Garbage During Emergencies: How Trash Becomes a Public Health Crisis

Most people preparing for disasters focus on food, water, and shelter. Very few think about what happens to their garbage. That oversight can be dangerous and when normal life gets disrupted, so does every system that keeps waste out of sight and out of mind. Within hours of a major emergency, collection stops. Within days, ... Read more...

from Prepper's Will

What Your Neighbors Will Do First When SHTF

The early hours of a real collapse can feel normal. The power is out, phones aren’t connecting, and the usual rhythm of traffic has gone quiet, while most of your neighbors are still standing on their porches, chatting across fences, half-convinced this will be sorted out by evening. Someone mentions the grocery store closed early. […]

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How to Cook Rice

Today, we’re all about how to cook rice. It’s easy. Do you have a hard time cooking rice so it comes out the way you pictured? Please don’t feel bad about it; you’re not the only one. Many people struggle with cooking rice because there is a method you need to follow. We are eating rice four times a week right now. The price of groceries is so high.

Once you master that method, you can quickly learn to make rice at home, and you might eventually decide to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. After all, rice is an excellent side dish for serving many foods, including chicken, salmon, broccoli, pork, and more. I typically buy Jasmine rice and use a rice cooker. Rice Cooker

Here’s the deal: we can use a rice cooker, a pressure cooker, or even an Instant Pot; I get it. But, if you don’t have one, we must know how to cook rice on a Butane Stove or a gas stove in an emergency. In case you missed this post, Rice: Everything You Need to Know

Types of Rice for Your Kitchen

Long-Grain White Rice is the most common variety found in American pantries. It cooks up light and fluffy with grains that stay separate, making it perfect for everyday side dishes, fried rice, and pilaf.

Jasmine Rice is a fragrant long-grain rice native to Thailand. It has a subtle floral aroma and a slightly sticky texture when cooked, making it a favorite for Southeast Asian dishes and anyone who loves a little extra perfume in their bowl.

Basmati Rice hails from the Indian subcontinent and is prized for its nutty flavor and extra-long, slender grains that elongate beautifully when cooked. It’s the go-to choice for biryanis, curries, and Persian-style rice dishes.

Short-Grain White Rice is plump, tender, and naturally sticky, ideal for sushi, rice bowls, and Korean cuisine. Its high starch content makes the grains cling together, which is exactly what you want when eating with chopsticks.

Brown Rice is simply white rice with its bran layer intact, giving it a nuttier flavor, chewier texture, and more fiber and nutrients. It takes longer to cook but is a popular choice for health-conscious eaters.

Arborio Rice is a starchy Italian short-grain variety best known as the star of risotto. As it cooks, it releases a creamy starch that gives risotto its signature velvety texture; it’s not meant to be fluffy.

Sushi Rice is a specific type of short-grain rice seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt after cooking. While similar to regular short-grain rice, varieties labeled “sushi rice” are selected for their ideal stickiness and clean flavor.

Wild Rice isn’t technically rice at all; it’s the seed of an aquatic grass native to North America. It has a dramatic dark color, a chewy bite, and an earthy, nutty flavor that works beautifully in soups, salads, and stuffings.

How To Cook Rice

Choose the Type of Rice You’re Going to Use

The type of rice you’re using has a lot to do with whether it comes out perfectly. When you’re at the grocery store and looking at different bags of rice, you might notice that some of the bags say “short-grain rice,” “medium-grain rice,” and others say “extra long grain.” If you’re using medium-grain rice, use equal parts water and rice in the pot.

So, if you plan to cook two cups of rice, add two cups of water to your pot. If you’re using extra-long-grain rice, you’d need to use two cups of water for each cup of rice. Keep this in mind when you’re selecting the size of the rice you’re going to prepare.

The brand of the rice isn’t too important. While some people may argue that they like one brand better than the other, it’s not that big of a deal. You can use what is available to you and what you feel comfortable using.

Add Oil to Your Rice Pot

Grab a pot large enough to cook the rice. If you’re fixing enough to feed your whole family, a medium saucepan may not be large enough. In some cultures, the pot used for rice is known as a Caldero. You must have a non-stick pot with a lid to properly cook rice on your stovetop. Next, add a tablespoon of oil to the pot.

While the exact type of oil isn’t too important, it’s best to use olive or vegetable oil. Turn the stove heat to medium-high and let the oil heat. Colombian Caldero, 4.8 Quart, Silver

Rinse and Add Your Rice

Measure the rice you plan to use, pour it into a colander, and begin rinsing it with cool water in the sink. Not everyone agrees with rinsing rice, but removing excess starch is a great way to get fluffy rice and prevent a mushy texture you might not like.

Once you’ve rinsed your rice for a minute or two, be sure to hold it in place, pour out any extra water into the sink, and then add it to the cooking pot with the hot oil. Use a plastic or wooden spoon to stir the rice for a good mix.

Add Water and Salt to the Pot

Next, measure the amount of water needed to add to the pot based on your selected rice style or size and how much you’re using. Add the water to the pot, and then sprinkle a teaspoon or two of salt into it.

Remix the rice, cover it halfway with the lid, and leave it on medium-high heat. Don’t go too far away; you want to stay close to the rice pot to watch when the rice absorbs the water.

Cover and let the Steam Work Its Magic

When you notice most of the water has been absorbed, remove the lid from the pot and add a sheet of foil on top. Use the foil to cover the pot before placing the lid back on top. Lower the heat on the stove to the lowest setting possible and leave your rice alone for at least 20 minutes.

Don’t touch the lid! You may feel tempted to open the lid and look inside to see how much progress you’re making, but that can disrupt things and leave you with wet rice that doesn’t taste very good.

Remove the Lid and Foil to Fluff and Serve

After 20 minutes, remove the lid from the pot and carefully pull the foil off the top. Be careful with the foil, as a lot of steam will come from inside the pot. The steam can burn you if you’re too close.

You may notice that your rice looks perfect! Grab a fork to fluff it before serving it with a plastic or wooden spoon. It’s that simple. If you follow this foolproof method, you can easily make traditional white rice.

Another Way To Cook Rice

Deborah, one of my readers, suggests: “I do rinse the rice. But I bring the water to a boil with oil and salt added. Pour the rinsed rice in and bring it to a boil again. Boil for 5 minutes, then add the lid and turn off the heat. Let it sit for about 30-45 minutes. Usually, the rice is perfect and fluffy.”

For the past few months, we’ve been using an Aroma Select Stainless rice cooker as a new approach to cooking rice (see the “rice cooker” link above). You have the same rice-to-water ratio as explained above. It has a switch on the front to cook the rice, and then it automatically shifts to a “warm” setting. When the rice is ready, I put a paper towel over the hole in the lid so I don’t get burned when I remove the lid. This has proven to be a great rice cooker and pretty much fail-safe.

Add-Ins for Flavor

Some people like to use chicken bouillon when preparing their white rice. If you’d like to give the rice a bit more flavor, you can add the chicken bouillon as the liquid to the pot with the oil, right before adding your rice and mixing well.

The chicken bouillon doesn’t have an overwhelming taste, but it does add more flavor to the dish, so you wouldn’t need to add anything else if you didn’t want to.

Some people add corn to their rice. Yellow corn adds a sweet touch to white rice and is an excellent addition to seafood and meat meal recipes. If you’d like to add the corn to your rice, feel free to toss it in when you’re adding the white rice to the pot.

If you don’t like corn, you can consider using peas or chopped canned carrots. It depends on what you prefer and want to enjoy with your rice.

What to Eat on Your Rice

While you can eat your rice fresh out of the pot, some other ingredients taste great when added to it for a different-tasting rice recipe. Soy sauce is a popular ingredient used on white rice and fried rice. It adds a tangy taste.

Sometimes Mark will take my rice, heat it up, and add some butter, much like you’d do with mashed potatoes. He’ll also heat a bowl of rice and put milk and sugar on it for his breakfast.

Coconut Aminos are a keto-friendly option for those who like tang without excess sugar. You can also enhance the flavor of your rice by adding chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice.

How to Freeze Rice

I love rice; I could eat it at every meal. So I grabbed some of my Souper Containers, cooked the rice, filled them, and then filled the “cups,” so I could freeze some individual servings.

Final Word

Cooking rice isn’t too hard. If you follow these instructions, you can turn it into a science and always prepare delicious rice. May God bless this world, Linda

Copyright Images: Rinsing Rice AdobeStock_136870136 by Africa Studio, White Rice AdobeStock_215243566 by Kungverylucky, Different Rice AdobeStock_218205225 by Pixel-Shot.

The post How to Cook Rice appeared first on Food Storage Moms.

from Food Storage Moms

If We Have A War: Can You Feed Your Family?

If we have a war, can you feed your family? I can guarantee you 100% the government won’t deliver food or water to your home in a short time after an unforeseen disaster. When geopolitical tensions rise and supply chains become uncertain, one question becomes urgent for every household: Do you have enough food stored to feed your family?

Wars, natural disasters, and infrastructure failures can disrupt grocery store deliveries within days. Building a pantry stocked with shelf-stable foods is not paranoia; it’s practical preparedness. Canned goods are among the most reliable and affordable options available, offering long shelf lives, nutritional value, and convenience when it matters most.

Whether you’re building an emergency food supply for the first time or reinforcing what you already have, understanding what to stock and why can make the difference between security and crisis. This post breaks down the three essential categories of canned goods every household should prioritize: meats, fruits, and vegetables.

Why Canned Foods Are Your Best Defense in a Crisis

Before diving into specifics, it’s worth understanding why canned foods rank at the top of every serious emergency preparedness list. Most canned goods carry a shelf life of two to five years, with some lasting a decade or longer when stored properly in a cool, dry environment. They require no refrigeration, minimal preparation, and provide reliable caloric and nutritional content. In a grid-down or supply-disrupted scenario, your pantry becomes your lifeline.

Emergency preparedness experts recommend storing enough food to sustain your household for at least 2 weeks, with a 90-day supply considered the gold standard for serious preparedness. Canned goods make that goal achievable on nearly any budget.

If We Have A War, Can You Feed Your Family?

Canned Meats: Protein When You Need It Most

Protein is the first macronutrient group to run short during a food emergency. Fresh meat spoils quickly, and frozen meat becomes unusable once power fails. Canned meats solve both problems.

Canned chicken is one of the most versatile options available. It can be eaten cold directly from the can, mixed into soups, stirred into rice, or used as a base for simple stews. A single can typically provide 25 to 30 grams of protein and has a shelf life of three to five years. Stock multiple cases if your family regularly consumes chicken.

Canned tuna and salmon are equally important additions. These fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and high in protein, making them nutritionally dense emergency foods. Tuna packed in oil provides additional calories, which become important in high-stress or physically demanding survival situations. Salmon offers a slightly richer flavor and can be used in patties, salads, or eaten straight from the can. My loyal and knowledgeable reader, Harry, told me about this company where you can literally buy the best tuna in the world. Natural Catch Tuna

Canned beef, including products like corned beef and beef stew, provides a heartier meal option. These products are calorie-dense and satisfying, which matters when morale may already be strained. Spam and other canned pork products are similarly durable and widely available, and they pair easily with canned vegetables or rice to form complete meals.

Don’t overlook canned Vienna sausages or canned ham. While they may not be everyday favorites, they’re filling, long-lasting, and easy to prepare under difficult conditions. When building your supply, aim for a variety of protein sources so your family doesn’t experience food fatigue, which is a real morale concern in extended emergencies.

Canned Fruits: Nutrition, Hydration, and Morale

Canned fruits are often underestimated in emergency food planning, but they serve multiple critical roles. They provide natural sugars for quick energy, vitamins, and antioxidants that support immune health, as well as a liquid that helps with hydration when clean water may be limited.

Canned peaches, pears, and mandarin oranges are among the most popular options and tend to be well-accepted by children, which matters during stressful events when getting kids to eat can be a challenge. These fruits are packed naturally in juice or syrup, providing both nutrition and additional fluid intake. Look for options packed in 100% juice to reduce added sugar intake during already stressful conditions.

Canned pineapple is another excellent choice. It contains bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties, and its tart sweetness offers a refreshing contrast to the saltier canned meats in your pantry. Pineapple can also be used as a flavor enhancer when added to rice or meat dishes to help break up monotony.

Canned applesauce deserves a dedicated spot in any family preparedness plan, particularly for households with young children or older family members. It’s easy to digest, gentle on the stomach, and can serve as a snack, a side dish, or even a simple dessert. Many varieties are available with no added sugar, making them a cleaner nutritional option.

Canned tomatoes occupy a unique position because they function as both fruit and cooking ingredient. Diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste dramatically expand your cooking options, allowing you to prepare pasta sauces, soups, chilis, and stews from other shelf-stable pantry items. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene and vitamin C, adding meaningful nutritional value to your emergency meals.

Canned Vegetables: The Foundation of Long-Term Meal Planning

Vegetables round out your emergency nutrition plan by providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals that keep your family healthy over an extended period. Relying solely on proteins and grains without sufficient vegetables can lead to digestive issues and nutritional deficiencies within weeks.

Canned green beans are a staple of emergency pantries for good reason. They’re low in calories, high in fiber, and have a mild flavor that goes well with nearly any other food. They can be eaten cold or heated quickly, and children tend to accept them without much resistance.

Canned corn is another highly versatile option. It adds sweetness, texture, and color to meals and combines naturally with canned beans and tomatoes to create filling, nutritious dishes. Corn is higher in carbohydrates than many other canned vegetables, making it a useful energy source when physical demands are high.

Canned Beans

Canned black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas are among the most important items in any emergency food supply. Beans are calorie-dense, high in fiber, packed with plant-based protein, and extraordinarily affordable. A single can of black beans provides roughly 15 grams of protein and significant amounts of iron, magnesium, and folate. Beans also combine with canned meats and vegetables to create complete, satisfying meals with minimal preparation.

Canned spinach and canned mixed vegetables ensure that your family receives a broader range of micronutrients. Spinach is particularly rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins A and K. Mixed vegetable blends often include carrots, peas, green beans, and corn, providing nutritional variety without requiring you to stock every vegetable individually.

Don’t underestimate the value of canned potatoes. They’re calorie-dense and filling, and can be used in soups and stews or as a standalone side dish. For families with growing children or individuals who engage in physical labor, calorie density matters as much as nutritional balance during an emergency.

How Much Should You Store?

A general rule of preparedness is to calculate each family member’s daily caloric needs and multiply by the number of days you want to cover. The average adult requires approximately 2,000 calories per day, while active adults and teenagers may need closer to 2,500. Children’s needs vary by age and size.

A two-week supply for a family of four would require roughly 112,000 calories stored in shelf-stable form. That may sound like a large number, but canned goods are calorie-efficient and inexpensive. A thoughtful combination of canned meats, fruits, and vegetables, supplemented by dried rice, pasta, oats, and cooking oil, can achieve that target for a few hundred dollars spent over time.

Rotate your stock regularly by placing newer cans behind older ones and using the oldest items first in your everyday cooking. This practice, known as first-in, first-out rotation, ensures your supply stays fresh and nothing goes to waste.

Start Building Your Pantry Today

You don’t need a crisis to motivate you. The time to build a food reserve is before you need it. Begin with a one-week supply and expand gradually. Focus on foods your family already enjoys, since familiar flavors reduce stress during difficult circumstances.

War, natural disaster, economic collapse, or severe weather, any scenario that disrupts the food supply chain can put your family at risk. A well-stocked pantry built around canned meats, canned fruits, and canned vegetables is one of the most straightforward, cost-effective steps any family can take toward genuine self-reliance. Start today, buy a little extra each week, and build the security your family deserves.

Tip Of The Day

Did you know you can freeze cilantro in water and pop out a cube anytime you want some cilantro? 1/2 Cup Souper Cubes can be used to store the frozen cilantro for use later. I have a number of these and love them!

Cut The Cilantro

Cut the Cilantro to fit the “boxes”.

Wash The Cilantro

Wash and drain the Cilantro.

Fill The Trays With Cilantro

Place the Cilantro in the trays and partially fill with water. They need water to pop them out.

Fill The Trays With Water and Freeze Them

Pop out a cube when you need some Cilantro.

Final Word

No one wants to imagine a world where grocery store shelves are empty or the power grid has failed. But history has shown, time and again, that disruptions happen, and they happen fast. Within 72 hours of a major crisis, stores run out of essentials. Within a week, families without a plan begin to struggle.

The good news is that feeding your family through an extended emergency isn’t complicated. It doesn’t require a bunker, a large budget, or specialized skills. It requires a pantry stocked with the right canned goods, a little planning, and the willingness to act before a crisis forces your hand.

You can’t control whether a war breaks out, whether a hurricane knocks out your region’s infrastructure, or whether an economic shock empties store shelves overnight. What you can control is what sits in your pantry right now. Build it steadily, rotate it consistently, and rest easier knowing that, no matter what happens outside, the people in your home will be fed. That isn’t fear. That’s love in action. May God bless this world, Linda

The post If We Have A War: Can You Feed Your Family? appeared first on Food Storage Moms.

from Food Storage Moms

Top 10 Plants That Will Keep Bugs Away from Your Crops

Gardeners know that their plants need lots of sunlight, water, nutrition, and love if they are going to grow and thrive. But plants also need protection from insect pests! From persistent public enemies like aphids and various kinds of insect larvae to more species-specific critters like mites, Japanese beetles, and more, you can do everything ... Read more

Top 10 Plants That Will Keep Bugs Away from Your Crops can be read in full at New Life On A Homestead- Be sure to check it out!

from New Life On A Homestead