Survivalists need to stock up on the basics. These are clean water, food, and of course, some type of shelter from the elements. When it comes to the middle item on the list – food – you can never have too much set aside, since you’ll need to stay healthy and have plenty to eat should the worst happen. Thankfully, there are some foods that have a very long shelf life. They’ll stay good for decades, as long as they are stored in the correct conditions. Here are ten of the best things to add to your basement storage room, large pantry, or wherever it is that you keep your food stocks.
1) Cheese
Since cheese is made of milk and other dairy products (with a few additions, of course) that are allowed to ferment, it’s safe to say that it will last for many years in the right conditions. Choose cheeses that are either freeze dried or wrapped in thick wax. The ones that come in standard plastic packaging will go bad too quickly. Keep the other forms of cheese cool and dry and they’ll last for up to five years, if not longer.
2) Dried Beans
Dried beans need to be stored in airtight buckets with moisture collecting packets inside of them to ensure that no liquid gets in. Beans stored in this manner can stay good for up to 30 years. Since they contain a lot of protein, as well as plenty of vitamins and minerals, they should be a staple of every survivalist’s diet.
3) Rice
Rice should be kept in a cool, dry place. Unlike beans, it needs to be in either food grade containers or heavy-duty bags that will keep all moisture and a lot of the air out. As long as it’s store this way, rice will stay good for decades.
4) Rolled Oats
Another staple of a survivalist’s diet, rolled oats have plenty of uses. They can be ground and turned into flour (they make tasty muffins), they can be shredded and added to meals, and they can be boiled and eaten as oatmeal. Thankfully, rolled oats will stay good for 30 years when kept cool and dry.
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5) Dried Corn
Not only will dried corn (keep it in its husk) remain edible and nutritious for up to ten years, but it’s also easy to process in this manner, and it contains plenty of essential vitamins and minerals.
6) Dehydrated Carrots
Unlike other dehydrated vegetables (see below), dehydrated carrots are tasty and will stay good for around 25 years when kept cool and dry.
7) Dried Pasta
Both standard dried and freeze-dried pasta will last for between ten and 30 years. That’s quite a lifespan! Just check the packaging to ensure that you’re buying the right kind. Some aren’t processed in the right manner and will go bad much more quickly.
8) Canned Foods
Many canned foods are designed to be last for decades. Make sure to choose cans that don’t have any dents in them, as this is a sign that they might go bad faster. Some of the best options are canned pasta and baked beans.
9) Dehydrated Fruits and Vegetables
Every survivalist needs a food dehydrator. These devices are used to remove the moisture from fruits and vegetables, which makes them last longer. Dehydrated fruits and vegetables will stay good for around five years.
10) Legumes
Legumes, such as peas and lentils, are very good for you. They come dried, which adds to their shelf life. When stored in airtight, moisture-free containers (similar to beans), they will stay good for around four to five years.