Hi, it's Alaska Granny. Today, I want to share with you five foods that I no longer store for long-term emergencies. I'll explain why I stopped storing them and what alternatives I use instead.
1. Brown Rice
Brown rice is nutritious, delicious, and versatile, but it contains oils that can go rancid over time. While it's great for short-term storage, for the longest-lasting food storage, I recommend white rice. White rice can last for decades when stored properly, ensuring you have safe and edible food in an emergency. I recently made a video on a lentil brown rice meal in a jar—check it out for ideas on using brown rice.
2. Egg Noodles
Egg noodles contain eggs, which can spoil and go rotten over time. Although they are perfect for various dishes like casseroles and stroganoff, they need to be used within a couple of years. For long-term storage, stick to regular pasta like macaroni noodles, which are made from flour and water and can last indefinitely. Always store dried foods in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place to maximize their shelf life.
3. Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is moist and flavorful, but it can dry out and harden. While you can rehydrate it with an apple slice or piece of bread, white sugar is a better option for long-term storage. You can easily make brown sugar by mixing white sugar with molasses. Store white sugar in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry environment. Avoid using oxygen absorbers with sugar to prevent it from hardening into a brick.
4. Yeast
Yeast is essential for bread making, but it doesn't store well long-term. I prefer using a sourdough starter for long-term storage. My sourdough starter, affectionately named Doan, has been in my family for generations. Sourdough starter is easy to maintain and can be stored in the refrigerator when not in use. You can also dry it for future use. Check out my video on drying sourdough starter for more information.
5. Dry Kidney Beans
Dry kidney beans contain a toxin that must be neutralized by thorough soaking and cooking. To avoid the risk of improperly cooked beans, I prefer to store canned kidney beans. They are convenient, safe, and require no additional preparation, ensuring they are ready to use when needed.
Final Thoughts: Store What You Like
Lastly, I don't store foods I don't like. It's important to stockpile foods that you and your family enjoy and know how to prepare. In a crisis, you want to have foods that bring comfort and familiarity. Avoid adding items to your prepper pantry just because someone says you should. Focus on what works for you and your family to make the most out of your food storage.
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