Stop Storing These Foods In Their Original Packaging

Storing your food correctly can make all the difference in terms of freshness and taste.

The way you store food may seem like a minor detail, but it can have a big impact on how long your food will stay fresh and safe to eat. Not only that, but improper food storage can lead to issues with pests.

To ensure that your food stays as fresh as possible, here are some tips for storing common foods you might have in your survival stockpile.

Rice

Rice is another pantry staple that needs proper storage if you want it to stay fresh longer. To make sure your rice lasts as long as possible, keep it in a sealed oxygen-free container with oxygen absorbers.

This will help prevent mold growth while also keeping your rice flavorful for up to six months or more.

Nuts

Nuts are high in fat, which means they are highly susceptible to oxidation from air exposure. This means that when exposed to oxygen for too long, the fats in the nut will break down and start to smell bad or taste bitter.

The same thing happens when nuts absorb moisture from the air—they become soft and mushy instead of crunchy and delicious.

To avoid this, store nuts in the refrigerator and away from strong-smelling foods like onions, as nuts tend to absorb those odors.

Baking Soda

It is important to store baking soda in an airtight container with a lid because it absorbs odors from its environment. This is why it is also often used as a deodorizer.

If left open, baking soda will lose its potency over time and not work as well when baking or cleaning.

Cornmeal

Cornmeal tends to spoil quickly if left in its original packaging. This is because cornmeal absorbs moisture from the air easily, which can cause it to become clumpy and stale.

To prevent this from happening, store cornmeal away from any sources of heat or light. This will keep it fresher for longer periods of time.

Salt

Store salt in a sealed glass container or sealed bag away from heat sources such as ovens and dishwashers. Salt can absorb moisture, which can make it clump together and render it unusable.

Related: How to Stop Migraines with Salt

It’s also important to note that salt is a preservative and can last almost indefinitely if stored properly.

Crackers

Crackers are vulnerable to becoming stale if left in their original packaging too long because they have no protective barrier against moisture or humidity levels present outdoors.

To keep them fresh for longer periods of time, consider dry canning. This method will extend the shelf life of your crackers and keep them fresh (not stale) for long periods of time.

Cereal

Cereal can become stale quickly if stored in its original packaging, which usually comes in paper or plastic bags.

Instead of leaving the cereal exposed to air, transfer it into a container that has a good seal on the lid. This way the moisture cannot get inside and make it soggy.

Putting cereal into mason jars is one good option, but you can also vacuum seal it to help it stay fresh for longer. Canning is another option for cereal.

Dry Beans

Dry beans don’t last very long when stored in their original packaging because moisture can get inside and cause them to spoil quickly.

Related: Meal in a Bag: Chili with Beef and Beans

To maximize shelf life, store dry beans in an airtight container or jar. Using an oxygen absorber is a great way to store dry beans so they stay fresh for years on end.

Powdered Eggs

Like powdered milk, powdered eggs should be transferred into an airtight container with an oxygen absorber before storing them in the freezer or refrigerator.

The powder is highly susceptible to picking up outside odors from other food items, so keeping it tightly sealed will help ensure that your eggs stay fresh-tasting for longer periods of time.

Finally, dry canning is another good choice for powdered eggs.

Coffee

Coffee beans should never be stored in their original packaging because they need to stay away from light, heat, and moisture in order to retain their flavor and aroma.

Always store your coffee beans in an opaque, airtight container at room temperature so that they remain fresh.

Another good option for storing coffee is to vacuum seal it. It can also be frozen for long term use, though it may lose some of its flavor and potency over time. Use it within six months for the best results.

Sugar

Sugar has a tendency to absorb moisture as well, so avoid storing it in its original package for too long of a period of time.

Storage containers for sugar should be airtight and opaque. Good choices include Mylar bags, food-grade plastic buckets, and polyethylene bags.

Oatmeal

Oats are another food item that should never be stored in their original packaging; instead, transfer them into an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to keep them fresh for extended periods of time.

Oats have a naturally long shelf life, but you can extend it by several years if you add an oxygen absorber.

Also, make sure to store oats away from any sources of heat or light—this will help them stay fresher longer.

Flour

Flour can absorb moisture easily if left in its original package too long.

To avoid this problem, place flour into a tightly closed bin and store it away from sources of heat or light.

Related: A Forgotten Wild Edible: Pine Bark Flour

You can also dry can flour. This method provides shelf life for at least 5 years, depending on how cool and dry your storage space is during that time.

Bread, Pasta, And Other Grains

Breads, pastas, and grains should not be stored in their original packaging because it traps moisture which can lead to mold growth over time.

Instead, these items should be transferred to sealed glass jars or resealable plastic bags that are labeled clearly so you know what’s inside. Pasta, grain, and bread can also be dry canned.

Baking Mixes

Baking mixes are convenient, but they can lose their potency over time if stored improperly. To maximize the shelf life of your baking mix, put it in a mason jar or sealed Mylar bag.

Put a desiccant on top to control moisture, then store the container in a cool spot away from light.

This will help keep the ingredients from separating or clumping together, so they’re ready when you need them.

Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is a nutritious snack that can also last a long time if stored correctly.

That being said, dried fruit should never be stored in its original packaging.

Instead, put it into a resealable bag or vacuum-sealed bag with the air removed.

Doing this will help keep out any moisture or pests that may otherwise ruin the dried fruit. Some people also choose to store large quantities of dried fruit in the freezer, which will help it stay fresh for much longer.

Spices And Medicinal Herbs

Spices are a great way to add flavor to your recipes without too much effort. Medicinal herbs play a crucial role especially in a crisis, offering alternative remedies for different health issues.

The best way to store spices and medicinal herbs is by vacuum sealing them or putting them in mason jars. Alternatively, you can use this seed kit to grow your own medicinal garden and have fresh herbs.

Dried Milk

Dried milk has a long shelf life but it can quickly go bad if stored improperly. To get the most out of your dried milk, transfer it into an airtight container or jar and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until ready for use.

If you can, put a layer of plastic wrap over the container before putting the lid on. This will help keep it fresh longer while also preserving its texture and flavor.

Shortening Or Lard

These types of fats do not need refrigeration but should still be stored away from direct sunlight or any other heat sources.

Both shortening and lard have a high melting point, making them susceptible to turning rancid quickly when exposed to too much heat for extended periods.

Place these items in a cool dark cabinet for maximum shelf life.  They can also be frozen and simply thawed when you’re ready to use them.

Powdered Milk

Powdered milk should never be stored in its original box; instead, transfer it into a glass container or freezer bag before freezing/refrigerating it. The powder will absorb moisture from the air, causing clumps and a loss of flavor over time.

You may also want to consider putting the powder into a vacuum-sealed food grade mylar bag with an oxygen absorber or desiccant to extend its shelf life. Powdered milk can also be dry canned.

Prepackaged Fruits And Vegetables

Prepackaged fruits and vegetables should be stored in their own dedicated bins separate from other foods. Keep them at the bottom of the refrigerator to keep them cooler and prevent them from drying out.

You should store fruits and vegetables in perforated plastic bags or paper bags with holes punched into them to allow air circulation. This will help keep them from spoiling quickly.

Popcorn

Popcorn is a great snack but it can easily go bad if not stored correctly.

To maximize its shelf life, transfer popcorn into an airtight container before storing in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or moisture.

This will ensure that your popcorn stays crunchy for up to six months or more.

Dairy Products

Dairy products such as milk and cheese should always be stored in their original packaging until they’re ready to be used.

Once opened, transfer the dairy item into a new container, ideally wrapped in wax paper or parchment paper surrounded by foil. It should be clearly labeled with the date it was opened, so you know when it’s time to toss it out if it has not been consumed before then.

Understanding how best to store pantry items is essential knowledge for every home cook.

Not only will proper storage help preserve the taste and texture of many food staples, but it will also save you money by extending their shelf life significantly longer than recommended on the packaging label.

By investing a bit of extra effort into transferring certain foods into an airtight container when storing them at home, you can look forward to enjoying delicious meals with the freshest ingredients possible.

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