I wondered if you should remove store bought spices from the original container and use the food saver to vacuum seal into canning jars. What do you think?I prefer a multi-pronged approach to my food preps.
First off, I'll say this, you really shouldn't prep "emergency" food that you don't normally eat. The reason is that the last thing you want to do in a crisis is have to deal with the stomach issues arising from getting used to new foods.
STORE BOUGHT CANNED FOOD - this is just a given. While most are dated for a year, they are still perfectly safe up to 5 years or more. The taste may change a little (especially for canned fruit) and you may not get as many nutrients from some, but most canned foods will still be fine for this time. Some different things to think of too: canned evaporated milk, or even dry milk. Can also get dry butter.
HOME CANNED FOOD - This will last WAY longer than the above, and still retain taste, nutrients much longer. This is also a great way to handle the harvest from the next option (the home garden). There is some up front cost here (pressure cooker, canning supplies, etc.) and some learning to do, but for prepping, you just can't beat this at all. Note, there are some different types, so need to be educated on this, but a lot of material out there to help.
HOME GARDEN - you don't need acres for this. Many foods can be grown in pots, even hanging baskets. Fruit trees also fall into this category. This is just great, renewable food. Besides, with any extra, you can do the above for long term storage (canning).
DRY GOODS - These items keep for up to 15 (some say 20) years. Things like dry pasta, mashed potato flakes, dry cereals, dry rice, dry grains, dry beans, flour, sugar, popcorn kernels, and dry corn are great, and can be stored in tightly sealed containers to keep well. You may need desiccant packs for some of these, to absorb any moisture that forms. These things are hard to make yourself, so a good idea to stockpile, and rotate through. Again, food you are used to eating anyhow. (and don't forget dried spices, though you should be growing some spices too).
COOKING ESSENTIALS - These are things like cooking oil, seasonings, bullion, sauce mixes, condiments, bottled sauces, etc. While not a "need", I'm more about preserving a certain quality of life vs. just survival.
With all or even some of the above, you should be set just fine. But, you don't have to do it all at once. It's a process. Can build up.
Food prepping
- Thread starter Tonto_
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I wondered if you should remove store bought spices from the original container and use the food saver to vacuum seal into canning jars. What do you think?
I have to wedge the cat food container under a bench because even though the lid fits tight and has a handle that flips over it, the darn raccoons can roll that thing all over the yard and figure out how to get in, They are pretty smart in that regard. so I will be searching for something more secure, like "bear proof" LOL
My first year at this house. I stored my canned green beans (rings off) in the garage. A racoon pulled the kids not 14 jars and poured them out. Didn't eat them. Just made a huge mess
This might keep them out 
I never store in the garage anymore. When daughter left next, her room became mine (remember my husband) and a prepping room.This might keep them out
I food saver vac the herbs I do. So I would say if you buy in bulk, yes.
I also vac excess meds I have.
Brent S
Top Poster
Never thought a raccoon would be a green bean snob! Would have felt better if he at least ate then.
I grow the good types too. KY Wonder and Half Runners.
I hardly freeze anything anymore. My primary storage is freeze dried, then canned myself, then maybe frozen. With some dry, airtight storage thrown in here and there. And some dehydrated stuff. Much better shelf life. Of course, there is the initial expense of the freeze dryer...
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TexasFreedom
A True Doomsday Prepper
That gave me a chuckle. I can see someone walking in, seeing hundreds of ammo cans all lined. They see "GB", "PC", "BBJ" on them, and ask what type of ammo are those... and you answer "green beans, peaches, and blueberry jam"! Killer stock pile!
Too funny.
Too funny.
I spent about $2000 but they are cheaper now. And that included a starter kit with bags, oxygen absorbers, and a sealer. I got the small, but would get a bigger one for the same cost if I were doing it again.
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WGregMiller
Demi-God
Been there, said the same thing. Of course I got an email today where they’re on sale..... waaaahh!
Have you tried freeze dried coons. They probably taste like chicken.
WGregMiller
Demi-God
No, but I’ll see if I can get you one to try, lol.
I was clowning, but actually we would be thrilled to have a coon after the beans, we do eat them, just not freeze dried
Brent S
Top Poster
Don’t laugh too much, we may all have to eat coon and possum one day! I just had a friend in China tell me they were visiting soon. She said she would bring me some Chinese delicacies, turtle, snake and bugs. I’m still not completely sure if she was joking or not....
