Sugar is a staple in most households, but what happens when you run out? Do you know how to stock sugar for what you need during good times and bad? I saw a lady at Costco today loading at least ten 25-pound bags of sugar into the back of her car.
According to Wikipedia, Florida is “the largest producer of sugar cane in the US, producing over half of the country’s sugar cane. The planting season is from late August to January, and the sugar cane is harvested from late October to mid-April.” They have had Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Please stock what you need now.
Many people overlook the importance of having a stockpile of staples like sugar when prepping. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how much sugar you should consider having, what type is best to have on hand, why you should stock it, and how to stock it properly. If you have health issues and can’t stock white sugar, stock the sweeteners of choice. In case you missed this post, Stevia: Everything You Need to Know
Why You Should Stock Sugar
If you’re like most people, sugar is probably one of the last things on your mind when stocking your pantry, particularly for the longer term and for emergencies. However, sugar can be a valuable addition to your food storage. Here are a few reasons why you should stock sugar:
1. Sugar Has a Long Shelf Life
Sugar can last for years when stored properly, making it an excellent option for long-term food storage.
2. Sugar is a Versatile Ingredient
Sugar can be used in sweet and savory dishes alike. Whether baking a cake or making a stir-fry, it can enhance the flavors of most foods.
3. It’s an Essential Ingredient in Baking
Many baked goods require sugar, so if you love to bake, it’s important to have sugar on hand.
4. Sugar is a Good Source of Energy
If you need a quick burst of energy, sugar can give you the boost you need. Just a few spoonfuls in a drink or baked item can help to increase your energy levels and help you power through your day.
5. It Can Be Used For Cleaning
Sugar can be used for cleaning purposes. A mixture of sugar and water can be used to clean windows and mirrors, while sugar sprinkled on carpets can help to freshen them up.
6. Sugar Can Be Used as a DIY Exfoliant
Just mix equal parts sugar and olive oil and use it to scrub your hands, feet, or lips for soft and smooth results.
7. Sugar is Relatively Inexpensive
Unlike other staples like flour and grains, sugar is relatively affordable. This makes it a great option for budget-minded shoppers.
8. It’s a Natural Preservative
Sugar is a natural preservative. When added to food, it helps to prevent spoilage and keep food fresh for longer periods of time.
Types of Sugar to Stock
When you think of sugar, you may be thinking about white granulated sugar, but you should think of all the different types of sugar! Here are some of the most common types of sugar and how you can use them:
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is made by adding molasses to white sugar. It has a deeper flavor than white sugar, making it perfect for baking or sweetening coffee.
- Raw Sugar: Raw sugar is made from minimally processed sugar cane. It has a lower glycemic index than white sugar, making it a good choice for diabetics.
- Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar, also known as confectioners’ sugar, is made by grinding white sugar into a fine powder. It is often used to dust cakes or make frostings and icings.
- White Granulated Sugar: White sugar is the most common type of sugar. It is made from heavily processed sugar cane or sugar beets. White sugar has a delightful flavor and is often used in baking or to sweeten beverages.
How Much Sugar to Stock
The amount of sugar you need will depend on your family’s consumption habits. A good rule of thumb is to stock 2-4 pounds of sugar per person monthly in your household. This will ensure you have enough sugar to meet your family’s needs. If you do lots of baking, mainly baked goods in the form of desserts, consider having more in your inventory.
How to Store Sugar
Once you’ve decided how much sugar you need, it’s time to learn how to store it properly. Here are a few tips for storing sugar:
Store Sugar in Airtight Containers
To keep your sugar fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will help keep moisture and pests out. I store my white granulated sugar in 5-gallon buckets with Gamma Lids.
Keep Sugar Away from Heat and Light
Sugar can deteriorate in heat and light, so be sure to store it in a cool, dark place—a pantry or cupboard is the perfect spot.
Never Use Oxygen Absorbers
Never use oxygen absorbers with sugar; the stored sugar will become solid like a brick. Oxygen absorbers are not necessary because sugar is a low-oxygen food.
Check Your Sugar Regularly
Be sure to check your sugar regularly for signs of spoilage. If you see any bugs or notice that the sugar has clumped together, it’s time to figure out where the bugs were able to get into the sugar and how moisture is gaining access. If stored in airtight containers, you really shouldn’t have an issue with pests or moisture. It may be time to replace those containers if they don’t seal tightly or have cracks.
Storing Brown Sugar
There are two types of brown sugar: light brown and dark brown. Light brown sugar has a milder flavor, while dark brown sugar is more molasses-flavored.
Light brown sugar can be stored in the same way as white sugar. Be sure to store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. However, dark brown sugar stores best in airtight glass containers.
In case you missed this post, How to Make Brown Sugar
Storing Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar can be stored in the same way as white sugar. Be sure to store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
How Long Does Sugar Last?
When stored properly, sugar can last indefinitely. However, over time, it may begin to lose its flavor-enhancing properties. If you notice that your sugar doesn’t taste as sweet as it used to, it’s time to replace it or use it in recipes without flavor enhancement.
The Best Sugar to Stock
There are many types of sugar, but the best type to stock is the type that you and your family will use the most. If you bake often, you may want to stock more brown sugar than white sugar. If you have trouble keeping track of when you last used your sugar, it’s a good idea to buy smaller quantities more often. This will help ensure that you always have fresh sugar on hand.
No matter what type of sugar you stock, follow the proper storage instructions to keep it fresh and flavorful.
You May Also Like
- How to Make Brown Sugar
- Sugar: Everything You May Not Know
- 7 Important Reasons to Stock White Flour
- 10 Essential Ingredients You Need When Baking
Final Word
Sugar is an essential ingredient in many recipes. It’s important to have sugar on hand to make your favorite sweets and treats. When stocking sugar, buy the type of sugar you and your family will use the most. And don’t forget to store it properly to keep it fresh and flavorful.
What type of sugar do you like to have on hand and why? If you also have other uses I haven’t highlighted, let me know, and I’ll pass them on to my readers. Share your thoughts in the comments below! May God Bless this world, Linda
The post How to Stock Sugar & 8 Sensible Reasons Why You Should appeared first on Food Storage Moms.
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