by Linda Loosli
As preppers, we are always looking for things for our long-term food storage that have a long shelf life. There aren’t a lot of food items that fall into this category, but dry pasta certainly does.
Not only is pasta affordable and easy to store, but it also provides a great source of carbohydrates and can be paired with a variety of ingredients. I want to share with you the different types of dry pasta that you should consider stockpiling for emergencies. How To Make Fresh Pasta From Scratch
Pasta is a great whole grain food shortage staple since it has vitamins and minerals nutrients we all need, like manganese, selenium, copper, B vitamins, and phosphorous. It also contains fiber for your diet and to keep your digestion working as it should.
If you choose to go with enriched pasta you’ll also gain other nutrients like iron. This is a great food item if you’re trying to watch your calories, just be careful what you add to the pasta since buttery and oily toppings will add to those calories. Non-GMO Spaghetti Pasta
Types of Pasta to Stockpile For Emergencies
1. Spaghetti
Spaghetti is perhaps the most versatile and widely recognized type of pasta. Its long, thin strands make it perfect for pairing with a variety of sauces and toppings. Whether you prefer a classic marinara sauce, a creamy Alfredo, or a simple garlic and olive oil combination, spaghetti can be easily transformed into a delicious meal. Spaghetti can be broken into smaller pieces to make soups or used as a base for casseroles.
Here are some of my favorite casseroles:
- Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Chow Mein Casserole with Ground Beef
- The Best Chicken And Broccoli Casserole
Penne is a tube-shaped pasta with diagonal cuts at both ends, creating a unique shape that holds sauces and toppings exceptionally well. This makes it a popular choice for baked pasta dishes, such as penne alla vodka or baked ziti. Its sturdy shape also makes it ideal for chunkier sauces and hearty stews. 20 Instant Pot® Soup Recipes
3. Macaroni
Macaroni, with its small and curved shape, is often associated with comfort food classics such as macaroni and cheese. It is an excellent pasta to stockpile because it cooks quickly and can be used in a variety of dishes. From soups and salads to casseroles and even desserts like macaroni pudding, macaroni offers versatility and familiarity during challenging times. Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite types of pasta to stockpile for emergencies. Baked Mac And Cheese
4. Fusilli
Fusilli is a spiral-shaped pasta that is perfect for holding onto thick and chunky sauces. Its corkscrew-like shape allows it to capture ingredients like meat, vegetables, and herbs, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor. Fusilli works well in both hot and cold pasta dishes, making it a great option for emergency meal planning. 7 Basic Food Items to Stock Now
5. Lasagna
Lasagna is a flat, wide pasta that is most commonly associated with layered baked dishes. While it may require more preparation and cooking time, having lasagna sheets in your emergency stockpile can be a game-changer. With some basic ingredients like canned tomatoes, cheese, and ground meat (if available) for your daily protein needs, you can create a comforting and wholesome lasagna that can feed a crowd. How To Cook With Dutch Ovens
6. Farfalle
Farfalle, also known as bowtie pasta, is a great pasta choice. Its unique shape makes it perfect for holding onto lighter sauces, such as olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. Farfalle is also a popular option for pasta salads, providing a delightful texture and visual appeal to the dish. 20 Pasta Salad Recipes
7. Linguine
Linguine is similar to spaghetti but is slightly wider and flatter. This pasta variety pairs exceptionally well with seafood-based sauces, such as clam sauce or shrimp scampi. Those who really like a fish-flavored dish should consider making a tasty meal with salmon, sardines, or tuna. Linguine’s silky texture and ability to absorb flavors make it a must-have for emergency stockpiling, especially if you enjoy seafood dishes. How to Use the Ocean for Food in an Emergency
- Food storage during emergencies.
- Have available food items during a natural disaster.
- Have something to make during a power outage.
- A great food to include with other items for long-term storage goals.
- So you have foods full of nutrients in case there are grocery store shortages during a major disaster.
What else can I stockpile for emergencies?
- Soy sauce
- Peanut butter
- White rice
- Brown rice – doesn’t have long-term storage attributes like white rice
- Pasta sauces
- Canned soup
- Almond butter
- Drink mixes
- Green beans
- Tomato sauce
- Vegetable oil
- Dry beans
- White flour
- Whole grains
- Non-perishable foods and shelf-stable foods
- Milk and dark chocolate
How long does pasta last in storage?
Dried pasta, when stored properly in a cool and dry place, can last for an extended period. Typically, it has a shelf life of 1-2 years past the expiration date. However, it’s important to check the packaging for any specific recommendations from the manufacturer. Which Methods of Food Storage are Correct?
How much pasta should I stockpile per person?
The amount of pasta to stockpile per person depends on personal preferences and dietary needs. A general guideline is to have around 1-2 pounds (450-900 grams) of dried pasta per person, for a minimum amount that can provide several servings. It’s also a good idea to have a variety of pasta types to add variety to your meals. 30 Survival Foods to Stockpile for Any Disaster
Remember that pasta absorbs water when cooked, so it tends to go a long way and fills you up.
Can I cook pasta without electricity or gas during an emergency?
Yes, you can still cook pasta without traditional cooking methods. In an emergency situation, alternative cooking methods such as using a camping stove, a portable grill, a wood-burning stove, or even a solar cooker can be employed to prepare pasta. Make sure to have suitable equipment and fuel options available.
What vegetables should I consider stocking as add-ons to my pasta offerings?
I have lots of different freeze-dried vegetables in my food storage inventory. They would include peas, carrots, corn, beans, broccoli, and more.
Also consider some spices like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other items for an Italian flair.
More Tips on Stockpiling
- What to Do With Your Old Stockpile of Food
- How to Keep Track of Your Stockpile Inventory
- Emergency Rations-What to Stockpile
Final Word
Do you have an emergency food supply? When it comes to emergency stockpiling, pasta is a reliable and versatile food item that should not be overlooked. From classics like spaghetti and macaroni to more unique shapes like fusilli and farfalle, having a variety of pasta types ensures that you can create delicious and satisfying meals even during challenging times. Remember to store your pasta in a cool, dry place and rotate your stock periodically to maintain freshness. May God Bless this World, Linda
Copyright Images: Pasta AdobeStock_64976600 by Whitestorm
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