Long Term Food Storage Techniques
Extent the shelf life of food & water by protecting against:
- Heat - Store in a cool location, at 70 degrees F or less.
- Sunlight - Store in a dark location. Avoid using clear containers.
- Moisture - Use airtight containers and oxygen absorbers.
- Pests - Use clean, airtight containers.
Storage Temperature
Stored at 40 Degrees F Might Last 40 years
Stored at 50 Degrees F Might Last 30 years
Stored at 60 Degrees F Might Last 20 years
Stored at 70 Degrees F Might Last 10 years
Stored at 80 Degrees F Might Last 5 years
Stored at 90 Degrees F Might Last 2.5 years
Stored at 100 Degrees F Might Last 1 Year
Glass Mason Jars
Great for canning your own produce, like fruits, vegetables, juices, jams, and more. You will need a pressure cooker, in order to seal the lids. Properly sealed food will last for several years.
#10 Cans
Most grocery stores will sell dehydrated and/or freeze-dried foods sealed #10 cans. You can save money by purchasing your own #10 cans in bulk, and storing your own dry food. There is a type of can that has a paint bucket style lid, that you can hammer shut. Otherwise, you will need to borrow, rent, or purchase a machine that seals #10 cans. Also good for storing none food items. Using oxygen absorbers will help the food inside to last longer. Expect 10+ years shelf life for certain dry foods like wheat, rice, sugar, etc...
Food grade 5 gallon buckets
You might be able to get some of these cheap or free from stores or restaurants, so its worth asking around. They work great for storing large amounts of wheat, rice, beans, sugar, and other dry food (or even non food items like toiletries). Using oxygen absorbers will help the food inside to last longer. Expect 10+ years shelf life for certain dry foods like wheat, rice, sugar, etc...
