Tip #21:  Think Outside The Can

 

You will definitely need some cans in your store and their great advantage is that they are easy to stack and economical with space.  But that shouldn't mean you forget about other food sources.  With all the canned food around you will want to eat fresh food as long as possible.  Root vegetables and apples are great for storing in a pantry.  In the right conditions, you can keep carrots, potatoes, onions and garlic for a number of months and these will provide a welcome source of fresh food.  Remember not to store vegetables in plastic bags or in the refrigerator.

 

There are some great, flexible foods, such as crackers, which can be used as snacks or additions to meals.  Breakfast cereals can be stored for a long time and make for an easily prepared meal that has both vitamins and iron.  But remember, it requires milk!

 

Bread products cannot be kept for long outside of a freezer.  An exception to the rule is the German bread, pumpernickel.  Pumpernickel can be stored for 4 months in plastic and 2 years if it is kept in a can!

 

Stock has been mentioned before because it is an essential prepping item that enables you to get the best out of a whole range of other ingredients.  Use bouillon cubes made from chicken, beef or vegetable stock to improve the taste of a wide variety of meals.

 

Another kitchen essential and one that is often forgotten by preppers is oil.  Bear in mind that the cooking oil you normally use may not be the best one for storing.  For example, Crisco shortening lasts 2 years unopened, 1 year if opened.  Coconut oil is a great alternative and you can keep this for 18 months and more pricey, cold pressed coconut oils can remain in useable states for several years.

 

Many preppers focus on food at the expense of stocking up on their favorite drinks.  It is easy to store products such as coffee and tea and they both have a long shelf-life if store in tins.  Having your favorite hot drink in an emergency can be extremely beneficial.