How to Have Long Term Food Storage

A FEW GUIDELINES ON HOW TO STORE FOOD LONG-TERM

1. To begin, start by getting rid of all expired and stale food items and thoroughly clean out your pantry, so you can start fresh. Make sure to vacuum and wash all surfaces with soapy water in order to effectively clean away dust particles and eliminate insects, mites, and their eggs.

2. In order to maintain the freshness of food for a longer period, it is important to have a storage area that is clean, dry, dark, and cool. The ideal temperature range for this purpose is between 50-70 degrees F. Although storing food in a basement is recommended, since we do not have one, we make do with keeping it in a closet, which maintains a temperature of around 70-75 degrees. While it is not as ideal, it still serves the purpose.

3. When planning your pantry or food storage area, it is important to consider the factors that typically lead to food spoilage, which include heat, excessive cold, air, light, moisture, smells, and critters. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid storing your food near the oven.

4. To ensure that you consume the oldest products first, implement the principle of FIFO (first in, first out) by positioning your most recent items towards the rear.

5. The most suitable way to store items for a long time is by using airtight containers. Plastic bags and cardboard boxes are not appropriate options. Instead, opt for glass, Tupperware, or tins.

   Glass is a material that is inexpensive, can be reused and recycled, allows visibility, and ensures airtightness, although it is prone to breakage.

   Tupperware is more expensive, however, it is unbreakable, transparent, and airtight.

   Tins are suitable for small items and can be stacked easily. They are not fragile, but the contents cannot be seen from the outside.

FOODS WITH A LONG SHELF LIFE WHEN STORED CORRECTLY

HOMEMADE CANNED RECIPES

When canned properly and stored in the aforementioned conditions, tomatoes and fruit, which are highly acidic foods, can be stored in the pantry for a duration of 12-18 months. On the other hand, less acidic foods like meat and vegetables can be stored for 2-4 years in the same conditions.

CANNED FOOD

If stored properly and without any dents, damage, or rust, canned foods can remain edible indefinitely. However, over a period of 10 years, they may lose nutritional value and suffer a decrease in taste. This rule also applies to both acidic and non-acidic canned foods.

DRIED BEANS, LEGUMES, AND LENTILS

If stored correctly in airtight containers in your pantry, these can last indefinitely and will not spoil. Beans may require longer cooking time once they lose their moisture after 2 years. The nutritional value of beans and legumes remains intact over time. You can freeze cooked beans for up to 1 year.

PASTA

Dry pasta such as spaghetti and macaroni, when stored in airtight containers, can be preserved for up to 2 years in a pantry. If cooked pasta is frozen, it can remain edible for a period of 6-8 months.

GRAINS

Having grains like rice, oats, wheat, barley, and cornmeal in your pantry is essential. If stored properly and kept dry, these staples can last for a long time.

Both brown and wild rice have a shelf life of 6-8 months in the pantry and 8-12 months in the fridge. On the other hand, white rice can be stored for 3 to 5 years. Once cooked, both white and brown rice can be frozen for 6-8 months.

If you transfer oats from their cardboard box to an airtight container, they can last for up to three years.

When stored correctly, quinoa can last for up to 3 years in the pantry or fridge.

NUTS AND SEEDS

Most nuts can last up to 9 months in the pantry if stored properly, except for pecans, pistachios, and walnuts, which can stay fresh for between 3-6 months. When refrigerated, all nuts can stay fresh for up to 1 year, and when frozen, they can last up to 2 years.

Chia seeds can remain in optimum condition for over two years in the pantry and over four years in the fridge or freezer.

Flax seeds can be stored in an airtight container in your pantry for a period of 6 to 12 months, and if kept in the fridge or freezer, they can last for 1 year or more.

If kept in their raw form, sunflower seeds can stay fresh in your pantry for up to 3 months, while roasted sunflower seeds can remain fresh for up to 5 months. For longer preservation, you have the option to store them in the fridge or freezer for up to 1 year.

We store a portion of our bulk seeds in this closet, with each type neatly arranged in plastic photo organizers. For optimal growth, it is important to refrain from exposing your seeds to sunlight and instead keep them in a cool and dark environment. By adhering to these guidelines, your seeds will thrive successfully.

HERBS AND SPICES

If properly stored in an airtight container, in a cool dark location, away from heat and moisture, ground or powdered spices can remain usable for approximately 2 to 3 years, whereas dried herbs can last for approximately 1 to 2 years.

DRIED FRUIT

If stored correctly, dried fruits can remain fresh in your pantry for up to 1 year, extend their freshness to 2 years in the fridge, and indefinitely when frozen.

VEGETABLES

When vegetables are stored in a cool, dark, and dry area like the pantry, certain types of vegetables can maintain freshness for an extended period of time. This is because the absence of light in the pantry prevents these vegetables from sprouting. Onions, garlic, shallots, potatoes, butternut squash, and beets can remain usable for up to a month in the pantry, as long as the temperature is maintained between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.