During war times or other emergencies, it’s important to stock up on non-perishable food items that have long shelf lives and do not require refrigeration. Here is a list of foods that are known for their longevity and are suitable for storage in case of a war or a prolonged crisis:
- Dried beans and lentils: These can last up to 10 years or more when stored properly in a cool, dry place.
- White rice: When stored in airtight containers, white rice can last up to 30 years.
- Pasta: Dry pasta can last for 1-2 years past its printed date if kept in a cool, dry, and airtight environment.
- Canned foods: Items like canned vegetables, fruits, meats, and fish can last several years. The typical shelf life is 1-5 years, but many remain safe to eat well beyond that if the cans are undamaged.
- Dried grains: Grains like barley, quinoa, and oats have long shelf lives when stored in airtight containers.
- Dehydrated fruits and vegetables: These can last several months to a few years.
- Powdered milk: This can last 18 months to 2 years and provides an alternative to fresh milk.
- Honey: Honey is known for its indefinite shelf life due to its natural antimicrobial properties.
- Salt: Used to preserve other foods, salt itself never spoils.
- Sugar: Like salt, sugar can last indefinitely if stored in a dry environment because it does not support bacterial growth.
- Hardtack: A type of hard, dry biscuit made from flour, water, and salt that has been used for centuries as a long-lasting emergency ration.
- Jerky: Properly dried and stored meat jerky can last for 1-2 years.
- Instant coffee, tea, and cocoa: These can last several years if unopened and stored in a dry, cool place.
- Pure vanilla extract: Has an indefinite shelf life and can improve with age.
- Spices: While they may lose potency over time, most dry spices remain useable for years.
- Freeze-dried meals: Often used by campers, these can last from 5 to 25 years, depending on the packaging and storage conditions.
- Hard cheeses encased in wax: Some types of hard cheeses can last quite a while when encased in wax, which prevents mould and bacteria from spoiling the cheese.
- Coconut oil: It’s known for a longer shelf life compared to other oils, lasting up to 2-5 years.
- Alcoholic beverages: Spirits like whiskey, vodka, and other distilled liquors can last indefinitely.
For safety, always observe proper food storage practices and be aware of signs of spoilage even in long-lasting foods. During a war, resources like fuel and clean water can become scarce, so at that time, having a supply of water purification tablets or filters, as well as a portable stove or heat source to cook food can also be crucial.
