A natural disaster or pandemic could leave us without power or access to fresh food for days, weeks, or even months – depending on the situation. That’s why stocking up on non-perishable foods should be one of your top priorities when it comes to prepping your home for an emergency.
What are Non- perishable foods?
Non-perishable foods, also known as dry goods & shelf-stable foods, are those that do not require refrigeration to maintain their edibility and can be stored for longer durations without spoiling, making them the ideal food for disaster response needs. However, it is more important to hold on to the right ways to store these items in your kitchen to make them useful at all times.
Here are 6 non-perishable foods that you should have and the ways to store them in your kitchen:
Beans
Beans are a great source of protein and fiber to add to your diet. They are rich in vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins, which contribute a lot to your immunity and mental health. It is also interesting to know that beans also make an excellent substitute for meat due to their rich source of protein & other nutrients, which makes it an ideal choice for anybody. Whether it is canned beans or dried beans, it is on your part to choose the right one. However, dried beans can contribute a lot to your health, as they can significantly reduce the sodium content in your dish and are also easy to digest. Moreover, they are the much cheaper ones with a long shelf time.
Non- perishable foods like dried beans can last up to 3 years if you properly store them in a glass container in a cool and dry place in your kitchen.
Nuts
Nuts are one of the most delicious and nutritious snacks you can have at any time. They can also be added to a salad or dessert or used in baking or cooking. Due to high fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, they can easily make a wholesome diet. Moreover, they contain high amounts of monounsaturated fats, which are linked to lower cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of heart disease.
Non- perishable foods like almonds, pistachios, and cashews have an extended shelf time. However, a lot of people store dry fruits & nuts in the fridge, but you don’t need to do this if you don’t want to. They can stay fresh for up to one year if you store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. So, as long as you don’t let them get too warm or damp, they should last a very long time.
Rice
Rice is one of the cheapest and most versatile non-perishable foods out there. It’s a great source of energy that is quick and easy to make and can be added to just about any meal. Moreover, you can also choose from a variety of rice with various health benefits depending on your health needs, such as brown rice, basmati rice, etc.
And, when it comes to storage, you can always buy rice in bulk and store it in large containers, or you can buy a large bag and keep it in the cupboard as it has a very long shelf life and goes in your kitchen for several years.
Oats
Oats are another wholesome and nutritious food that you can have in your kitchen at all times. A great source of fiber and protein makes them ideal for breakfast while also being used in different ways. For example, you can eat them plain, with fruit or yogurt, or add them to a dessert or baked good.
Well, oats also have a long shelf time, which allows you to buy them in large quantities and store them in your kitchen cupboard or a container in your fridge. However, you should make sure you store them in an air-tight container that is kept in a clean, cool, and dry place to prevent them from spoiling. Like any other non-perishable food, oats can also last up to 1 year if stored correctly and up to 2 years if the package remains unopened.
Dried Fruit
The fiber and antioxidants in dried fruits like dates, prunes, figs, apricots, and peaches make them a nutritious and calorie-efficient snack. Even though they are packaged in small amounts, they offer the same advantages as fresh fruits.
Right from skin benefits to medicinal benefits, dry fruits give every reason to add to your non-perishable foods list. And also, as they have a long shelf life, they will last for many years if you take good care of them.
Dry fruits last longer than fresh fruits due to their less moisture content. However, to make them last much longer, storing them in an airtight container in your refrigerator can make them last for up to 6 months.
Vitamin C Food Items
A few non-perishable foods that are high in vitamin C include bell peppers, broccoli, strawberries, kiwis, and citrus fruits. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help to strengthen your immune system, preventing and fighting off infections. Vitamin C can be stored for a long time, and it’s one of the most common preservatives used in food manufacturing. It’s often added to items like
jams, jellies, and fruit juices to keep them fresh and edible for longer.
So, it is also a great idea to add these items to your non-perishable foods list so that you can make your own vitamin C supplements and store them in airtight containers in your kitchen for them to last longer.
Conclusion
It’s a well-known fact that the kitchen is the heart of every home. Keeping this in mind, it’s important to make sure that your kitchen is stocked with as many non-perishable foods as possible so that in case of an emergency you will have a place to call home. These foods that are listed above come in handy if you need to survive without power or if you need to be self-sufficient. So stock up on these items and make sure to rotate them regularly to ensure that they stay fresh, edible, and nutritious.
