Food Storage Lies, Myths and Tips

When most people think of long term food storage, pantries filled with canned goods is what often comes to mind. However, we have to be very careful with what we store and buy. Things are not always what they seem when it comes with food storage many products claim to be made with the famed 25 year shelf life, but start to read the label and you will find ingredients that will not last more than 2-3 years. This article will teach you what to look for.

When looking at long term storage, you must first look at the ingredients. Can you pronounce every ingredient? Do you see words like hydrogenated, hydrolyzed, or Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)? These words, along with many others indicate artificial flavorings, colorings, and preservatives that can be very harmful to your body, not to mention unstable.

Read the Label

If you have bought food go grab it and let’s look at the label. If you see things like cake flour it only has a shelf life of 8 months to a year. Keep looking; do you see soy bean oil, canola oil, hydrogenated oils or hydrolyzed syrup? Those all have a shelf life of only a year or two, yet they are being sold as 25 year food storage! Don’t forget to also look for things like whole eggs or dairy as well. These ingredients simply cannot last as long as these food storage companies claim and you need to be aware.

To be shelf stable, there also has to be the minimum of water content in the food. The FDA suggests that dehydrated food, using any form of dehydration, must have a water content less than 7%. The problem most companies find with following this mandate is simply cost. Making sure the food actually gets under 7% of water content requires extra time, effort and power, creating a path for shortcuts to be taken which most companies do.

When shortcuts are taken, added preservatives have to be used. By putting in the hydrogenated oils, food storage manufacturers can extend the shelf life of lower quality oils such as vegetable, soy, and safflower oils.  These oils have a natural shelf life of 18 months under preferable conditions. When chemicals and artificial preservatives are introduced, they can store for several years, but they have been altered to an unhealthy form to accomplish it.

When purchasing your food, make sure you do your homework and read the label. It may literally save your life.

Finding a manufacturer that believes in using natural, shelf stable ingredients means that they don’t have to use the artificial chemicals to preserve their long term food storage. The food is just as flavorful, healthy, and nutritious as when it was originally sourced. When you are looking for good ingredients, look for real food products that have been freeze dried and prepared to last. For example things like tomato or onion powder chopped or grated vegetables. Also look for whole foods like whole beans in the food, products that contain these types of ingredients will be sure to provide you the nutrition your body will need, when you need it.

Is Your Food Protected?

Another thing to look for is packaging, this isn’t always the easiest thing to see because many products now come in the large white buckets. While the buckets look good they are not what actually is protecting the food from the elements. When you open up the bucket you will notice that the food is individually packaged in plastic or Mylar type bags. This is crucial to long term food storage because if your packaging fails your food will spoil long before its shelf date. A few things I like to look for is the quality of the bag itself. Is it flimsy and folds easily? That’s a bad sign, look for solid, quality bags at least 5.4 mm think so it will stand the test of time. I also really like the resalable option so you can one use a little at a time and still seal off your food.

The next thing to look for when it comes to packaging is how the provider is eliminating oxygen from the food. This will again provide the product a long shelf life as well as keep it fresh. If the company only provides an oxygen eliminating pack in its product, that’s really not enough to keep the food fresh. Look for a producer that fully nitrogen flushes its food to eliminate all oxygen in each bag.

Getting your food storage doesn’t have to be difficult. Don’t make the mistake of buying from the first food storage company you see and getting food that won’t be edible in an emergency.

7 Natural Antibiotics to Use When Medicines are Not Available

While the media may point out the dangers of Zika, flu pandemics, and other “newly” emerging diseases, very little is said about the rise of “super bugs”.  These common diseases are quickly outstripping the ability of modern antibiotics to deal with them. As a result, social collapse may well come from familiar infections that can no longer be treated with penicillin, erythromycin, or any other antibiotic that you decided to stockpile.  What will you do after a social collapse when you need antibiotics to fight super bugs, or any other infection, for that matter?  Surprisingly enough, even some of the worst infections known to man can still be killed off by natural antibiotics.  While not all of the seven antibiotics listed below will work for every infection, they can be used reliably in many situations where even modern antibiotics are failing miserably.

Garlic

All the natural remedies for infections, garlic stands out as one of the best. It is one of the few that acts as an antiviral as well as an antibacterial. Unlike most antibiotics, bacteria cannot develop a tolerance to Garlic. Therefore, if you are concerned about the most current strains of super bugs, garlic should definitely be in your stockpile of seeds and plants to keep on hand. Ideally, you should use raw, fresh cloves, however, you can also add them to anything you are cooking.  When using garlic, exercise caution because it can also act as a blood thinner.

Ginger

Ginger is best used as an antibacterial.  It works well in tea form for bacterial upper respiratory infections.  You can also use ginger as an antiseptic wound cleaner.  When combined with Honey, ginger can also be used effectively against most super bugs.   You can also use ginger for relieving stomach irritation, sinus inflammation, and joint pain.  Insofar as stockpiling plans, you can store away roots for both growing and making into tea. Just make sure that you know how to recognize the budding part of each rhizome, and then how to prepare them for making new plants and roots.

Turmeric

Even though turmeric and ginger are related to each other, you still need to keep both on hand to cover as many infections organisms as possible.  In addition, when combined with olive oil and black pepper, turmeric can also act as a fighter and inhibitor of cancer.  You can use turmeric as a tea (be sure to always add black pepper or it will not get into the body) and in cooking.  As with ginger, you will need to store away the roots and pay careful attention to rhizome areas.  Both plants will grow well enough indoors, however, you will need pots at least 12 – 16″ deep so that the roots develop properly.

Honey

Aside from a sweet taste that cannot be resisted, honey is also one of the gentlest, yet most powerful antibiotics.  It is good for mouth and dental infections as well as skin wounds.  Since honey bees are in decline, you will more than likely need to start your own hive of bees. Fortunately, you can make smaller sized hives in mason jars.  Just remember that you must have one queen per hive and at least a few drones so that the bees will continue to produce from one generation to the next.   Queens and drones can be purchased from commercial dealers as well as instructions on how to handle bees.  It may cost a bit and take some practice to learn the art of beekeeping, however, it will be well worth your effort.

Alcohol

In many parts of the world, wine is still used routinely to get rid of bacteria and other pathogens in the water. While alcohol will not get rid of an internal infection, it still works well for skin and open wounds.  Do not forget that there are three basic kinds of alcohol:

Ethanol or grain alcohol is safe to drink. It is made by fermenting sugary or starchy foods such as potatoes, honey, apples, grapes, and cherries. While most modern wine makers use brewer’s yeast, you can also use regular baking yeast for fermentation.  If you need to concentrate the wine to get a higher concentration of alcohol, you will need to use a still.   After harvesting the food base, you can expect it to take 3 – 6 months before you have a final product that can be used for water purification, drinking, and wound treatment.  Even though there are wild, or natural yeasts that you can harvest, it is best to study this field carefully before trying it as a DIY. For the purposes of your stockpile, be sure to keep both brewers and baking yeast aside.   There are many ways to preserve yeast cultures once you get them started.

Methanol or wood alcohol is poisonous and cannot be consumed or used for medicinal purposes. As the name implies, methanol can be made from distilling wood.  This is, however, a dangerous process and can lead to blindness if the still is not set up correctly.

Isopropyl Alcohol is commonly used to cleanse wounds and as a sanitizer. While this alcohol is very useful for medicine, it is also hard to produce at the consumer level.  You can do just about the same thing with high proof ethanol.  Since ethanol is safer and easier to produce, you are best served by mastering basic fermentation and distillation.

Apple Cider Vinegar

If you’ve ever tried your hand at wine making, then you already know that you can be very disappointed when the whole barrel turns into vinegar!  That being said, if your apple jack turns to vinegar, then you will have apple cider vinegar, which has excellent antibiotic properties. Gargle with apple cider vinegar to treat thrush, sinus infections, gum infections, and throat infections.   Apple cider vinegar is also one of the best treatments for candida and yeast infections no matter where they show up.  While you can make your own apple cider vinegar, don’t forget that it can take several weeks before it is ready for use.  Be sure to store some away in your stockpile, and also make sure that you know how to make it from scratch.

Oregano Oil

In the post-crisis world, bacterial, viral, and fungal infections are only part of the entire disease landscape that will be of concern to you.  If you do not have a remedy for intestinal parasites, it can truly spell disaster very quickly.  No matter whether you hunt certain animals at the wrong time of year, drink water without cleaning it properly, or you do not cook foods to the proper temperature, you can count on being exposed to all kinds of worms and other parasites that can cause hallucinations and kill you.  Fortunately, oregano is effective for killing these parasites, as well as:

·         Urinary tract infections

·         Athlete’s foot

·         Upper respiratory infections including swine flu

·         Ear infections

·         Skin infections

·         Sinus infections

As with garlic, be careful when using oregano because it can thin the blood. Since oregano can also lower blood sugar levels, diabetics should also use it with caution.

Oregano is a member of the mint family, and therefore very easy to grow. You can keep the seeds on hand in your stockpile, or start plants in a windowsill pot.   Oregano can be used as a tea using dried or fresh leaves. If you are interested in making oil infusions and also essential oils, this is an excellent herb to start because it grows so well and is also very easy to work with.

In the post-crisis world, poor sanitation, consuming unfamiliar foods, increased risk of injuries, and soaring stress levels are all going to create a situation where you may need antibiotics to treat an infection.  Many people are surprised to discover that they have potent, safe antibiotics right in their own kitchen.  Take the time now to learn how to grow and make these simple foods into powerful medicines that will serve you and your family well in a time of crisis.   In addition, if you encounter a super bug that cannot be handled by modern antibiotics, you may just find something in these seven natural remedies that will save your life.

Grants for Homesteading and Farming

Check with your state and county Ag Offices to see what grants you may qualify for! 

1. Minnesota Crop Research Grant Program—There is $2 million available for farmers in Minnesota who want to improve crop yields as well as the quality of the harvest. The proposal must be written in a way that will benefit the state of Minnesota’s economy or help out local farmers.

1. RCPP Rice Stewardship Partnership Project—The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is offering grants to those who produce rice and have an idea on how to conserve water while promoting favorable habitats for waterfowl in the rice fields. This grant is only available to Louisiana farms.

1. Grow Wisconsin Dairy 20×30 Program—Dairy farmers can apply for a grant that will help them address common issues like food safety, modernizing their operations and hiring the right staff. Applicants must be licensed dairy farmers.

1. Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program—Farmers can apply for a grant that will help increase the productivity of their farm through updated equipment and increase consumer access to the farm’s goods. Applicants must be part of a food program service provider.

1. Indiana Livestock Promotion and Development Grants—Commissions and non-profits that are directly associated with the cattle, sheep, swine, horses, goat and a variety of other livestock can apply for a grant to help fund marketing programs. Research and study programs will also be eligible for funding.

1. Western SARE Farmer/Rancher Grants—Individual farmers can apply for up to $20,000 in grants for experiments that will improve their impact on the environment as well as experimenting with ways to improve their operations in general. Applicants must be in the Western district.

1. NCR SARE Farmer/Rancher Grant—Individuals in the North Central region can apply for a grant that promotes sustainable agriculture solutions. Each applicant can apply for a grant up to $7,500.

1. NIFA Specialty Crop Research Initiative—Applicants can apply for a grant that addresses common issues with certain crops as well as how to breed, improve productivity and pollination issues. To apply, you must have a small business license, be a non-profit or be a part of a larger organization.

1. Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Board Service Provider—$550,000 in grants is available to help fund projects that will improve Vermont’s local agriculture production. Applicants can apply for grants to improve existing structures, improve or purchase new equipment and research and development.

1. California Specialty Crops Grants—If you are a farmer who is interested in growing one of the specialty crops on the USDA list, you could be eligible for a grant. However, the grant will not cover the startup costs that may include buying starts and seeds and specialty equipment.

1. Missouri Beef Grants—Small to medium size ranches can apply for up to $20,000 in grant money to modernize their operation and potentially increase it. A variety of other grants are available that are all meant to increase beef production in Missouri.

1. California Small Farm Conference Scholarship—This grant allows small farmers and ranchers to attend the conference at a reduced fee or free. The conference lasts 3 days and will give small farms a chance to network and learn from each other.

1. Environmental Solutions for Communities Grant Program—This is an excellent way to help the environment by learning and researching sustainable ways of farming and ranching. Favor will be given to proposals that support community-based conservation practices.

1. Minnesota Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant Program—Farmers in Minnesota who are interested in coming up with new ways or improving existing practices that preserve the environment and resources can apply for a grant. Nearly $250,000 is available.

1. Minnesota Livestock Investment Grant—Ranchers who invest at least $4,000 into buying new equipment or improve or build new structures for the production of livestock are eligible for a 10 percent reimbursement. Any ranchers that suffered a loss because of some disaster can also apply.

1. Agricultural Reinvestment Fund—North Carolina landowners can apply for a grant that will allow them to invest in a new agricultural investment. Individual farmers can receive up to $8,000.

1. Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program—You must be a part of a co-op or a college extension group to apply for this grant. It is designed to help teach the new generation of farmers to secure our future farms.

1. New York State New Farmer’s Grant—Beginning farmers who have a plot smaller than 150 acres in New York can apply for funds. This is for new farmers who have less than 10 years farming the land and earn at least $10,000 a year selling their harvest.

1. Organic Farming Research Foundation Grants—Farmers interested in going organic can apply for a grant. The grants are meant to help with the research and improvement of organic farming systems.

1. Appalachian Grown Cost Share—This is a chance for farmers to get money to promote the food they grow in North Carolina. Money can be used to create packaging, labels or promotional materials

Grants for Beginning Homesteaders and Farmers