Essential Containers for Long-Term Food Storage

In an era of uncertainty, having a well-stocked pantry with long-lasting food supplies can provide peace of mind. When it comes to long-term food storage, having the right containers and tools is as important as the food itself. Proper storage ensures your food remains safe and nutritious for the long haul.

All storage containers share a fundamental goal: protecting your food from air, light, and moisture. For successful long-term food preservation, focus on dry bulk items, and dehydrated, and freeze-dried foods. These foods work well for long-term storage because they have a 10% or less moisture content. Avoid storing foods with higher moisture levels, as they are prone to spoilage and can compromise your entire food storage strategy.

This blog post will guide you through the essential containers and tools that can help you create a robust emergency food supply that will remain viable for years to come.

Food Grade Bucket

For storing substantial quantities of dry goods, 5-gallon food-grade buckets are unbeatable. These durable containers protect against moisture and physical damage and are perfect for items like rice, beans, and wheat. When used in conjunction with Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers, they provide an additional layer of protection against oxygen and pests. This duo creates an optimal environment for long-term food preservation.

Plastic Gamma Lid
Gamma lids revolutionize the way you store food in 5-gallon buckets. Although standard bucket lids can provide adequate protection, they often require significant effort to remove. In contrast, gamma lids feature a user-friendly screw-on, screw-off design that allows for quick and easy access to your stored items while still ensuring an airtight seal. This makes them particularly beneficial for frequently accessed items such as flour, sugar, or emergency rations that you may need to rotate regularly. With gamma lids, you can enjoy both convenience and security in your long-term food storage.

Mylar Bag and Sealer

Mylar bags are a favorite among food storage enthusiasts for a good reason—they provide exceptional protection from air, light, and moisture. Available in various sizes, their reflective material and airtight properties make them ideal for smaller portions of dry goods like grains, spices, and dehydrated fruits and powders within larger containers or on their own. Consider double protection by placing the Mylar bag inside a food-grade plastic container.

For a 1-gallon mylar bag: use 1-2 300cc; for a 5-gallon mylar bag: use 5-7 300cc or 1 2000cc.

Sealing for Success
To maximize the effectiveness of Mylar bags, a quality sealer is critical. These devices create an airtight seal, ensuring your food remains fresh and protected from external elements for years to come. A standard household iron or hair straightener can work in a pinch, but investing in a proper sealer ensures reliability.

Glass Jar with 2-Piece Lid (Mason Jar)

Glass jars, such as Mason jars, have been used for food preservation for generations. Their clear glass allows for easy identification of contents, while the two-piece lids create a reliable seal. They are versatile containers suitable for various preservation methods, including the traditional canning of fruits, vegetables, and sauces, and work well for dry goods.

Use 1 300cc oxygen absorber per jar.

Vacuum Sealer Attachment
For better results, seal dry goods with a vacuum sealer attachment designed for jars.

#10 Metal Can

These large, sturdy cans are the gold standard for long-term food storage. These large, durable cans can store a variety of dry goods like grains and beans; dehydrated foods like powdered milk and cheese: and freeze-dried foods and entire meals for 10 to 30 years when sealed properly. Their metal construction protects against light, pests, and oxygen, making them an excellent choice for long-term food storage. To ensure these cans remain airtight and maintain their contents’ freshness, a can sealer is essential.

Use 1 300cc oxygen absorber per can.

Can Sealer
A can sealer allows you to securely seal the lids onto the cans after filling them, preventing air and moisture from entering. This process is crucial for maximizing shelf life and maintaining the quality of your stored food.

Oxygen Absorber

No long-term storage system is complete without oxygen absorbers. This small but mighty tool play a crucial role in extending the shelf life of your stored food.

Oxygen absorbers remove oxygen from sealed containers. The mechanism works through a chemical reaction, typically using iron-based compounds that react with moisture and oxygen to create iron oxide, effectively trapping and removing oxygen from the sealed environment. This process creates an oxygen-depleted atmosphere that prevents oxidation, insect infestation, and spoilage and inhibits the growth of mold and other aerobic organisms.

How to Use It
Place an oxygen absorber in your storage container of choice before closing or sealing. For best results, be sure to match the size of the absorber to the container. Follow the instructions on the label.

Conclusion

Building a robust long-term food storage system is about more than just storing food—it’s about protecting it. Investing in the right containers and tools is key to successful long-term food storage. From 5-gallon food-grade buckets for large quantities of bulk storage to #10 cans and Mylar bags for portioned quantities, each container serves a specific purpose in preserving your food supply.

Remember, proper storage techniques not only extend the life of your food but also ensure its quality and nutritional value are maintained over time. By utilizing these essential tools, you can create a robust long-term emergency food reserve.