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The Essentials of Long-Term Food Storage: Dry Bulk, Dehydrated, and Freeze-Dried Foods
Long-term food storage is an essential strategy for preparedness, providing peace of mind and security in situations where food access may be limited. Typically, long-term food storage involves shelf-stable foods that can last from 10 to 30 years when stored properly. For food to be shelf-stable, it must have 10% or less moisture content, as lower moisture is critical to preventing spoilage over time.
In the world of long-term food storage, three main categories stand out: dry bulk, dehydrated, and freeze-dried foods. Each category has its unique advantages, shelf lives, and preparation needs, making it essential to understand the benefits and limitations of each. Let’s explore these options in detail.
Dry Bulk Food
Dry bulk foods are the building blocks of long-term storage and consist of ingredients needed to create meals from scratch. Dry foods that we see in our pantry are typically the best and easiest types of foods to store and typically provide excellent nutrition if stored properly. This type of storage can be intimidating but most people already know how to cook some of the most popular dry bulk items like rice and pasta. So, if you are comfortable with this type of cooking, dry bulk is a very smart addition to your long-term food storage plan. Remember, water must be factored in.
Examples: wheat, wheat berries, rice, beans, pasta, oats, split pea, potato flakes, lentils, barley, quinoa, flax seed
Things to Consider:
While dry bulk foods are excellent for storage, they come with a few considerations:
- Your Ability: Know what you are getting into with this option. Some dry bulk items require specialized equipment, like wheat grinders, to be usable, and grinding wheat is not for everyone. You must know how to use the foods you are storing. Is there another type of storage that suits your skillset or patience?
- Recipes: Knowing how to use these ingredients in recipes can improve meal variety and enjoyment. Unless you have the recipes in your head, it’s helpful to store different types of recipes to guide the preparation of your bulk storage.
- Pre-Storage Prep: These foods require proper packaging to last long-term. You must be willing to prep these foods with mylar bags and food-grade buckets before you place them in storage.
Other Essentials Needed:
To make dry bulk foods useful, you’ll also need additional pantry staples and equipment:
- Additional Foods: Oils, fats, sugar, salt, baking soda, and baking powder are essential for cooking and baking, but each has specific storage needs.
- Equipment: For example, a wheat grinder is necessary if storing whole wheat, and a non-electric version is advisable if you’re preparing for a no-electricity situation. You’ll also need a reliable heat source and fuel.
Shelf-Life:
Properly stored dry bulk foods can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. However, oils and fats have a shorter shelf life, usually ranging from 1 to 3 years, so these should be rotated regularly.
Dehydrated & Powdered Foods
Dehydrated foods are created by removing moisture from fruits, vegetables, eggs, cheese, meats, and even some full meals, thereby extending their shelf life.
Examples: fruits, vegetables, eggs, cheese, milk, butter, meat, texturized vegetable protein, honey, cocoa, peanut butter
Things to Consider:
Dehydrated foods are convenient and have an extended shelf life, but they come with unique factors to consider:
- Nutritional Value: Dehydrated foods may retain only about 25% of their original nutrients due to the dehydration process.
- Taste: Not everyone enjoys the taste or texture of dehydrated foods, which can be a challenge for picky eaters.
- Rotation: This type of food requires more frequent rotation than freeze-dried items.
- Packaging: Depending on the vendor, you may need to repackage dehydrated foods for long-term storage, using Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers.
Other Essentials Needed:
Most dehydrated foods need water and cooking, so it’s essential to store:
- Water: Research the water requirements for your dehydrated foods to ensure you have enough on hand.
- Heat Source & Fuel: A portable stove or campfire setup can be useful for cooking.
Shelf-Life:
When packaged and stored correctly, dehydrated foods can last 10 to 20 years, though some, like certain fruits, have a shorter shelf life (6 months to 1 year). Powdered foods may last 1 to 5 years, depending on the item and storage method.
Freeze-Dried Food
Freeze-dried foods are flash-frozen and then dehydrated under vacuum, preserving the original shape, color, and a higher percentage of nutrients than dehydrated foods.
Examples: fruits, vegetables, cheeses, eggs, meats, vegetable protein (TVP), and even complete meals, such as entrees, side dishes, desserts, and snacks.
Why It’s a Popular Choice:
Freeze-drying is one of the most popular methods for long-term food storage due to its ability to preserve flavor, nutrition, and texture while achieving an extended shelf life. Another reason is that it’s just easy … just add water and heat. It ships ready for storage so pre-storage prep is not necessary.
Things to Consider:
Freeze-dried food is convenient but comes with a few caveats:
- Cost: Freeze-dried items can be more expensive, but you can maximize savings by purchasing in bulk, especially in #10 cans.
- Value Check: Be careful when purchasing; some vendors have misleading serving sizes and calorie counts, so check labels carefully to ensure you’re getting the right value.
- Digestive Considerations: Consuming freeze-dried foods frequently can sometimes lead to constipation, so it’s wise to store some over-the-counter remedies just in case.
Other Essentials Needed:
- Water: Freeze-dried foods often need rehydration, so remember to store plenty of water for mixing.
- Heat Source & Fuel: Though not always required, a heat source can improve meal quality.
Shelf-Life:
When stored properly, freeze-dried foods can last between 20 to 25 years. It’s usually best to keep them in their original packaging until ready to use.
Conclusion
Long-term food storage is a valuable strategy for anyone looking to build a secure and self-sufficient future. Understanding the strengths, requirements, and shelf lives of dry bulk, dehydrated, and freeze-dried foods can help you create a well-rounded food storage plan that meets your family’s needs.
