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You never know what life throws at you. Natural disasters, terrorist attacks, wars, power outages, and pandemic flu outbreaks are just some of the many unfortunate incidents that can leave us stranded at home. Are we exaggerating? As of today, it might seem like it, but who knows what tomorrow brings. It is always better to be safe than sorry. We all had moments during the pandemic when we felt we should have been better planned about our food. Stocking up on non-perishable food is one of the best ways to ensure you have access to food in case of emergency. Non-perishable foods last for long periods without refrigeration and are usually packed in airtight containers or flexible pouches with moisture-resistant properties.
1. Beans
Beans are a versatile food that can be used to make a whole host of different dishes. They are full of fiber, protein, and other nutrients that can help keep you healthy, and they are a very durable food, which makes them perfect for long-term storage.
2. Cereal
Cereal is a great source of fiber and carbohydrates, and it’s a food that most people are familiar with eating. It’s also very cheap to buy, which makes it a perfect item to stock up on. Many types of cereal last for a long time once opened, and some can last for several years.
3. Dry Nuts and Fruits
Dry nuts and grains are widely available and last for a long time once they’ve been opened. They are perfect ingredients to add variety to your meals and help you get all your daily nutrients. Humidity can cause dry goods to go stale quicker, so it’s best to store them in a place that is both dry and cool.
4. Fruits and vegetables
It’s best to select high-quality fruit with no signs of spoilage, mold, or soft spots. If you live in a hot climate, you can store it in the pantry. You can also vacuum-pack the fruit to extend its shelf life.
• Apples: Stored properly in a cool, dry place away from other fruits that may hasten their ripening (such as bananas), apples have a shelf life of up to three months.
• Fruits in the citrus family, like oranges and grapefruits, have a high acid content and sturdy skins, so they can keep for up to two weeks at room temperature if you buy them before they are fully ripe. Drinking citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits is a great way to stay hydrated and healthy.
• Avocados: Firm, unripe avocados can be kept at room temperature for up to a week.
• Tomatoes can be stored for several days at room temperature if purchased unripe.
• Vegetables in the spud, yam, and sweet potato families are long-lasting and delicious as a side dish, so long as you have access to a stove. Potatoes have a shelf life of about a month if kept in a cool, dark place.
• Produce like cucumbers and zucchini can be stored for a couple of days without refrigeration.
5. Grain Products
Grain products are a great source of fiber, carbohydrates, and other nutrients. Most types of grain products last for a long time once they’ve been opened, and they are easy to store.
6. Sugar, salt, and pepper
It's possible you'll be making some meals, provided you have access to a fuel source like a charcoal or gas stove. Seasonings and sweeteners are essential for enhancing the flavor of both fresh and processed foods, so be sure to stock up on a basic supply.
7. Milk powder
If you don't have access to fresh milk, this alternative is a great source of calcium and vitamin D when almost all dairy products require refrigeration.
8. Sports drinks, such as Gatorade
When water is scarce, these beverages will help you rehydrate and replenish fluids thanks to the electrolytes and carbohydrates they contain. Check the label to make sure the sports drink you're considering doesn't contain too much of anything, especially sugar or artificial sweeteners.
9. Bottled water
Keep enough for at least three days on hand, as each person requires at least 3.7 litres per day.
A normally active person should drink at least 1.8 litres of water per day. The remaining 1.8 litres can be used for cooking and cleaning.
10. Canned tuna, salmon, and chicken
Essential protein can be found in canned meats, which have a shelf life of at least two years, or in vacuum-packed pouches, which have a shorter shelf life but still last at least six months.
It is important that you have a secondary source of food that doesn’t go bad quickly. Non-perishable foods can be kept for a long time without being refrigerated. They are usually packed in containers that keep air out or flexible pouches that don't let moisture in.
