like granola bars, muffins or even flavorful mains like pork chops with apple chips on top.
9. Canned Meat
Canned meat can be a great source of protein for your pantry, as it can last up to 30 years if stored properly. To ensure that your canned meats last a long time, it’s essential to store them in a cool, clean, and dry place with temperatures below 85°F. Ideally, temperatures between 50-70°F are ideal for long-term storage.
To make sure that you use the oldest cans first and prevent spoilage, rotate your canned foods regularly. It’s also best to keep non-acidic or slightly acidic canned goods for long-term storage, as they tend to have a longer shelf life than acidic ones. Survival Cave Canned Meats are an excellent option with a 25-year shelf life and are free from additives and fillers.
It’s crucial not to eat the contents of bulging or leaking cans since this is a sign of bacterial contamination. Additionally, it would be best if you used canned meats within three years of the date on the package for optimal quality. After the expiry date printed on beef, pork and poultry cans expect about two-five additional years after proper storage.
Properly storing your canned meats will go a long way in ensuring their longevity while maintaining their quality for consumption over an extended period.
10. Freeze Dried Foods
One crucial aspect of storing freeze dried foods is ensuring they are completely dry before storage. This means allowing the food to cool down and get rid of any moisture before packaging. Once ready, it’s essential to store them in sealed containers that will protect the food from light, moisture, and oxygen.
To maximize the shelf life of freeze dried foods, store them in mylar bags, sealable cans or plastic containers with oxidizers to prevent pest infestation. The storage area should also be cool and dry but above all free from direct sunlight that can harm the quality of the food over time.
To prevent spoilage and extend shelf life further use oxygen absorbers when storing meats or for long-term storage. Vacuum sealing bags is also an excellent way to keep air out and maintain freshness in your freeze-dried foods. Moreover keeping a variety of useful pantry staples on hand can ensure mealtime consistency while adding variety to cooking. By following these steps you’ll have a well-stocked pantry full of long-lasting nutritious food ready for any occasion.