20 Foods You Can Grow In The Shade

Estimated reading time: 14 minutes

Do you want to grow a vegetable garden, but you're worried about all the shade in your yard? Then I have some good news! There are many vegetables that grow well in shady areas.

If your entire yard is covered in shade all day long, then there's not much you can do since most vegetables need at least a little bit of sunlight. However, if there are parts of your yard that are merely dappled with shade or only shady for part of the day, there are plenty of options.

In fact, some veggies will thrive in these places because they can't handle direct summer sunlight all day, anyway. So look around your hard and take note of which areas have the most and least sunlight, and plant your crops accordingly. Here are some suggestions.

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1. Asparagus

Asparagus does best in areas with lots of sunlight. In fact, it needs 7-8 hours of sun per day. So why is it on this list? Because it will also grow without any sunlight at all, becoming white asparagus.

It's white because, without sunlight, it can't produce chlorophyll. It's still very nutritious, though, and has a milder taste. To get white asparagus, you'll need to block all light from the spears. Here's how. Keep in mind that growing white asparagus requires extra effort, including regularly mounding soil or using special covers to block light.

More info: Growing Asparagus In Shade: What You Need To Know

2. Beans

Most varieties of beans require five hours of sun each day, which means they’re not quite as shade-tolerant as most of the plants on this list, but they're still a good option to consider if you have an area that gets five or so hours of sunlight.

Just make sure to plant bush beans as opposed to pole beans, as pole beans will require more sunlight in order to grow well. Also, make sure they’re in a spot with good air circulation to help prevent mildew, which can be more common in shaded, damp areas.

More Info: Can Beans Grow in Shade? (Yes, And 4 Reasons Why)

3. Beets

If you are planting beets in order to harvest the roots, you’ll probably want to plant them in the sunlight. However, if you are more interested in the greens that the beets produce, then it’s fine to plant them in the shade.

Beets planted in the shade will produce smaller roots, but their greens will grow nice and healthy. Plus, even though the roots will be smaller, they’ll still be big enough to harvest and enjoy. Just be sure the soil stays consistently moist and loose to help those roots develop properly, even in low light.

More Info: Growing Beets in Shade: Tips for Thriving in Low-Light Conditions

4. Broccoli

Broccoli is one of the rare plants that don't like direct sunlight. Though broccoli is a cool-weather crop, planting it in the shade can allow you to grow broccoli through the summertime as well, as long as the temperature doesn’t soar too high.

Nevertheless, broccoli is not quite as hardy as some plants and will require a certain amount of care to ensure the plant produces large, healthy-looking heads. Shady spots help delay bolting, so you may get a longer harvest period during warm months.

More Info: How Much Sun Does Broccoli Need? Can It Tolerate Shade?

5. Brussels Sprouts

Most cool-weather plants grow just fine in shady areas, and brussels sprouts are no exception. They do take up a fair amount of space since the stems of the plant can grow to be 2-3 feet long, so that’s something you will want to prepare for.

However, once your brussels sprouts are ready to harvest, those stems will be covered with small, cabbage-like heads, so the reward is well worth the space they take up. They also benefit from the cooler temps in shady areas, which helps prevent loose sprouts or bitterness.

More Info: Can Brussels Sprouts Grow in Shade? Now Answered

6. Cabbage

Most broad-leafed plants do well in direct sunlight. Cabbage, however, prefers slightly shady areas, and too much sunlight will dry it out – leading to smaller heads.

Nevertheless, you will want to make sure your cabbage plants get at least a few hours of sunlight each day or else the plants will grow loose heads if they manage to grow heads at all. Mulching around the base can also help retain moisture and keep the soil cool in sunnier parts of the day.

More Info: Can Cabbage Grow In Shade

7. Carrots

Like many plants, carrots adjust their growth based on how much sunlight they receive. When carrots are planted in direct sunlight, they tend to grow more foliage than roots.

In shady areas, carrots grow down, meaning that planting your carrots in the shade can actually lead to carrots that are larger when it comes time to harvest them. They’ll need loose, rock-free soil to make the most of limited sunlight and grow deep and straight.

More Info: Growing Carrots in Shade: Best Varieties and Tips for Successful Growth

8. Cauliflower

Cauliflower will grow in sunny areas and shady areas. However, you should know that the less sunlight your cauliflower plants get, the smaller the heads they will produce. But if you don’t mind the slightly smaller heads, you can certainly grow cauliflower in a shaded area.

Just remember to keep them well watered—dry soil and low light is a bad combo for cauliflower development.

More Info: Growing Cauliflower In Shade – Everything You Need To Know

9. Celery

Who else loves ants on a log? Well, you can't have that delicious snack without celery, which is just one of many reasons to grow it.

The downside is that celery is a bit difficult to grow. It takes four to five months and needs lot of water and fertilizer. Fortunately, it doesn't need full sun. Just four hours a day of sunlight should be enough. Partial shade can actually help prevent the stalks from becoming tough and stringy.

More Info: Will Celery Grow In Shade?

10. Collard Greens

Collard greens are another leafy green that, like kale, prefer cool soil and some shade. However, it’s recommended that you plant your collard greens in an area that gets at least 4-5 hours of sunlight each day.

Collard greens will grow in areas with less sunlight than this, however, the leaves they produce won't be quite as flavorful. Still, if you plant your collard greens in an area that is in the sunlight during midday, then you can look forward to a bountiful harvest. Like other leafy greens, they’ll appreciate consistent moisture and benefit from mulch in shady beds.

More Info: How to Grow Collard Greens at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

11. Cress

Cress may not be the most commonly-found plant in vegetable gardens, but it does make for a great addition to many salads and sandwiches.

Most importantly, though, cress grows better in the shade than most every other plant and actually prefers an area that is completely shaded. Just make sure it stays well watered, as shaded areas can still dry out quickly in warmer weather.

More Info: How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Cress

12. Endive

Endive is the most shade-loving of all the leafy vegetables, and if you are only interested in harvesting the leafy greens of the plant, then it is relatively easy to grow.

Harvesting the roots, however, requires a more complex growing process that involves first harvesting the leaves then digging up the root and replanting it for a period of time in a cold, dark area similar to a mushroom growing facility.

Either way, your endive plants will grow just fine when planted in shady areas. Keep the soil consistently moist and use compost to boost nutrients—shade-loving doesn't mean low-maintenance!

More Info: How to Grow Endive

13. Kale

Kale is a leafy green that prefers growing in cool soil without a lot of direct sunlight, making it ideal for planting in shady areas.

As another bonus, kale can tolerate cool temperatures quite well and can even survive through some light frosts, meaning you can plant kale even if you are not certain if the last frost of the year has passed. Too much direct sun can make kale bitter, so shady spots are actually great for sweeter-tasting leaves.

More Info: Can Kale Grow in Shade? (Yes, And 4 Reasons Why)

14. Leeks

Also known as green onions, leeks are another root vegetable that grows well in shady areas. Unlike regular onions, leeks grow better in areas that are very cool and moist, so this is also something you need to keep in mind.

With the right amount of water and cool enough temperatures, though, leeks will do well in partial shade. Hill up the soil around the base of the leeks as they grow—this helps produce long, blanched stalks.

More Info: How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Leeks

15. Lettuce

Lettuce is another cool weather plant that does not need much direct sunlight. In fact, gardeners who do plant their lettuce in direct sunlight often have to cover the plants with shade cloth in order to keep the sun from scorching the plant’s sensitive leaves.

So long as the area where you plant your lettuce gets at least a little sunlight each day, the plant should grow nicely. You can even plant successive crops in the same shady bed for a steady supply throughout the season.

More Info: Can You Grow Lettuce in Shade: Tips for Thriving in Low-Light Conditions

16. Peas

Like beans, peas require about five hours of sunlight each day but will still grow fine in areas that are fully shaded during the morning and afternoon hours.

Peas are also one of the first plants that you need to plant when the gardening season begins and can be planted even if you are expecting more snows to follow as winter transitions into spring. Partial shade helps extend the growing season by protecting the plants from heat as spring turns to summer.

More Info: How To Grow Peas In The Shade: A Guide For Gardeners

17. Radishes

Like beets, radishes can be grown in the shade with the caveat that they will produce roots that are slightly smaller.

If the smaller roots are not an issue for you, or if you are more interested in harvesting the radish greens then planting them in the shade will work just fine. Best of all, radishes are swift-growing and easy to care for. If your soil is rich and not too compacted, even shaded radishes can surprise you with their size.

More Info: Do Radishes like Sun or Shade? Now Answered

18. Spinach

Spinach is a highly nutritious and relatively easy-to-grow plant that will do nicely in shady areas.

So long as your spinach plants get about three hours of sunlight each day, limited access to direct sunlight shouldn't be a problem. It also tends to bolt slower in the shade, giving you more time to harvest those tender leaves. The same holds true for most every other type of leafy green.

More Info: Spinach Shade Tolerance – Will Spinach Grow In The Shade

19. Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is a leafy green with bright red stems that looks as good as it tastes. It’s also a hardy plant that is easy to grow and does well in both full sun and partial shade.

Swiss chard does prefer cooler temperatures, though, so it’s recommended that you plant Swiss chard about three weeks before the last frost of spring or in late summer for a fall garden. Shady spots help keep the leaves tender and prevent early wilting in the heat of summer.

More Info: How to Grow Swiss Chard

20. Turnips

Like most root vegetables, turnips do well when planted in the shade. Planting your turnips in partial shade will encourage the growth of larger roots.

You won’t get as many greens out of your plants, so that’s something to consider if you are planting turnips in order to harvest turnip greens. If you are more concerned with large, juicy turnips, though, planting them in the shade will be ideal. Just be sure to thin the seedlings early on so they don't overcrowd each other in limited light.

More Info: Will Turnips Grow in Shade?

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You May Also Like:

• 12 High-Yield Vegetables You Can Grow In Small Spaces
• 23 Fruits That Grow In The Shade
• 11 Vegetables You Can Grow In 60 Days Or Less
• 23 Herbs and Veggies You Can Grow on Your Porch
• 9 Best Edible Plants You Can Grow Indoors

The post 20 Foods You Can Grow In The Shade appeared first on Urban Survival Site.

from Urban Survival Site

How to Stock Your Pantry for Under $100

Can you use some help stocking your pantry for under $100? You open up your kitchen cabinets and pantry and find them bare or at minimal levels, while at the same time, your bank account seems to be on life support. To make matters worse, you have several hungry mouths to feed during these challenging times!

I’m updating this post because of the shortages I am reading about. Please work to be prepared for whatever is coming our way. Having a well-stocked pantry is satisfying and builds confidence, and hopefully, you can do that without spending tons of money.

Chances are, you’ve experienced this at one point or another before, and know that it’s no laughing matter. Maybe this is a reality that you’re currently dealing with, and you’re wondering how you’ll be able to put food on the table and stay anywhere near the budget you’ve outlined. 

Fortunately, there are several different strategies to stock up your pantry when you’re on a limited budget, and it won’t require you to eat Ramen noodles every meal to do it. Whew! Some of them are also helpful tips when you’re looking to establish a pantry for emergencies. Here’s how to stock your pantry for under $100. In case you missed this post, 100 Low-Budget Meals Anyone Will Love Every Day

Please get a few can openers: a Regular Size, a large opener, and an Electric Opener for me or anyone with arthritis. My motto is to buy right the first time, so you don’t have to replace a necessary item sooner than you ever expected.

How to Stock Your Pantry for Under $100

Clean Out Your Pantry 

This may be something that doesn’t seem to make sense with today’s topic, but there are several reasons why you should do this. For starters, cleaning out your pantry helps you eliminate any food that may be outdated or something your family will never eat. Just remember that the date on the label is the sell-by date unless it’s marked another way.

Most foods are good to eat beyond the sell-by date. We also see the term “best when used by.” Again, that date would still be considered well within the edible range for most families if stored properly. 

It also allows you to take inventory and see what you’re dealing with. You may be surprised at what you’ll find that’s been sitting there all this time and is available for you to create a meal. Several immediate meals may be waiting for you, which only require one of the ingredients for you to pick up at the grocery store to complete the meal. 

Once you determine what you have available and what needs to be added or replaced, you can assemble your game plan to acquire only what is required.  

Pay Attention to the Weekly Ads 

Stocking your pantry on a budget may require more time and planning, but looking at each store’s weekly ad has several benefits. Yes, this may require you to make multiple grocery store stops during your shopping trip, but you’ll be satisfied to know that you found the cheapest price on what you needed, and hopefully, without having to drive all over town.

Another reason to pay attention to ad flyers is that stores offer coupons and other discounts. Also, looking at the ads before you visit can give you time to look in your pantry and see what meals you can create with the items on sale, alongside what you already have on hand.

You’ll probably find that many items on sale are “store brands” that they promote. These products are priced below name-brand products with a heavy advertising budget. My experience is that, with a few exceptions, the store brands do a good job matching the quality of the name brands. You can purchase less expensive foods without feeling like you’re buying inferior, cheap foods. If you haven’t used them before, test them over the next few weeks and see what you think. 

Shop the Cheapest Store

You’re not doing yourself any favors by continuing to be a loyal customer of a grocery store known for its higher prices. When you’re not shopping off the ad flyer, at least make sure you’re shopping at one of the less expensive stores in town.

Depending on where you live, that less expensive option could be Aldi, Piggly Wiggly, or Trader Joe’s. They all have private labels comparable to the national brands, and you’ll pay less. Sign up for your local grocery store’s newsletter that shares coupons.

I’m all for purchasing good-quality products, but there isn’t any reason to pay more for similar items. You must consider which stores are more local and which are more expensive. Traveling a fair distance to get things for a lower price is an additional cost. Take some time to figure out your overall costs and then visit and support the stores that will be more cost-effective. 

Purchase Non-Perishable Items In Bulk

Are there any foods that your family eats quite often? It may be time for you to consider buying them in bulk. Dried beans, rice, pasta, and oats can all be stored for extended periods, and you can find them in 20-lb and even 50-lb bags. Though you’ll be paying more upfront, deciding to buy your nonperishables in bulk can save you a lot of money over time while saving on the items when you consider the cost per ounce or pound.

Another thing to consider is that if you’re purchasing in larger quantities, you may be saving the number of trips you have to take to the store, thus saving time, gas for the vehicle, and the related maintenance expenses over time. We don’t always consider that our personal time does have value, if not only for providing more quality time with family and friends.

Stick With Water

You may have a few unhappy campers under your roof for a while, but cutting out all the “special” beverages from your grocery shopping visit is another biggie. It’s unhealthy for your family to drink pop and energy drinks constantly. Yes, that includes no longer buying bottled water when you visit, since it can be more expensive than storing water in larger containers.

Some may find that their tap water is unfit to drink. That may prompt you to consider buying a refrigerator water filter that will remove many impurities. I highly recommend installing a Reverse Osmosis system. If you’re handy, you can install one yourself for around $300.00 or less. Then, once a year, clean out the tubes and install new filters for around $100.00. You’ll seldom repurchase bottled water unless you’re going camping, and that’s a good thing.

We’ve also found that reverse osmosis water makes humidifiers less dirty and last longer. This saves having to buy distilled water from the store, which can prove expensive over the long term.

Grocery Shop Alone

While we love our children to the moon and back, don’t feel guilty if you can do your grocery shopping without them. Yes, that even means leaving your spouse behind, who can be just as troublesome. That way, you’re not walking out to your car with items placed in your cart by others based on their wants, and you’re able to focus on maximizing your value with every dollar you spend since you’re working off a menu-based food list.  

Penny-Pinching Foods:

Several food items out there are not only relatively cheap but still contain all the nutrition you want your family to benefit from when stocking pantry staples. Here are a few of them to consider when planning your food storage: 

Eggs

Large eggs usually cost around $5.00 a dozen, or even less. Eggs have risen in price the past few years due to the bird flu. The cost has come down in many areas over the past few weeks. They may be slightly higher in your area, so check around. That’s cheap for the amount of protein and the number of meals you can create with them. You’ll need them for baking purposes, for breakfast, or in your egg drop soup.  

Dried Beans

A large bag of dried beans will cost you considerably less than you’d pay for them in canned form. There are also many different types of beans, allowing you to create various dishes, whether you’re in the mood for chili, soup, tortillas, or some other bean dish. 

Rice

Rice is also super cheap and can stretch several of your meals. With the right spices and seasonings, the rice shouldn’t have to taste the same for every meal. If you need a rice cooker, check this one out: Rice Cooker

I had recently heard that rice was experiencing an increase in price and a shortage of inventory. Mark and I visited three stores yesterday and found that some store shelves seemed to be depleted. If you love rice, you may want to stock up now before things get dicey.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a great breakfast item that’s not only filling but also healthy. If you avoid purchasing prepackaged sweetened varieties, you can find oatmeal for under a dollar a pound. 

Peanut Butter 

Not a week goes by that you won’t find a deal on peanut butter when you shop the ads. Besides, it’s a food item you won’t be able to go without if you have children. Peanut butter has plenty of protein and can be used in several ways besides on a PB&J sandwich. 

Potatoes

A bag of potatoes will cost you very little, and you can use them to make several meals other than baked or mashed potatoes. They can be used to make soup, in a casserole, or a yummy diced garlic roasted potatoes entree for breakfast. Please stock some instant mashed potatoes or Potato Shreds.

Mark and I saw the Idahoan brand of instant potatoes at Walmart yesterday for $1.50 per package. What a deal! We’ve grown to love their products, which come in a wide range of flavor options. I’ve been amazed by the finished product’s texture, flavor, and consistency, which taste just like freshly peeled and cooked mashed potatoes.

What Should Be In A Fully Stocked Pantry?

The items Listed Below are the Ones I Recommend You Stock Up On Now:

• Flour: Here’s the deal with flour, you can make many things to fill the belly. Bread, cinnamon rolls, dinner rolls, pasta, biscuits, etc. How to Make Biscuits Note that flour doesn’t have a long shelf life. I try to have on hand what I plan to use within 12 months.
• SAF Yeast: This is my favorite yeast. I use it in all my bread recipes that call for yeast. Make sure you store it properly so it works and tastes right. I generally keep mine in the fridge most of the time. Fresh yeast helps make for a successful day of bread baking.
• Salt: We need to cook, bake, and flavor our food. I love Redmond Salt the most.
• Vinegar: We can use this for cooking and cleaning. Don’t forget our homemade salad dressings.
• Condiments: Please stock ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. Some people think Miracle Whip is also a necessity.
• Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, or Canola Oil:
• Garlic Powder: I prefer fresh garlic, but still stock garlic powder and garlic salt.
• Cumin, Cayenne Pepper, Oregano, Paprika, Thyme, Basil, Nutmeg, and Chili Powder. Please stock these spices because you can make so many fun recipes using their unique flavor.
• Soy Sauce: what can I say, I love Chinese food, so I stock several bottles. But I make so many things with it besides Chinese food. I make marinades with it on a routine basis.
• Rice: My friends, we are in for some rice shortages. I would stock what you can now. I prefer to buy 2- and 5-pound bags and slip them into 5-gallon buckets. I only purchase non-GMO brands.
• Almonds, Pecans, and walnuts: The best way to store any nut is in the freezer. They will go rancid quickly in your pantry, but we still like them even if we store them in the freezer.
• Corn: I understand we are in for another corn shortage, so dehydrate what you can or pressure some fresh corn. Don’t forget you can dehydrate frozen corn.
• Quinoa: You can eat cooked quinoa as a side dish or use it in a salad with many add-ons.
• Lentils: It’s the perfect food item to stretch your food budget. Janet taught me about using lentils in so many ways, and I will forever be grateful. Lentils: Everything You Need to Know
• White Sugar: whatever sweetener you love to use, please stock it. It can be white granulated sugar, maple syrup, Stevia, or honey.
• Vanilla: I love the flavor of vanilla for cooking and baking, it adds so much to every recipe it’s called for.
• Molasses: I need a few bottles for baking, cooking, and making brown sugar. How to Make Brown Sugar
• Pasta: Oh my gosh, you can make pasta dishes with cream sauces, spaghetti sauce, or macaroni salads, to name a few ideas.
• Canned Tomatoes: I’m talking about diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sauce, salsa, and spaghetti sauce. Just be sure to stock what your family will eat.
• Canned Vegetables: Now, you can use any vegetable your family will eat. You can serve them as a side dish or add them to soups, salads, and stews.
• Canned Chicken: Any canned meat, shredded beef, tuna, and ham will do, but chicken is my favorite. You can make sandwiches, casseroles, soups, or stews with canned meat.
• Dehydrated Onions: These are perfect for adding to gravy, casseroles, soups, or stews. Their flavor is fantastic!
• Dehydrated Celery: The convenience of having dehydrated or freeze-dried celery is a bonus. I use them in soups and casseroles.
• Cocoa: Yep, we need this for hot chocolate and chocolate cake. Need I say more? Of course, storing regular chocolate is a must as well. Chocolate chips of various sizes and flavors are a must-have in my pantry.
• Cinnamon: I love cinnamon on apples, oatmeal, muffins, and more.
• Dehydrated Vegetables: It’s wonderful to have some dehydrated vegetables to add to soups or stews.
• Dehydrated Red Peppers: green and yellow peppers are good, but red ones are my favorite. You can add them to quiches, omelets, soups, and casseroles.
• Chickpeas: I love these added to quinoa for salads, to make hummus, or stir in a little oil and fry them until crispy.
• Beans: We can make soup with beans, hummus with beans, refried beans, Mexican foods, or bean soup; the possibilities are endless.
• Other Spices: In case you missed this post, herbs are also handy to have around when you’re meal planning.
• 33 Essential Spices I Recommend Stocking Up On

Other Savings Options:

Don’t Be Tempted By Impulse Purchases

I mentioned above that you might want to leave other family members at home when you go food shopping. Kids and spouses can often lose sight of the goal of filling the pantry with quality items needed for meal prep and healthy meals at reasonable prices. We’d be kidding ourselves if we thought we weren’t also subject to the impulse to buy items on display, particularly close to the checkout stand.

When you go shopping, it’s wise to bring your shopping list and stick to it. You’ll be glad you did.

What Are Case Lot Sales?

In our area, Utah and Nevada, we see annual case lot sales, particularly at this time of year and in the fall. The stores advertise various items, particularly canned veggies, soups, sauces, and other common non-perishable canned goods, at a discount if you’re willing to purchase a whole case at a time.

This is when I always stock up on my favorite soups, like Cream of Chicken, Cream of Mushroom, Chicken Noodle, and others. I feel so confident and comfortable when I look in my pantry and see shelves full of these products. It also gives me joy to know that I filled that pantry with items I bought at a discount by shopping wisely. You can do the same.

Final Word

Even if you’re not on a tight budget, these tips can still be useful in helping you save money. It also doesn’t require you to sacrifice your family’s nutrition for you to do it. Stocking your pantry for less than $100 may require you to shop differently than before, but it will be well worth it for your checking account. May God bless this world, Linda

Copyright Images: Wooden Bowls with Beans and Legumes Deposit photos_230175204_s-2019

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from Food Storage Moms

How Financial Literacy Skills Can Make or Break Your Survival Plan

In the world of prepping, we often focus on tangible essentials: food stockpiles, water purification, self-defense, and off-grid living. However, one critical area often overlooked is financial literacy skills. In today’s volatile economy, understanding and managing your finances is as vital to survival as any physical preparation. The life skills we need as preppers are […]

The post How Financial Literacy Skills Can Make or Break Your Survival Plan appeared first on Ask a Prepper.

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Civil War-Era Foods You Can Still Make And Enjoy Today

You know what’s fascinating? Some of the foods people ate during the Civil War era are still downright delicious today. Sure, we’ve got modern conveniences like refrigerators and microwaves, but there’s something deeply satisfying about cooking a meal the way our ancestors did—simple, hearty, and packed with flavor. And here’s the kicker: many of these ... Read more...

from Prepper's Will

Why are Grocery Stores Still Out of Stuff?

With little room to argue or debate, the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States harder than any other country in mid-March 2020. With stay-at-home orders issued by each state and an astonishing number of workplace closures in just a few days, the shelves of every grocery store across America were running alarmingly thin.

In the following weeks, it took grocery stores a long time to bounce back with more products. Why are grocery stores still out of stuff?

I’m now aware of items our country is trying to produce, such as food, here in the USA, instead of paying tariffs to import food. Food is only one of the items. It would be wonderful if we could eliminate government waste and use the money to support the items every family enjoys here and not overseas.

Have you noticed the price of food when you eat out? I guess this is why Mark and I rarely do; I refuse to pay those prices. Plus, the items we buy at the grocery store cost more money now, and the packaging is much smaller.

Other Posts to Check Out

In case you missed these posts, check them out below:

• Canned Foods I Highly Recommend You Store
• Freeze-Dried Food Pantry Size Cans For Emergencies
• Grocery Stores and the Empty Store Shelves

Items to Buy:

• Goal Zero Solar Flashlights
• Solar Lanterns
• Bushnell Battery Operated Lanterns (these are my favorite)
• “Prepare Your Family For Survival” by Linda Loosli

Why are Grocery Stores Still Out of Stuff?

Fast-forward nearly five years, and you’re probably still noticing the out-of-stock situation on many items at your favorite grocery retailer. Even now, the paper towel and toilet paper sections haven’t fully recovered. A number of stores have yet to take down signs on their doors and windows, reminding customers of the limits on several listed items. 

So, are we still dealing with a grocery shortage? Aren’t these companies and the food industry making more products to keep up with the higher demands the pandemic has left us with? It certainly doesn’t seem that way. So I decided to do some research and get to the bottom of why this is still happening. Continue to read on about why grocery stores are still out of stuff.  

Related: 7 Grocery Store Staples that are Still Hard to Get

Companies Focusing On Less Variety

Have you noticed that many restaurants have drastically reduced their menus? McDonald’s and Taco Bell have made the most noticeable changes by eliminating items that they’ve been selling for years. 

The same holds true even for the biggest food and beverage companies, which continue to focus their time and energy on their most popular items. If you prefer a unique soda pop flavor, don’t be surprised to find it temporarily unavailable.  

Global Shortage of Cans

One of the other major reasons you haven’t been able to find your favorite flavor of pop is a shortage of aluminum cans that has been ongoing for many months now.

Soda pop was one of the many comfort beverages where sales trends went through the roof when people were laid off and began stocking up. Out-of-stock levels are still way up at about 10% to 15%, well over the normal national average.   

You may have already noticed that before COVID-19, more beer was packaged in aluminum cans. With fewer glass bottles being used and more craft beer companies popping up everywhere relying on aluminum, the shortage is worsening.

No, it’s not that we have a shortage of aluminum; we just don’t have the working capacity to produce the amount necessary for everything to return to normal.     

Out-of-Stock Grocery Staples

You’ve made several grocery stops since this all started. Depending on which store you visit, these are some of the grocery staples that you may still have a hard time finding:  

Toilet Paper and Paper Towels

I’ll admit that I was left scratching my head about why there would be a toilet paper shortage, but there was. Even today, people continue to stockpile toilet paper and paper towels, afraid that grocery stores will run out again. 

Because of this, the paper aisle has continued to look considerably thin, yet the toilet paper section has bounced back better than the paper towel section has. When paper towels are out of stock, they seem to stay that way longer than you will notice with toilet paper.      

Frozen and Canned Vegetables

The demand for frozen and canned vegetables, which last a long time, has more than doubled in the past six months. As of the first week of September, most grocery retailers had 83% stock capacity for that category.

Another factor is the shortage of aluminum cans, along with labeling and packaging issues. Due to the virus, many companies have had to cut back on staffing.

Soups

Companies like Campbells and Progresso also drastically reduced their soup section, cutting their varieties by nearly a third. That answers part of the out-of-stock issues, but soup is another item that holds up for a long period of time, making it a great item to stock up on, which is exactly what many people have done.  

Spices

Spices and herbs have also suffered supply issues following the pandemic. Like other shelf-stable foods, many people have realized that they can stock up on them to ensure that they don’t run out, which has also caused an increase in pricing. 

Meat and Seafood Department

Earlier in the year, the COVID-19 outbreaks affected meat and poultry processing plants, forcing them to shut down temporarily. This quickly depleted meat and seafood shelves nationwide, while the high demand only worsened matters. Why Is Beef So Expensive

For example, prices in the frozen meat and poultry sections continue to rise from the prior year. Restoring normal stock levels has continued to prove difficult. 

Over-The-Counter Meds

Pain relievers, allergy medicines, and respiratory medications have also been harder to come by. That’s because everyone began stocking up on them, especially around allergy season. The rate of out-of-stocks has come down considerably since then, but with cold and flu season coming around the corner, experts are saying that those numbers will begin to elevate once more.  

Liquid Hand Soap

Just like when hand sanitizer became difficult to track down, liquid hand soap was also minimal, followed by a spike in the price tag. While hand sanitizer has returned, liquid hand soap still struggles to stay on the shelf.

This partially has to do with people’s past grocery shopping experiences around the earlier parts of Covid, where they fear they won’t find it the next time they head to the grocery store.   

Final Word

If you think about it, there are several reasons why the grocery stores are still out of stuff. I hope things return to normal in a reasonable amount of time. In the meantime, may God bless this world, Linda.

The post Why are Grocery Stores Still Out of Stuff? appeared first on Food Storage Moms.

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Worst States to Be in When the Economy Collapses

It seems like every day there’s a new story about the economic woes befalling the world in general, and the United States in specific. It’s only right to be concerned that another recession or Great Depression is on the horizon. Just how far off it might be is worthy of debate. What would happen if […]

The post Worst States to Be in When the Economy Collapses appeared first on Ask a Prepper.

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No-Fail Soft Dinner Rolls

Today, I wanted to update and repost my no-fail soft dinner rolls, and I should say they are truly no-fail dinner rolls. Anyone can make these soft, fluffy dinner rolls if they have fresh ingredients.

I may have mentioned that when I was asked to write my book “Prepare Your Family For Survival,” I submitted my recipe for whole wheat bread. It makes eight, one-pound loaves.

The publisher said, No, no, no. No one makes eight loaves of bread at one time. Well, we do in Utah! I still laugh over that. I had to cut the recipe down to two loaves.

With our holidays all year round, I decided to cut my dinner roll recipe way down. You can make a small batch of dinner rolls every Sunday.

The bonus is this: no bread mixer is needed because the batch is so small. Yay!

This recipe only requires one bowl and a Danish Whisk. It’s so easy that you will wonder why you haven’t made dinner rolls before now.

No-Fail Soft Dinner Rolls

Ingredients

• Milk: Due to its fat content, milk helps produce softer bread and enriches the flavor; it also browns the dough while cooking.
• SAF Instant Yeast (this is what I use): A leavening agent that helps produce a needed gas that causes the bread to rise; feeds on the added sugar, which expels carbon dioxide in the rising process.
• Dough Enhancer (optional): Makes your bread and rolls light and fluffy; used to help strengthen the texture of the bread or rolls.
• Salt: Added to help tighten the gluten in the flour; acts as a preservative.
• Sugar: When used in yeast bread, sugar provides food for the yeast. It also helps to speed up the rise time in the rolls and maintains moisture, creating a softer roll.
• Eggs are a great source of protein. They help to bind the bread dough together, creating a moist and soft dinner roll. They also increase browning during the cooking process, add a deliciously rich flavor, and help to extend the life of the dinner roll.
• Oil helps prevent the dinner rolls from crumbling and prevents the water from evaporating, creating a moist and soft dinner roll.
• Water: Water helps to keep the dinner rolls moist.
• White All-Purpose Flour (I use Bread Flour): All-purpose white flour has a lower protein content. Bread flour has more protein, which helps to hold the shape of the dinner rolls and adds more nutrients.

Items You Need In The Kitchen:

• Large Mixing Bowl
• 11-inch Danish Whisk (I prefer the 11-inch whisk because it fits inside a wide-mouth quart mason jar)
• Dough Scraper
• 8-Inch Cake Pan
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Dough Enhancer (it makes your bread and rolls fluffy)

No-Fail Soft Dinner Rolls

Step One – Gather the Ingredients

Gather the ingredients so they are ready to go. Please make sure your ingredients are fresh. I keep my SAF Instant Yeast and Dough Enhancer in the refrigerator; the excess stays in the freezer. I only buy enough bread flour for 12 months.

White flour is good for 12-18 months if stored in an airtight container. I store it in 5-gallon buckets (food-grade) with Gamma Lids.

Step Two – Dump Ingredients Into Mixing Bowl

I have been making bread for over 50 years. There is something I love about feeling the dough in my fingers as I knead it. It makes me happy whenever I make bread, dinner, cinnamon rolls, etc.

I dump all of the ingredients into the bowl after measuring them, of course. This recipe is so easy; you will love it!

Step Three – Whip the Egg Quickly

Whip the egg quickly because the warm milk could “cook” it. I used a Danish Whisk as shown below. The 11-inch one is easier for me to use.

It also fits inside a wide-mouth mason jar to stir your sourdough starter. I’m just giving you the heads up. In case you missed the SourDough Starter post, here it is. If you’ve never made a bread dough starter, you should try it. I found it fun to watch the process as the starter grew.

Step Four – Stir the Dough Mixture and then Knead the Dough

After you stir the mixture, if the dough is too sticky, add a tiny bit of flour. You don’t want “dry” dough, but “sticky” is not what we want either.

This sounds complicated, but it isn’t, I promise. Sprinkle some flour on your countertop. You will continue kneading the dough on the lightly floured surface or counter for about 3-4 minutes.

Step Five – Cut the Dough into 8 Sections

I was taught never to “pull” the dough, so I use a Dough Scraper to “cut” the dough into eight sections.

Step Six – Roll Dough Pieces into Balls

Now you take the sections and roll the dough pieces into balls. As you can see, the balls have some space to rise.

Step Seven – Cover Baking Pan with Hot Wet Towel

Cover the baking pan with a hot/warm wet towel. I used a washcloth because it was just the right size.

Step Eight – Allow Dough to Rise. Cook at (350°F) = (176°C) degrees for 25-30 Minutes.

Let the dough rise until it looks like the picture below. Now, the balls are barely touching. Depending on the temperature of your kitchen, they will rise anywhere from half an hour to an hour.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Depending on your oven, bake for 25-30 minutes. Don’t overbake. I like mine lightly golden brown.

Finished Product

No-Fail Soft Dinner Rolls

Print

No-Fail Soft Dinner Rolls

These No-Fail Soft Dinner Rolls are easy for anyone to make. You don't need to have special cooking powers to make your rolls delicious, just follow my recipe! If you've never made rolls before you are in for a treat because these are just so simple. Sometimes recipes are too hard and you don't feel like messing with them. I think you'll like the simplicity and yumminess of these rolls.

Course Bread

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Let it Rise 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 40 minutes minutes

Servings 8 Dinner Rolls

Author Linda Loosli

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1 teaspoon SAF Instant Yeast (this is what I use)
• 1 teaspoon Dough Enhancer (optional-it makes the rolls fluffy)
• 1/2 scant teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 4 tablespoons water
• 1-3/4 to 2 cups white all purpose flour (I use bread flour)

Instructions

• 1. Gather the ingredients. Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and set aside. Grab a bowl and a Danish Whisk.

  2. Dump everything into a large bowl. Stir until mixed thoroughly. Add additional flour if needed to the dough if the dough is too sticky. Do not add too much, we want the dough to be fluffy.

  3. Be sure and whip the egg quickly because the warm milk could possibly "cook" it. I used a Danish Whisk.

  4. Lightly flour a countertop and scoop the dough out onto the countertop. Kneading the dough for about 3-4 minutes.

  5. Cut the dough into 8 sections (never stretch your dough).

  6. Take each section and mound into a ball and place the eight balls in the greased pan.

  7. Cover with plastic wrap or a warm wet towel.

  8. Let rise for about an hour. Preheat the oven to t (350°F) = (176°C) degrees. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until slightly golden brown. Slightly brush the tops with melted butter after baking if you want a soft dinner roll. I use a baggie slathered with butter to spread on the warm rolls. Let cool. Store in bags to keep the dinner rolls soft. Enjoy.

How do I store these soft dinner rolls after baking them?

I keep my dinner rolls in gallon-size baggies. Please remember that they don’t have any preservatives, so they will only be good for 2-3 days on your countertop.

Should I store these dinner rolls in the refrigerator after baking?

I would not recommend this because the refrigerator will dry out the dinner rolls. It is best to store them at room temperature on the countertop in freezer bags.

Can I freeze the baked dinner rolls?

Yes, you can. Place the desired amount in a freezer bag and store it safely for about 2-3 months.

I thaw them on the kitchen countertop for dinner. Just so you know, mine never make it to the freezer very often. We use them for sandwiches or French toast.

Can I freeze these dinner rolls before baking them?

You can, but I don’t recommend it. These have zero preservatives and don’t have the ingredients to make them rise after being frozen.

Can I use a different flour to make these dinner rolls gluten-free?

I wish you could, but most gluten-free recipes have so many ingredients I can’t even pronounce. I’m sorry, but no gluten-free flour will work for bread 1:1; only cakes and cookies can use that ratio for flour.

In this easy-to-make soft dinner rolls recipe, can I use active dry yeast instead of instant rapid-rise yeast?

I like to use instant yeast because it eliminates unnecessary steps. The instant yeast can be directly added to the dry ingredients, whereas you would need to dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water before adding it to the dry ingredients. It’s all about simplicity, right?

What can I serve with these easy-to-make soft dinner rolls?

• Soup
• Stew
• Garlic Butter
• Honey Butter
• Cheese varieties
• Spaghetti
• Chicken Alfredo

Here are some other delicious dinner roll and bread recipes to try!

• Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
• No-Fail Dinner Rolls
• Soft Dinner Rolls
• No-Fail Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls
• Cinnamon Rolls for Two
• Croissant Rolls

Final Word

I hope you try these easy-to-make soft dinner rolls. I don’t know why I didn’t cut down my recipe so my family and friends, like you, could make a small batch. These rolls are ideal for the next few weeks as families and friends get together for special occasions. During our busy schedules, being able to make dinner rolls like these simplifies life!

If you’re like me, you can almost smell these homemade dinner rolls baking in the oven. These were a hit when I served them at a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner! Please keep teaching your family to cook from scratch. Life is good when we eat at home. May God bless this world, Linda

The post No-Fail Soft Dinner Rolls appeared first on Food Storage Moms.

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