4 Tips on How to Lengthen the Shelf Lives of Foods

 Food storage is very important as it can prevent you and your family from being hungry during times of emergencies and natural calamities. You and your family can survive during hurricanes, typhoons, and earthquakes even if there are no communications and you cannot buy food supplies because roads are blocked. Also, when tough times, such as financial problems, strike, you and your family will never go hungry because you have foods stored in your pantry. However, if you do not store your foods properly, they will spoil and that will be wasting money.

To avoid food spoilage, here are some tips on how to lengthen the shelf lives of your foods:

1.Invest in durable food storage containers.

 There are several food containers in the market today. You can choose to keep your foods in plastic, glass or metal containers. However, plastic containers are porous so they have the tendency to absorb the smell of the foods stored in them. Also, opaque containers are better than see-through containers; there are foods that spoil faster if they are stored in clear containers than opaque containers. Containers should be airtight to keep off insects and rodents. Lastly, remember that these containers must be food grade, this means that the chemicals from the containers will not transfer to the foods. These chemicals can be hazardous and dangerous once mixed with food and are consumed.

2.Location.

 The location of your foods is as important as their containers. Put your survival storage packs in an area where it is cool and well ventilated. Place them in cupboards that are away from your cooking stoves and ovens, as the temperature can rise when you are cooking. Avoid stocking them in the attic because the temperature is higher there during summer. You can store them in the basement since the temperature is lower there, just make sure that you remember to bring them along in case you need to vacate your house during calamities.

3.Check their expiration dates. 

 Check the expiration dates of your food storage products regularly. To avoid throwing expired products, eat from your emergency food supplies and replace them regularly. Remember that crackers, dried fruit and potatoes must be consumed within six months, while canned meat and soup, fruit juices, and boxed and cereals can last up to a year.

4.Consider your family’s diet.

  Your food storage for survival kit must only contain foods that you and your family will eat. Stock foods that you and your family like. For sure, you wouldn’t like to eat foods that you dislike and have never tasted before during a calamity. Also consider the special diets of your family members; for example, if you have an infant, make sure that you have enough baby formula stored. An emergency can happen anytime and the best thing you can do for you and your family is to be prepared for it. Having food storage for survival is what every family should do. Being prepared for any calamity can save lives, so stock your pantry with food and have an emergency kit.

Tony Bush, A medical practitioner, who also writes reviews on the guidelines of getting Food Storage Containers.