Canned Foods The Ultimate Emergency Food Type You Need to Stockpile
Introduction
Emergency food stockpiles are vital for disaster preparation. Canned foods are an excellent choice for stocking up. They're easy to get, store, and come in many different varieties.
So why should you add canned foods to your emergency stockpile? Let's take a look:
Definition of Canned Foods
Canned foods are pre-cooked and sealed in airtight metal containers. Heat and pressure are used to destroy germs, extending the shelf life. This makes it good for people avoiding processed food, as there's no need for additives like preservatives or coloring.
Canned foods come ready-to-eat and are much more convenient than fresh goods that need to be cooked. Common items include:
- Fruits
- Veggies
- Beans
- Soups
- Broths
- Stews
Also, they're great for emergency stockpile kits due to a long shelf life and easy storage.
Benefits of Stockpiling Canned Foods
Canned goods are often forgotten about when it comes to emergency food prep. But they should be an essential part of any food security plan. They are easy to store, have a long shelf life and can give nutritious meals even in tough times. Here are the major benefits:
- Shelf Life: The average shelf life is 3-6 years. Most cans have a use-by date or “inspection date” printed on the label, to help track how long they have been stored.
- Nutritious Meals: Canned foods are ready-to-eat or easy to prepare. They offer essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, protein, and B vitamins. This helps cover dietary needs while saving space.
- Versatility: Canned goods offer something for everyone – proteins like beans and fish, veggies like tomatoes and potatoes, and fruits like peaches and pears.
- Cost Effective: Prices vary, but having an emergency supply can reduce costs if finding items becomes difficult or more expensive during an emergent situation.
Types of Canned Foods
Canned foods are ace for an emergency food supply. No fridge needed! Long shelf life. They can be stored for ages. Loads of choices. From vegetables to fruit and proteins.
Let's check out the types of canned foods and why they're so vital for a food stockpile:
Fruits and Vegetables
Canned fruits and veggies are a great option for an emergency food supply. Sealing with a machine and heat creates an airtight seal to keep freshness and prevent spoilage. No added preservatives or chemicals, plus convenience, long shelf-life, nutrition content, and cost-effectiveness make them great for the pantry.
When purchasing, look for cans without dents or rust spots. Check labels to make sure no preservatives have been used. Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
Fruits can range from peaches to pears. Applesauce, pineapple, apricots, fruit cocktail mixes, grapefruit, berry blends, and mandarin oranges. Plus jams, jellies, preserves, or spreads made with fruit juice concentrates.
Veggies include:
- corn with peppers
- diced tomatoes
- potatoes
- pickles
- onion rings
- oregano
- mushrooms
- carrots
- wax beans
- celery stalks
- spinach
- green beans
- sweet potatoes
- beets
- boiled peanuts
- black-eyed peas
- hominy
- stew mixes
- limas
- cut green beans
- cucumber relish
- chow chow
- tomato puree
- olives
- bamboo shoots
Meats and Fish
Canned meats & fish are a blessing for survivalists who wanna stay fed in an emergency! These proteins have vitamins & minerals. Plus, they last longer than fresh proteins & can be cooked fast without a stove. When buying canned foods, check the labels for salt, sodium & sugar.
Here's a list of popular canned meats & fish:
- Meats:
- Beef
- Pork
- Chicken
- Tuna
- Shredded pork
- Fish:
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Tuna
- Oysters
Soups and Stews
Canned soups and stews are ideal for emergency stockpiles. They provide tasty, comforting meals with minimal prepping. Many now come with easy-open lids, no can opener needed! Long-term canned soups often use dehydrated ingredients like potatoes, onions and carrots. Combination cans contain meat chunks, beans and noodles.
Read nutrition labels before stocking up. Low sodium and healthy options are best. Avoid BPA linings if possible. Shelf life on most is 2+ years. A few cans of soup on hand is always a great idea!
Beans and Grains
Beans and grains are popular food items for pantries. Canned beans are packed with proteins and can be added to salads, soups, and side dishes. No soaking is needed before cooking, making it easier to prepare meals. Rice, wild rice, and quinoa can be used to make pilaf dishes or enjoyed plain with meats and veggies.
Canned beans come in a variety of types such as kidney, white, chickpeas, black, navy, and lentils. Barley is also sold in grocery stores. For health-conscious people, check the sodium content on the label. Low sodium versions are available.
Beans and grains are great emergency food items. Beans are loaded with fiber, proteins, vitamins like folate and iron, and help keep your immune system strong. Grains provide carbohydrates which give you energy and make you feel full.
Storage and Preparation
Canned foods? Yes! Fantastic for emergency food stores. Long shelf-life and cost-effective. Great for multiple dishes too!
Knowing how to store and prepare canned foods is essential for having a complete emergency food supply.
Choosing the Right Canned Foods
When choosing the right canned foods for your emergency stockpile, check expiration dates and avoid cans with dents or bulges. Choose cans that are lightweight and can be stacked, with labels in several languages. Consider nutritional content and taste appeal before buying. Many cans contain high levels of salt, so look for low-sodium variations.
Have an assortment of fruits, vegetables, proteins and grains so you get diversity in taste and nutrition. Canned fruits can be stored for years or even decades. Good examples are peaches, pears or fruit cocktail mixtures. Canned vegetables provide fiber and vitamins. Examples include green beans and peas. Protein sources include beef stew, chili, tuna and salmon. Grains such as oats and pasta provide essential B vitamins.
Storing and Rotating Canned Foods
Storing and rotating canned goods correctly is a must. Keep your food fresh with these tips!
- Store cans in a cool and dark location. Don't put them on concrete. The best spots are basements or garages – just not where they'll freeze. Stack labels outward so you can rotate them easily.
- Use the FIFO system. Put new items at the back and move the older ones up front. Also, always check expiration dates before using. Discard any cans with bulging lids or that smell bad. Check seals twice when rotating. If the seal is off, don't use it.
- Replace any damaged cans before putting them back in your stockpile. This'll reduce waste and keep your food safe for emergency situations.
Preparing Canned Foods
Canned food is a budget-friendly and convenient way to store emergency food. However, you must use caution when handling it. Here are some tips:
- Check cans for any dents, bulging, rust or leakage. Discard if swollen or with discoloration.
- Open cans away from food to avoid contamination.
- Use clean spoon or fork to remove contents. Disallow utensils that touch raw meat to come in contact with cooked food.
- Do a smell test before serving. If can does not smell fresh and does not look normal, do not eat it – throw it away!
- Put opened cans in airtight containers. Then store in fridge or freezer. Keep them sealed tightly in pantry for up to three days.
Nutritional Value
Canned foods are not only great in emergencies, but they can also be a nutritious way to mix up your diet. They have a long shelf life, making them a great option for stocking up and providing nutritious meals in an emergency.
Let's check out the nutritional value that canned goods can offer!
Nutritional Content of Canned Foods
Canned foods can be more nutrient-rich than fresh. The canning process helps preserve vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Most canned foods have potassium, calcium and Vitamin A.
It is important to check the sodium content in canned goods. Processed canned goods can be high in sodium so read the labels.
Fresh is best for nutrition content. But in emergencies, stocking up on canned beans and veggies can provide necessary macronutrients and vitamins. Common nutrients in canned foods are:
- Vitamins A & C
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Fiber
- Iron
- Protein
Health Benefits of Canned Foods
Canned foods are a great choice for emergencies. They are cheap and offer a variety of nutrients. Compared to non-canned, they contain more vitamin A and C. Plus, they are cooked before going into the can, so they are higher in beta carotene. Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, another cancer-fighting antioxidant.
Canned foods also have essential minerals like iron and potassium. These help the body stay healthy during an emergency. Fish like tuna and salmon are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and cholesterol.
Canned beans are a great source of protein and fiber. This helps digestion and prevents food spoilage due to power outages. Canned foods can last up to 2-5 years, so you don't have to worry about shortages.
Conclusion
Canned goods are ideal for stocking up your food supply. You can chow down directly from the can or get creative and make yummy recipes. Canning can keep goods fresh for five years or longer – perfect for survivalists and preppers. Therefore, it's wise to include canned goods in your food storage plan.
Summary of Benefits
Canned foods offer numerous benefits when stored as emergency food. They have an extended shelf life of up to 10 years, making them great for long-term preparedness plans. Canned foods are also fortified with vitamins and minerals to ensure proper nutrition. Furthermore, they are usually more affordable than other non-perishable options. The added extras such as flavoring agents make canned foods more flavorful. Additionally, they are lightweight, portable and offer variety for multiple scenarios.
Final Thoughts
Canned foods are great for emergency supplies – they are packed with essential nutrients, and offer variety, convenience, and peace of mind. Plus, they are easy to store and transport. Prepping meals is simple, either cooked or raw. And with the right preservation measures, they last a long time.
Stock up on canned food for emergencies – it's an inexpensive and smart choice. Protein, veggies, fruits (low sugar), grains, legumes, beans, and carbs like white rice are all great options. Don't forget the healthy snacks too!
Organizing your stockpile with canned foods adds variety – and the assurance that you have proper food supplies, whatever the circumstances:
- Protein
- Veggies
- Fruits (low sugar)
- Grains
- Legumes
- Beans
- Carbs like white rice
- Healthy snacks
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the benefits of canned food?
A1. Canned foods are a great source of long-term emergency food because they have a long shelf life, are lightweight and easy to transport, and are usually inexpensive. Additionally, canned foods are high in nutrition, as they are often packed in water or their own juices and they are already cooked, making them a great option for easy meal prep.
Q2. What types of canned foods should I stockpile?
A2. The best types of canned foods to stockpile are those that are high in nutrition and have a long shelf life. Examples of these types of canned foods include canned vegetables and fruits, canned beans, canned soups, canned tuna and other canned fish, and canned stews and chili.
Q3. How long can canned food last?
A3. Generally, canned food can last for up to two years if stored in a cool, dry place. However, it is important to check the expiration date on each can, and rotate your stock regularly to ensure that you are consuming the freshest food possible.