There are many foods that, if stored properly, will last forever, or at least longer than you will. The following list of 22 foods are the most popular we have found and we believe at least a few of these should be in your emergency food storage.
1. Honey
Pure honey is delicious and over time it may change color or even crystallize however do not throw it out. Even after many years in storage and virtually no mater what it looks like, it is still good.
To keep: Store in a cool, dry area and keep the lid on tight. Should it crystallize simply reconstitute with warm water and stir the honey until the crystals dissolve.
2. Salt
No matter what type of salt you have it will last forever and will never go stale.
To keep: Store in a cool, dry area.
3. Pure Vanilla Extract
This will cost more than the more popular fake version but the advantage here is that it will last forever and you will never waste any.
To keep: Store in a cool, dark environment and keep the lid tightly closed.
4. Maple Syrup
Make certain you have 100% pure maple syrup. Like honey some may crystallize over time however it will save forever and the flavor will remain intact.
To keep: Refrigerate after opening but for long-term storage you can freeze it as long as it is in an air tight container.
5. Corn Syrup
Corn syrup comes in several varieties and virtually all will last forever.
To keep: Store in a cool dry place with lid on tight.
6. Cornstarch
Perfect for making sauces thicker and making pudding stiffer, cornstarch will last a lifetime.
To keep: Store in a cool dry area and you may need to repackage the contents into a longer lasting container.
7. Distilled White Vinegar
Perfect for marinade, sauces and dressings, white distilled vinegar will remain unchanged for many years.
To keep: Store in a cool dry area and keep lid on tight.
8. Alcohol and hard liquor
All distilled spirits like vodka, rum, gin, whisky, tequila and others will never spoil, not even after opening repeatedly.
To keep: Store in a cool dark area away from any heat source or direct sunlight. Keep bottle closed when not in use.
9. Sugar
Sugar comes in many varieties and whether you have white, brown or powdered all will last simply because it will not support bacterial growth.
To keep: Place in an airtight container or heavy duty plastic bag. Store in a cool dry area.
10. Rice
White, aborio, wild, basmati and jasmine all will last forever if kept free from contaminants.
To keep: store in a cool dry area. Once opened place the rice in a heavy duty resealable freezer bag and store in the freezer.
11. Powdered Milk
Just add water and you have milk. Powdered milk should be in every emergency food kit.
To keep: Store in an airtight container in a cool dry area.
12. Ramen Noodles
A favorite among college students is also a perfect emergency food in that they can last for decades.
To keep: Store in a cool dry area. Most types are individually packaged so check on the condition of the package as sometimes they are not air tight.
13. Canned goods
Most can goods are ideal as they can last for over 30 years! Once opened however you will need to use right away as you can not save them any longer then normal left over foods.
To keep: Nearly all can goods should be stored in a cool dry area.
14. Peanut Butter
Get the kind that does not have to be refrigerated. These can last over a year in normal room temperatures.
To keep: Store in cool dry area for best results.
15. Soy Sauce
Unopened soy sauce can last for many years.
To keep: Store in a cool dry area.
16. Dried Beans
Virtually all dried beans can be stored indefinitely when stored properly. In a study at B.Y.U., 80% of a study panel concluded that beans that were stored for 30 years were acceptable. The beans were stored in #10 cans with all air removed.
To keep: Store in airtight containers in a cool dark area.
17. Wheat
A staple of most diets, wheat can be stored for an extended period of time and perhaps decades if done properly.
To keep: Store in airtight containers in a cool dry area.
18. Baking Soda
Baking soda is an important ingredient in many recipes and storing it is key in having it last.
To keep: Baking soda when left sealed will last indefinitely. Store in a airtight container in a cool dry area.
19. Bouillon
Beef, Chicken and various other flavor bouillon can be stored for years.
To keep: Store in a airtight container in a cool dry area.
20. Non Carbonated Soda
Many dinks like sport drinks, juices, vitamin water and bottled water will last for years if stored properly. You will notice a loss of flavor over time but the liquid will still be safe to drink if you follow the following storage advice.
To keep: Store all liquids in a cool, dry area away from sunlight or any heat source.
21. Instant coffee, Tea, and Cocoa
Storing these favorites will definitely keep up the morale. Instant coffee that is vacuum freeze dried will last forever if kept in a dry airtight container. As for all three, they must be kept away from any moisture.
To keep: For instant Coffee store in a airtight container. For Teas and Cocoas you will want to add desiccant packets and/or oxygen absorbing packets and vacuum seal in a new package.
22. Dried Corn
Corn has a virtual plethora of uses and in a staple of many diets. Drying fresh corn is actually very easy and storing corn is much as you would store beans.
To keep: Store in an airtight container and keep in a cool dry area.
This is by no means a complete list and we would like to hear what other items you would add to this list.
Images: Wikipedia, ImageStocker.com,
USDA
by Mike Turber