By Linda Loosli
Stocking Food
When we talk about “stocking food,” what we really mean is having a supply of non-perishable items as well as foods with a longer shelf life on hand in case of an emergency. This could be anything from a natural disaster to a power outage. In either case, having a stockpile of food that doesn’t require refrigeration or cooking to make it fit for consumption can be a lifesaver.
But stocking food isn’t just about survival, it’s also about being prepared for unexpected situations. For example, let’s say you have a big project due at work and you know you won’t have time to go to the grocery store. Or maybe you’re snowed in and can’t get to the store. In either case, having a stash of easy-to-prepare food can help you avoid resorting to unhealthy (and expensive) takeout options.
So what does it mean to stock food? It means being prepared for anything life throws your way. And that’s always a good thing.
17 Things You Didn’t Know About Stocking Food
You may know that you should be stocking food and supplies for emergencies, but here are a few things you may not know!
1. Keep Ripe Bananas Cold
Let your bananas sit out at room temperature until they are ripe with plenty of spots. Then, plop them in the refrigerator. You can get an extra week out of them this way.
2. You Can Freeze Nuts
You may not know this, but you can actually freeze most nut varieties! This includes peanuts, cashews, pistachios, and more. Just make sure to thaw them before eating them. Nuts can be stored for up to six months in the freezer.
3. Butter will Last Longer if it’s Stored in the Freezer
If you have a hankering for some butter, but don’t want it to go bad, store it in the freezer! Butter can last up to a year when stored this way. Just make sure to thaw it out before using it.
4. You Can Get Bread in a Can
I didn’t even know this, but you can actually get bread in a can. Who knew? In fact, you can snatch up B&M Brown Bread right on Amazon. Canned bread can be stored for up to two years.
5. There are MREs for Dogs
Did you know that there are MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) for dogs? K9 Natural Dog Food makes them and they can be stored for up to two years. They even have a shelf life of up to seven years if stored in a cool, dry place.
6. You Can Store Honey Forever
Honey is one of those magical foods that never goes bad. You can store it forever and it will still be just as delicious as the day you put it away. Just be sure and place the honey in glass jars so that when they crystalize you can place them outside in the sun to hopefully bring them back to the normal consistency. Or you can place the jars in a pan filled with warm water to liquefy the honey.
7. You Shouldn’t Store Tomatoes in the Fridge
Despite what you may have been told, you shouldn’t store tomatoes in the fridge. The cold temperature actually ruins the flavor. Keep them on the counter instead.
8. You Can Store Cheese in the Freezer
Cheese can actually be stored in the freezer for up to two months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly so that it doesn’t dry out. I don’t freeze whole chunks of cheese, they crumble too much. I do freeze shredded Mozarella, shredded cheddar, and the Mexican blend shredded cheese.
9. Unusual Berries Come in Cans
You can actually find canned unusual berries at your local grocery store. These include gooseberries, huckleberries, and more. They can last for up to two years in the pantry.
10. Pumpkins Last Longer than you Think
Pumpkins are actually pretty durable. They can last for up to three months if stored in a cool, dry place.
11. You Shouldn’t Store Garlic in the Fridge
Despite what you may have heard, you shouldn’t store garlic in the fridge. The moisture will cause it to mold. Instead, keep it in a cool, dry place.
12. You Can Freeze Your Yeast, Wheat Gluten, and Dough Enhancer
Yes, you can freeze your Saf Instant yeast, Wheat Gluten, and your Dough Enhancer in the original bags, or transfer the open bags to an airtight container for the freezer. Here’s the deal with dough enhancers and wheat gluten, they make your bread dough fluffy, soft, and the best texture ever!
I only learned to use them when I taught at a Bosch store about 10-12 years ago. They are optional, you don’t need to use them, but I do almost every time I make my homemade bread. When I was growing up, my mother made hard red wheat bread that was similar to “bricks.” We loved it, but we didn’t know we could have soft wheat bread.
Please note, I only buy hard white wheat for my bread making. Hard red wheat has more protein, but the flavor is stronger to me. It’s all about personal preference.
13. You Shouldn’t Store Onions in the Fridge
Despite what you may have heard, you shouldn’t store onions in the fridge. The moisture will cause them to mold, much like garlic. Instead, keep them in a cool, dry place.
14. Low Carb Pasta Comes in a Can
If you’re looking for a low-carb pasta option, you can actually find it in a can. Palmini is a brand that makes it and it can be found on Amazon. You can get lasagna, linguine, and spaghetti.
15. You Can Store Milk in the Freezer
Milk can actually be stored in the freezer for up to six months. Just make sure to thaw it out in the refrigerator before using it. You may need to put it in a larger container since liquids expand when frozen.
16. You Can Store Flour in the Freezer
Flour can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. This wouldn’t work for me because I buy 200 pounds of flour at a time. But, if you buy smaller 5-pound bags, keep the flour in an airtight container before placing it in the freezer for any long periods of time.
17. Get Dolmas in a Can
Dolmas are grapevine leaves that are filled with rice, onion, and herbs, and rolled into little bundles of deliciousness. Many people enjoy them as appetizers at Mediterranean restaurants, but now you can enjoy them at home.
What Canned Foods Should I Stock?
You should be stocking food with lots of variety. You want to have fruits, vegetables, meat, grains, dairy, and more. The best way to do this is to create a list of all the food you eat in a week and then buy those items in canned form. This will help you make sure you have a well-rounded selection.
There are lots of great canned foods out there that you may not have known about. Now that you know, be sure to stock up so you’re prepared for anything.
What Fresh Foods Can Be Stored Long-Term?
There are actually quite a few fresh foods that can be stored long-term. These include potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, apples, and more. Just make sure to store them in a cool, dry place.
More About Stocking Food:
- 7 Reasons Why Stocking Food Is Popular
- 15 Facts About Food That Will Blow Your Mind
- 10 Awesome Facts About Canned Food
- 11 Emergency Foods That You Need
Final Thoughts
Stocking food is important for being prepared in case of an emergency. But it’s also important to know what foods can be stored long-term and how to best store them. Did you know all of these things about stocking food? I sure didn’t! But now I do and I’m better prepared for an emergency.
What are some other things you didn’t know about stocking food? Let me know in the comments below! May God bless this world. Linda
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