Food Storage Tips: Essential Tips For Making Food Prepping Easier

Buy in bulk

You can save money when you buy and store foods in bulk. Some foods that can be stored in bulk are rice, oats, beans and other non-perishable goods. Store only the food items that you will actually eat.

Place in cool dry place

Storing foods in a cool and dry place can make the shelf life of your stored foods longer.

Buy foods that do not need water

Avoid storing foods that need water in cooking. In an emergency situation, water may be in short supply.

Avoid storing salty and spicy foods

Do not store salty and spicy foods. Eating these foods increases the need of drinking water, which may be in short supply.

Right place to store your foods

You can store canned goods and non-perishable foods any place in your house, like a room where the temperature is controlled. A good way to store foods is to store them in a different area in your house. If there somebody breaks into your house, they will not be able to steal all your supplies.

Choosing the right container

It is important to store food in the right containers to make your foods’ shelf life longer. Use mason jars, canning jars, and Ziploc plastic containers. Make sure that these containers are properly sealed when you place them in your storage room.

Temperature

Heat can affect the shelf life of your food. Make sure that when you store foods keep them in a cool place.

Air conditioning unit

If you are storing foods in a larger room, putting a small air conditioning unit could be a good idea, to control the room temperature.

Air

Stored foods that are exposed to air will have a shorter shelf life. Vacuum sealing is an effective way to store foods to prevent air from getting in the container.

Light

Light can increase the heat in your storage room that can shorten the foods’ shelf life. Store your foods in a dark, cool place.

Humidity and moisture

Moisture and humidity shortens the shelf life of your stored foods. Cans rust quickly if stored in a place where there is moisture and humidity. Store your foods in a cool and dry place.

Expiration date

Look for expiration date in your stored foods, so that you will know when to use them and to avoid wastage.

Start small

For people who are new to prepping, it is better that you start small and make your stock pile a little at a time. Storing foods that is enough for your family will take time.

Pests

Make sure to check your food supply for pests that can damage your stored foods. Pests will contaminate your foods. Check your storage room if there are holes where pests can get in.

Legumes

Legumes are easy to cook and are good for vegetable soups. As the beans get older, they become harder, you have to cook them longer. Examples of legumes are kidney and pinto beans, split peas and lentils.

Grains

Whole grains are much cheaper than ground grains. If you want to have ground grains, you can grind wheat kernels in a grinder to make flour. Some grains to be stored are brown rice, rolled or flaked oats, whole wheat kernels and cornmeal.

Fruit

Store dried fruits such as raisin and prune. Raisins and prunes are cheaper than other dried fruits. Dried fruits have long shelf life.

Oil

Oil is also important, because you will need oil in cooking your foods. Olive oil for example, can do well when stored in a cool place.

Black strap molasses and white sugar

Black strap molasses are cheap and they have iron and nutrients. Mix black strap molasses with white sugar to make brown sugar. Black strap molasses can last for a long time if stored properly, place it in a well-sealed container.

Condiments

Condiments help make your foods taste better. You can use salt to preserve your foods.

Seeds and nuts

To store seeds and nuts, put them in a bag or container, and then put them in your fridge or freezer. Seeds and nuts will last longer when placed in the fridge or freezer.

Store herbs and spices

Herbs can be used for medicinal purposes, insect repellent and add flavor to your food.

Store foods in shelves

If you don’t have enough space in your house to store foods, you can make shelves wherein you can place your food supply.

Foods that are difficult to store

When exposed to air and heat, wheat germ, flax seed meal and while wheat flour that have oils become rancid. Do not place flour near foods with strong smell.

Where to find free storage containers

To save more money for food storage containers, you can go to restaurants and fast food chains. You can get used food grade containers for free or for cheaper price.