Long-Term Food Storage Techniques

More and more people are realizing the benefits of long term food storage. There are several techniques for preserving food for the long term. Some can be done at home while others are best done in a factory. The point of the various methods is to keep out moisture and pests so the food will remain fresh for as long as possible.

Ideally, your food storage should include more than one technique.

Mylar Bags

• Mylar bags are a food storage technique that does not take up a lot of space in a cabinet or pantry. The bags are available in various sizes starting at a half gallon. These are good for food items such as rice and wheat. Some have a zip lock seal while other require heat sealing.

  Once properly sealed, the bags should be placed in a cool dark place for best results.

Number 10 Cans

• Number 10 cans are commonly used by factories that provide bulk food and food intended for long term storage. Long term food storage items in number ten cans include staples, such as wheat and rice, and also include freeze dried fruits, vegetables and even complete meals such as chicken a la king.

Dry Ice

• For those who want to assemble some food storage items at home rather than buy sealed items from a factory, this method may come in handy.

  The point of the dry ice is to kill any organic matter, such as insects, before sealing the bucket in which the food will be stored.

  Place a small square of dry ice in the bottom of a five or six gallon bucket. An article on the USA Emergency Supply website recommends two ounces of dry ice for a five gallon bucket. Place a paper towel over the ice. Next fill with the wheat, rice, barley or other food item. Set the lid over the opening, but do not seal.

  It generally takes one to two hours for the dry ice to melt. Once melted, seal the buckets right away.

  If you notice the bucket start to swell, simply open the lid long enough for gas to escape and then reseal the bucket.

Freezing

• A very simple food storage technique is to freeze your rice and grains. If you buy bulk flour, rice or other items and then place the material in buckets or bags for long term storage, freezing it first may be helpful.

  If you freeze the food prior to preparing it for long term storage, you will kill any insects that may be living in the food.

  An article on the University of Colorado website recommends freezing food for three to four days. It also warns that items that have been cold treated for insects can be re-infested. That is why it is vital to properly prepare for storage immediately upon removing the food from the freezer.