What food to store for emergency

In times of crisis, storing food is a life savior. If a volcano suddenly erupts or a flood sweeps the ground under your feet but you have a sufficient store of food then you have nothing to worry about, partly or at least you will not be dying starving.

Decades ago, people used to store food in shelters in fear of nuclear attacks and wars. Today, the circumstances differ but the same need persists.

You must keep a few foods stored in your pantry for hard times. The Covid 19 pandemic and resulting dire conditions of lockdown are just one more evidence and reason to think of when it comes to taking precautions.

In this article, we will be discussing food safety issues and listing some foods to store. So let’s discover together what food to store or emergency.

Emergency food:

Natural disasters are usually predictable; seasons of hurricanes and floods for example can be anticipated and prepared for in due time. Think of your family’s needs ahead and plan accordingly what emergency food you need to stockpile.

Dry products are usually safe to stock. Dried fruits, such as raisins and dried figs, and nuts, for example, have a long expiration date and do not go bad easily. They substitute fresh fruits and provide you with the necessary nutrients such as potassium and dietary fiber.

Granolas, trail mixes, and power bars are excellent snacks to store. They are energy boosters and a great source of carbohydrates.

Meat, fish, and chicken can be kept in the refrigerator for a long time. However, in the case of a power shutdown, they will go bad quickly. Hence, you should substitute them with canned alternatives. These last longer even without a fridge, as long as they are sealed; once opened they must be consumed within hours or a day maximum.

Vegetables are of course the pillars of all meals. Unfortunately, in a time of a crisis, it might be difficult or even impossible to obtain fresh produce. Therefore, it is recommended that you store a pile of canned vegetables to make sure that you are getting the necessary proteins, minerals, and antioxidants. Canned vegetables are essential.

Canned soups are also an option to consider. They do not need to be cooked and can be eaten straight from the can. Therefore, if you are low on power or do not have a stove these are life saviors. Think of it as if you are camping in the middle of nowhere or living the life of a soldier.

Dairy products, unfortunately, need to be refrigerated. Hence, to avoid resulting problems from power shutdown, make sure you stock some powdered milk. Of course, it is needless to say that you need to store at least a gallon of water per person.

More advice for emergency times:

If you have a heads up alarm before an emergency or a crisis and you have some time to prepare, here is what you need to stock:

Buy three days quantity of vegetables and fruits. Fresh items are always healthier and more beneficial. If you are lucky enough the crisis will be over in three days, otherwise, your stock of canned vegetables and dried fruits will be enough to keep going.

Remember to stock your family’s need for medications, especially for those with critical conditions. Think of your family’s dietary needs and special requirements.

My list of stored food for all times:

I have grown up witnessing a kind of tradition in my family and other families around. I learned that people in these regions, that is to say, Tunisia and other Arab countries, have nurtured a habit of hoarding food either for times of crises or simply because a certain product cannot be found year-round.

Traditional societies were built around agricultural items and a simple way of life. They were not accustomed to canned foods. Their pantries were full of organic foods. Luckily, most families are still upholding this tradition. And I am grateful that my family has nurtured this habit in us.

My list of foods to store for all times includes “Bsissa”, whole grains, dried figs, olive oil, and almonds. I have witnessed the wonders of extra virgin olive oil on health and tasted its excellent flavor and that’s why I always keep a part of the family’s harvest stocked for times of need. This golden liquid does not go bad for years.

Dried figs are excellent fruits to consume as snacks or include in recipes. They substitute refined sugar and boost energy significantly. Dried figs can be soaked in olive oil to maintain a soft texture for over a year. They do not go bad if kept in air-tight containers or soaked in oil.

Almonds are not really a necessity, but my family owns a huge number of almond trees and hence it makes sense to store some of the harvests. These crunchy nuts are the perfect option as snacks and can be used in a variety of recipes. Their health benefits are common knowledge, and hence it never hurts to crack a handful of almonds now and then.

“Bsissa” is a traditional Tunisian recipe adored by the young and adults alike. It is made up of wheat, lentil, chickpeas, coriander, and anise. All the ingredients must be roasted on low heat and then grounded until they are blended into homogeneous flour. This flour is to be mixed with olive oil, sesame, and sugar. The paste can be stored for a long time and eaten whenever you feel like it. It makes an excellent nurturing breakfast. You can also add nuts to the paste.

Whole grains such as wheat, barley, and corn do last for a long time and are an excellent choice for healthy eating habits. They can be made into flours and different products for versatile use.

This is my list of healthy foods. I invite you to consider these products and try some of them. They are extremely beneficial and can substitute any unhealthy products out there.

What food to store for an emergency? Go for the canned options, they are more likely to have long expiration dates and most of them do not even need to be cooked. Dried fruits and energy booster are also essential to keep going. Think ahead of a crisis, plan, and everything will be fine.