When we address Long Shelf Life Foods, the first thing I want to mention are some of the foods that will bring, or can bring us some comfort during disasters or trying times. These foods are considered flavorful or comfort foods that have a long shelf life.
Long Shelf Life Foods for Flavor and Comfort
Raw Honey
This is not the honey you purchase at Walmart or your local grocery store. Most al of those have been processed and do not have all the nutrients of raw honey nor do they have the shelf life of raw honey. Raw honey from a Bee Keeper will last a lifetime if kept properly.
If it begins to Crystallize, just run some warm water and allow it to liquify. Honey will recrystallize over and over again if it isn't used in a short time after opening but that is ok. You can liquify it over and over and it does not hurt it. Don't set it over a flame or heat it too fast, you will remove the beneficial properties if you do.
To research further as to why honey crystalizes, you can go to Honeypedia, they have an excellent article on crystallization of honey.
Just a couple of benefits of honey are:
- It fights infections
- Fights allergies
- Good for colds and coughs
You can find out more about honey on our Youtube Post.
To find raw honey you may need to do a search for bee keepers of small farms that harvest it online or begin asking friends. Word of mouth is a wonderful way to find things sometimes.
Sugar – Brown or White
Sugar is a source of sweets that will last for up to 2 years if stored properly. This is another of those foods that can help us relieve stress and concern in dire circumstances. if we can have just a small bit of joy in hard times, it really helps! White of brown sugar is so good for sweetening those dishes we love so much. This can be purchased in large quantities if you have proper storage.
Iodized Salt
Oh my goodness, how bland would our foods be without salt? This is one of those seasonings that have been around for centuries! it has at least a 2 year shelf life if stored properly. This can be purchase in small quantities like the box you see here or it can be purchased in larger 5lb or even 10lb or larger quantities if you have proper storage for it.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a great item to use in flavoring cooking. It can also be used for sterilization. You can sterilize wounds, cuts, and abrasions. This can also be used in helping create fires when used properly. Always be very caution when handling flammable items around alcohol as it is very combustive.
I know, I know, it can be used for sipping if you choose to. Everyone to his own.
Foods with 2 - 5 Year Shelf Life
Canned Meats of most varieties.
Canned Vegetables of most varieties.
Canned Tuna, small chunk or other sea foods, such a Wild Alaska Salmon.
Herbs and Spices. These can be in jars as well.
Hard Candy or a mix of it.
Peanut Butter
Popcorn
Potato Flakes
Powdered Milk
Ramon Noodle
Instant Coffee -Can last a lifetime!
Teas
Foods With 5 - 8 Years Shelf Life
These foods will be around a long time if kept in proper temperatures and sealed. If you have the ability to cook during a crisis or disaster these will be well received!
All Purpose Flour
Corn Meal
Pasta
Whole Wheat Flour
Rice
The Following foods Have An 8 - 10 Year Shelf Life
Black Eyed Peas
Kidney Beans
Lima Beans
Pinto Beans
Lentils Beans
Oils With A 2 Year Shelf Life
Canola Oil
Coconut Oil - Coconut oil has one of the longest shelf lives of any kind of oil. It can last for over 2 years and is a great item to add to your survival food supply list
Olive Oil
Foods With Long Shelf Live That Can Be Used For More Than Cooking
Apple Cider Vinegar
Baking Soda
Raw Honey. Here we are back to one of the Super Foods of nature! Not only does honey have a long shelf life, it is full of benefits to those who use it daily! Along with the benefits listed at the top of the page it has many others. Whe have lots of information in our Tips & Tricks Category on this blog. Be sure to check out our YouTube Video on it and remember to Subscribe while you are there!
