Even though wheat is the most widely consumed grain in the United States, wheat berries are surprisingly rare on American grocery lists.

This is because wheat berries are wheat in its purest form: entire grain kernels stripped of the inedible husk.

Before any processing, wheat berries are the source of all wheat products. Wheat flour, for example, is made from milled, ground wheat berries.

Although most people have heard of whole wheat bread and other whole wheat products, only a tiny percentage of individuals have eaten wheat berries.

But how long do wheat berries last, and how do you store them? Continue reading and discover more about wheat berries and storage options.

What are wheat berries?

Wheat berries are the edible portion of the wheat kernel, including the bran, germ, and endosperm before the grain is processed.

You can use this chewy, nutty, high fiber whole grain just like any other whole grain.

Wheat berries have a somewhat sweet, nutty flavor that works well in both sweet and savory meals. Wheat berries also take on some of the characteristics of the dressing or sauce with which you serve them.

Add extra fiber and nutrition to a favorite soup or chili recipe, toss a handful in, or mix it with a vegetable stir-fry like rice.

Wheat berries are in any grocery or natural foods shop near the rice and beans or the baking aisle near the various cereal grains. They are sold with other whole grains like freekeh and bulgur in the international foods section. You can also purchase wheat berries online.

Bob’s Red Mill is a well-known retailer of packed wheat berries. Wheat berries are less expensive than quinoa and other so-called ancient grains since they aren’t as trendy as quinoa and other these other ancient grains.

Why would you want to store wheat berries?

There is a disagreement among homesteaders over whether to preserve wheat in whole berries or in ground flour form.

The benefits of raw berries are lauded by one set of people, while the benefits of ready-to-use flour are celebrated by the other.

So, which is the best option?

There is no such thing as a correct answer. It comes down to your particular preferences and aspects such as cost, storage, and versatility, just like many other things in life.

However, as you’ll discover in this article, there are additional benefits to keeping wheat berries:

Wheat berries are cheaper

When it comes to pricing, wheat berries are far less expensive than ground flour. Grinding the flour yourself takes only a few minutes.

When you consider how long the berries will last, it’s clear why whole wheat requires more storage space. A grain grinder is one of the more expensive components of using whole wheat berries.

There are numerous styles and price ranges on the market to choose from. You’ll want to go with a high-quality grain grinder.

Cheaper versions or grinding equipment may appear to be a good deal, but you won’t save anything if you have to replace them multiple times or add extra processing steps.

Wheat berries have a longer shelf life

You can preserve wheat berries decades, whereas flour only has a short shelf life. As soon as you break the wheat open and expose it to air, the flour loses some of its nutrition and its shelf life decreases.

In addition, the oil in the cracked wheat kernel reacts with the oxygen in the air, causing the flour to become rancid within months.

Several wheat berries which were discovered in the Egyptian pyramids even sprouted after two thousand years, bringing joy to the researchers. Storage is the secret to the longevity of wheat berries. Store them well and you increase their durability. Also store them in cold environments with airtight containers.

You can base your storage decision on factors such as cost, security, and portability. Regardless of what storage method you use, the wheat should be kept cool and out of direct sunlight.

Each of the modern storage systems below has advantages and disadvantages.

• Mylar bags– These are effective, light, and easy to transport. The inflated cost and rodent vulnerability are their drawbacks.
• Double bags – Many grains are packaged in double bags, mostly made from cotton. Even though this method has been around for centuries, it does not keep pests out of the grain.
• Glass jars– You can use glass jars to preserve smaller amounts of wheat berries. When you use these regularly, they are at their finest.
• Metal cans – For some locations, tin cans are still a common way to store grain. They do have a few disadvantages, such as the cans rusting in humid places. In addition, they require an opener, and the grain may develop a “tinny” odor and flavor (it will spoil after you expose the grain to open air for a while).
• Barrels – Grain storage in larger bulk quantities is usually done in large barrels. Although these barrels are rodent-proof the concern is their portability. If you have to move quickly, you may have a problem transporting the barrels to your new location.
• Five-gallon buckets– Many bakers and shops will give you a free 5-gallon bucket if you ask nicely. They stack neatly and you can easily transport them from one location to another. The only significant drawback is that these buckets can be challenging to open and that rodents can nibble through them.
• Oxygen absorbers– They do precisely what their name suggests: they absorb air and moisture. They help maintain freshness and viability when added to any of these storage techniques. (Because the double bag method isn’t airtight, it’s probably a waste of money.)

Wheat berries are more versatile

As you use ground flour in recipes, you can also use the whole wheat berries in several ways. They’re a multi-purpose snack that you can boil and eat like oatmeal.

You can pop them like popcorn, substitute them for rice, and use them as filler in meatloaf and other meals.

The berries are a better per-serving choice in terms of nutrition because they retain their nutritional value. Fiber, iron, and potassium are all part of the makeup of the raw wheat berry.

A portion of wheat berries contains approximately 150 calories and over 30 grams of carbohydrates, both of which are required to maintain energy levels. In addition, wheat sprouts are high in iron and various vitamins (A, C, and D), and minerals such as calcium.

You can also plant the grain to provide more produce–for you and your livestock– because it is still whole. One pound of wheat berries yields around seven pounds of animal feed.

It’s a cheap and easy approach to make sure you have enough food for everyone and everything.

Proper ways of storing wheat

Wheat berries have a long storage life. Archaeologists discovered grain in Egyptian tombs that are still alive and well.

Imagine for how many thousands of years the wheat berries lay safely tucked away.

So if you want to know how long do wheat berries last, there are two requirements to keep in mind:

• Keep the area moisture-free.
• And keep the area insect and rodent-free.

Now take a look at these storage solutions.

Storing in bulk

Large food-grade buckets with a lid are a popular way to store wheat berries in bulk. However, a tight-fitting cover is necessary to keep bugs, vermin, and moisture away from the wheat berries.

You can store wheat berries in bulk in Uline 3-gallon food-grade buckets with gamma seal lids. Gamma seal lids are similar to a regular tight-fitting lid in that it attaches to the bucket, but the top screws on and off. This type of seal makes it easier to reach the wheat berries and ensures a tighter lid seal.

Amazon, Lowe’s, Uline, local farms, and ranches supply businesses like North 40 with what berries. All these companies also provide food-safe buckets and lids. If you’re seeking a low-cost storage option, inquire at your local grocery store for unwanted containers.

Bakeries also sell unwanted frosting buckets, which you can use as excellent storage containers. You could also get a few containers from Walmart for roughly a dollar each, and while they are small, they do the job.

Pantry friendly options

Pantries vary in use and size. In more extensive areas like farmhouses, you have an outdoor storeroom where farmers store food in bulk.

They also typically keep a smaller amount on hand in the kitchen pantry for convenience.

Pantry cupboards are usually tall, so it is essential that your storage options are reasonable in size and attractive.

Don’t be reluctant to use your imagination. Remember that the only requirements are that the containers are resistant to bugs, pests, and moisture. Kitchen storage containers and canisters that are airtight are ideal.

Mason jars are both decorative and practical. Even a gallon Ziploc storage bag will suffice, and it’s simple to dump into a measuring cup or grinder.

Limited space-friendly options

Is your storage space limited? If so, there are other ways of dealing with your issue.

For example, wheat berries are sold in 2.5 pound re-sealable, food-safe, moisture-resistant bags by several farmsteads in 5-pound increments. The good thing is that you only open what you require, preserving the freshness of the remaining wheat berries.

Subscription services are also available so you can have your wheat berries delivered to you whenever you need them. So, it is unnecessary to stock up on enormous quantities.

And that is all there is to storing your wheat berries–no need to worry about refrigerating, freezing, or preserving.

How long can it last when stored properly?

Wheat berries will store for up to 30 years. To answer the question of how long do wheat berries last from a different perspective, they will only last this long if you store them correctly.

Also, if you store wheat berries properly, they will maintain up to 80% or more of their nutritional value. You also achieve a long shelf life by packaging wheat berries in an oxygen-free container with proper storage in areas that are cool, dry, and dark.

Wheat berries’ moisture content should be ten percent or less before packaging and storing them.

How long do wheat berries last depends largely on your packaging and storage methods. For the DIY’er, there is no better way of storing dry goods than with the handy container trio: Mylar bags, food-grade buckets, and oxygen absorbers.

Here’s how to package wheat berries in nine easy steps:

1. Place a Mylar bag measuring 18”x28” In a clean 5-gallon food-grade bucket.
2. Fill the Mylar bag with wheat that has less than 10% moisture content.
3. Place a 2,000 CC oxygen absorber on top of the grain.
4. Use a home iron on the highest setting to seal the Mylar bag.
5. Fold the Mylar Bag gently into the bucket.
6. Secure the bucket lid.
7. You should write the date and type of food on the bucket.
8. Store the bucket in a cool, dry place away from the sun and off the floor.
9. If you stack buckets more than three high, they will fracture.

Foods with a moisture content of more than ten percent that you store in an oxygen-free environment risk attracting botulism, which is deadly.

You do not need to free wheat before storage if you keep it in an oxygen-free environment. Bugs, bug eggs, and pupae, especially weevils, will perish in an oxygen-deficient environment.

Best wheats for storing

Soft wheat is ideal for storing for a long time. However, there are a few things to consider before storing this product.

People often use soft wheat in the preparation of flatbreads, biscuits, and pastries. Manufacturers typically use hard wheat to make rising dough for items such as bread.

Soft wheat doesn’t make particularly fluffy yeast bread unless you blend it with hard wheat since it has lower gluten levels. In addition, when it comes to protein, you are receiving fewer bangs for your buck when you use soft wheat.

Soft wheat is less of an issue if you plan to eat primarily flatbreads in a survival situation. Still, unless you add protein to your batter or make flatbread with a high protein staple like beans, you’ll get less protein. You can also store soft wheat as a supplement to your hard wheat, but it should not be your primary grain for bread-making.

The most protein-rich winter wheat is hard red winter wheat, although hard white winter wheat also makes for the best-tasting bread.

Both the flavor and the amount of protein in a dish are significant but you can reduce palate fatigue with good-tasting food. And a diet rich in protein keeps you alive.

Keep in mind that you won’t add a bread to your usual diet if you don’t enjoy the taste.

Farro wheat comes from wheat berries and is cultivated in hot climates as opposed to wheat berries grown in cold climes. Ancient wheat cultivars such as einkorn, spelt, and emmer are used to make the most popular types of Farro.

Farro is also used differently than wheat berries. People typically prepare Farro and eat it like rice. You can also use it to produce bread, pastries, and other baked items, just like any other wheat berry, but it’s usually boiled and eaten whole.

You can cook and eat wheat berries whole in the winter, although you should generally use them in baked dishes. People often preserve wheat berries and Farro for lengthy periods rather than use wheat flour.

When you preserve wheat, you typically extend its shelf life. Instead of grinding berries into flour in huge quantities, grind them into flour as you need it if you want to extend the shelf life of the larger portion.

You can use any wheat berry or flour for any purpose, but if you use flour with properties that match the food you’re creating, you’ll get better results.

For example, the hard red and white wheat berries are the most widely utilized in long-term storage. These berries are more widely used because they have the highest protein and gluten content for making bread.

Look at the list below for the common wheat types, their shelf life, and their uses.

1. Type: Spelt

Shelf life is 30+years.

Uses: Spelt is said to make excellent tasting bread, for example, yeast bread, pasta, biscuits, and crackers.

2. Type: Durum

Shelf life is 30+years.

Uses: Durum is high in protein and makes great pasta and unleavened bread. When you grind Durum wheat to make semolina flour, you get a thick sticky gluten.

3. Type: Hard Red Spring

Shelf life is 30+years.

Uses: Hard red spring is also high in protein and best in yeast or sourdough, or to make a classic whole wheat bread.

4. Type: Hard Red Winter

Shelf life is 30+years.

Uses: Hard red winter is the highest in protein and excellent for sprouting and yeast bread.

5. Type: Hard White

Shelf life is 30+years.

Uses: Hard White is a medium protein and tastes excellent in white bread, beer making, and leavened bread.

6. Type: Emmer

Shelf life is 30+years.

Uses: Emmer is a viable choice for making pasta and unleavened flatbread.

7. Type: Einkorn

Shelf life is 30+years.

Uses: Einkorn makes good leavened and unleavened bread.

8. Type: Kamut

Shelf life is 30+years.

Uses: Kamut is organic Khorasan wheat, which you can use in leavened bread and pasta.

9. Type: Khorasan

Shelf life is 30+years.

Uses: Khorasan makes tasty, leavened bread.

10. Type: Soft Red

Shelf life is 30+years.

Uses: Soft Red is a medium protein and is first-rate for bread and beer making.

11. Type: Soft White

Shelf life is 30+years.

Uses: Soft White is low in protein, which is perfect to make batters for cakes, cookies, waffles, pancakes, and soup thickener.

Important: If you have gluten intolerance or celiac disease, stay away from wheat.

Conclusion

Because hard wheat berries contain more protein than soft wheat berries, they are ideal for long-term storage. In addition, due to high gluten-protein levels, 12 to 15% of the population is gluten-intolerant.

Dry goods are frequently frozen before storage by old-school preppers, which eliminates all phases of insect life in grains. When you purchase most grains, they contain bug eggs.

Wheat berries do not need to be frozen before storage if you store them in an oxygen-free environment. In an oxygen-free container, bugs, eggs, and pupae will die within two weeks.

How long do wheat berries last is up to how well you store this product. First, create an oxygen-free storage environment in any container with a sound oxygen barrier.

Using food-grade Mylar bags, food-grade pales, and oxygen absorbers are the best D.I.Y. approach to extend the shelf life of your wheat berries.

How long does dehydrated food last is a complex question?

The answer to this question is too involved to cover in one article, but we have outlined the basics to get you thinking.

Consider what food you want to dehydrate, and then consider how you want to dry the food.

After that, you can research more details on drying that food item before deciding on an ideal storage method to increase its shelf life.

What is dehydration

People have been drying food for centuries as an effective preservation method. Drying or dehydrating food simply means removing the moisture from the food to store it for longer periods.

How long does dehydrated food last, depends on various factors, which ancient and modern humanity have improved over time.

Modern manufacturing methods use a different method to dry food. Now, manufacturers add heat to the food, using hot air. The hot air essentially removes most of the moisture, increasing the product’s shelf life.

Contemporary food drying methods transfer heat and mass simultaneously within the food and whatever method manufacturers use in this process.

Other methods include using a specific gas to manipulate food moisture content through manipulation of heat and mass within the medium of transfer and the food. In other words, a medium injects energy into the food to dehydrate it.

Manufacturers and survivalists use various methods to dry food, such as:

• Electric dehydrators
• Dehydrofreezing
• Sun drying (not suitable for humid climates)
• Microwaving
• Air drying
• Oven drying
• Room drying

Other outcomes of food dehydration include:

• Food weight and volume decrease
• Food becomes easier to package and store
• Easily portable
• Easier to use as you just add water or milk to reconstitute dry goods (eggs, fruit, vegetable juice, milk, coffee extract). For example, adding water to powdered eggs or milk.
• Increases or adds various qualities such as flavors, texture, or crispness). Raisons undergo a transformation process from grapes, for example.

Why does dehydrated food last longer

How long does dehydrated food last, means effectively removing excess moisture. Once you remove the moisture, its shelf life is longer because organisms need moist environments to grow.

Various organisms need moisture to grow. Organisms such as yeasts, molds, and bacteria thrive in moist environments. When you dehydrate food, you positively impact the ability of these organisms to thrive.

Consequently, the absence of most of the moisture content in the food increases its shelf life because dry food is more resistant to attracting bacteria.

The downside of food dehydration is a loss of some nutrition. Despite most dehydration methods leaving 20% moisture content in the food, they will lose vitamins such as A and C.

The loss of these vitamins occurs when using heat or air to dehydrate the food. However, the shelf life of the product increases, allowing people to benefit from the remaining nutrition.

Manufacturers often use sulfite to limit the destruction of vitamins in foods, but this addition destroys thiamin.

Even when you blanch vegetables for preservation before you dry them, they will also lose their C and B-complex vitamins. Minerals are water soluble, so you can also expect vegetables, fruits, and other products to be deficient in vital minerals.

In contrast, blanching limits thiamin destruction and the loss of vitamins A and C when drying and storing these goods. Another factor to think about is that there are more calories in dried foods per weight since the nutrients are now in a concentrated form.

For example, if you dry 200 grams of fresh apricots, which have 102 calories, you’ll end up with 520 calories in the same weight of dried apricots. You can preserve your foods for longer if you dry them at low temperatures and store them at low humidity levels.

You can reconstitute dehydrated foods with water quite easily to make a meal from powdered eggs or eat dried meats such as beef jerky and others.

Dehydrating foods is an excellent means for preserving other foods such as fruits, which can see people through disaster periods such as hurricanes.

Dried foods are also excellent for taking on excursions into the outdoors because they are lightweight and take little space.

These foods are also quick and easy to prepare when you don’t have access to modern cooking equipment, making them ideal for surviving during periods of famine, drought, and other natural disasters.

Tips for storing dehydrated food

It depends on how effectively you dry it out and how well you store these foods.

Once the food is dry, you need to consider ideal storage methods that will preserve it safely for months or years.

Here are several elements to consider when storing food.

1. Temperature

Ensure you store dried foods at 60°F as this will preserve it for twice as long as storing it at 80°F.

2. Moisture

Keep the food away from moist environments as this will ruin all your efforts from dehydrating it, causing it to spoil.

3. Oxygen

Store dehydrated food away from oxygen as oxidization causes food to spoil and lose its flavor. Dehydrated foods that come into contact with oxygen will also have a shorter shelf life.

4. Light

Like oxygen, light causes degradation of dehydrated foods, so store them in a dark space.

5. Sanitize your hands

Always sanitize your hands when dehydrating foods and placing these in storage. Germs can easily transfer from unclean hands to the dried foods, causing contamination.

6. Storage options

There are various storage methods for dried foods. Whichever options you choose, ensure you store your dried foods in a dark, cool area where there is plenty of ventilation.

Allow foods to cool properly before storage. Once the food is completely cool, you can transfer it to various containers, including:

• Airtight containers
• Resealable containers for refrigeration
• Vacuum seal bags
• Use ReZip or Ziploc bags
• Use vacuum sealing equipment for bags
• Vacuum seal jars
• Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers
• Desiccant packets to place in airtight jars or vacuum seal jars

Oxygen absorbers or desiccant packets add to safe storage methods of dried food as they absorb any left-over moisture in the container.

These methods ensure that excess moisture no longer encounters the dried food, which help extend its shelf life.

How long does dehydrated food last? The answer to this question relies on multiple dehydrating methods, sanitation, and the storage methods you use after drying the food.

Research will tell you how to dry specific foods like meats, fish, fowl, vegetables, fruits, grains, and dairy products.

Survivalists will need to conduct further research to find the best drying methods for each food type they wish to preserve. Following this process, certain storage methods are better for some dried foods than others.

But when you dry and store food, there are certain things that you should avoid ensuring it lasts for the optimum length of time.

Things to avoid

Dehydrating foods takes time. When you do a good job, the results are excellent.

Attempt to rush the food drying process and you shorten the shelf life, which partly answers how long does dehydrated food last. Also, if you focus on doing the job properly, you increase the shelf life of your dried foods, which is ideal for the survivalist.

Here are some of the things you should avoid when drying foods:

• Avoid handling foods with unclean hands and on unclean surfaces as germs rapidly transfer between surfaces. Always thoroughly sanitize surfaces, hands, drying equipment, and storage items when taking on this type of work.
• Avoid ignoring research for the appropriate preparation and drying times of the particular food you’re dealing with. Playing a hit and miss game is a huge mistake which can easily negate your efforts. It won’t be very pleasant to invest time and energy in the job, only to find that you have done half the work.
• Ensure you dry foods at the correct temperature for that specific food. Drying times will vary depending on the methods you use, the climate, and the environment, so always read further to find what works best before embarking on a food dehydration process. Obviously, if you have an electric drying machine, this will take a lot of guesswork out of the process as this equipment frequently comes with detailed instructions.
• Avoid trying to speed up the drying process by starting with one temperature and then changing this to quicken the dehydration. Constantly switching temperatures in drying equipment will result in the food producing an external seal to lock in the internal moisture. This effect is the opposite of what you need to achieve.
• Avoid shortening drying times as the ultimate moisture content of food should be about 20%. Home food drying equipment typically states that you should reduce moisture levels to 5% for the best results. Always check the food to see whether it is still sticky or spongy as this means the water content is still too high.
• Avoid the temptation to immediately store dried goods after you complete the drying process. Allow the items to dry naturally in a cool, ventilated area before packaging them.
• If you open containers with stored dried items, understand that they are immediately exposed to moisture-containing air and oxygen. Both moisture and oxygen will spoil the remaining dry food. Do not leave jars open for longer than necessary. Remove the amount of food you want and then add desiccant packets or oxygen absorbers to the jar before resealing.

Conclusion

Survivalism is an exciting and rewarding journey. How long does dehydrated food last will depend on how much effort you’re prepared to invest in your new hobby.

Read as much as you can about dehydrating specific food types before diving into this work, as you can quickly spoil large volumes of food unnecessarily.

Update yourself on additives such as sulfite and ascorbic acid in food preparation, and you improve your chances of success in preparing for the worst survivalist scenarios.

Eggs are an essential source of protein and contain at least six grams of protein per serving. Therefore, the American Egg Board recommends that eggs should be part of a daily staple diet.

Eggs not only contain protein, but they are also a source of essential vitamins and minerals. These vitamins and minerals support the proper functioning of different body organs, such as the liver.

Undoubtedly, eggs should be an essential part of our diet, but the sustainability of fresh eggs is a controversial topic, especially as emergency food. Fresh eggs have a typical shelf-life of three weeks when refrigerated.

In emergencies, this short lifespan of fresh eggs does not fit in with survivalist requirements. Luckily, powdered eggs are a good substitute for fresh eggs.

What are powdered eggs?

Powdered have come a long way and have been embraced in the US.

So let’s learn about egg powder, starting with some history.

A little history

Powdered eggs find their roots in history. The drying and storing of eggs trace back to the middle of the 20^th century. This form of storing fresh eggs has built a reputation for their value during World War II.

Powdered eggs were used to feed civilians who had been displaced by this great war, consequently saving many people who could survive on powdered eggs and other foodstuffs.

As an emergency food, survivalists continue to use powdered eggs as protein sources and as sources of essential vitamins and minerals.

As if that is not enough, the United States government used powdered eggs during rationing.

The government also supplied powdered eggs to civilians during trying periods to conserve fresh eggs for those operating in the military.

Powdered eggs

Simply put, powdered eggs are fresh eggs that have been dehydrated and transformed into powder form.

When going camping, hiking, or in a food emergency, fresh eggs are not viable, making powdered eggs a valuable food commodity.

Although your fresh eggs are tasty and nutritious, they are not ideal for all situations. For example, you need to refrigerate fresh eggs if you want them to last for a couple of weeks. This necessary refrigeration to extend their lifespan is why powdered eggs are a good substitute for survival in times of disaster.

Powdered eggs are also excellent substitutes for fresh eggs due to their nutritional content and longer shelf life. In addition, you gain the same nutritional value from powdered eggs as you do from fresh farm eggs, and powdered eggs are a readily available food source during emergencies.

Powdered eggs overcome many of the limitations found with fresh eggs. They are more easily portable and store better as they are not fragile like fresh eggs. Powdered eggs also have the convenience that is not often found in fresh eggs.

For example, imagine waking up in the morning, ready for a breakfast of scrambled eggs, only to find someone else has used the last three eggs. If you have powdered eggs in the pantry, you don’t have to worry about this problem.

A shrewd survivalist always prepares for the future. Powdered eggs are all about sustainability and reliability. You can prepare a nutritious meal anywhere at any time.

It is impractical to consider fresh eggs for long-term survival preparations, making powdered eggs famous for multiple reasons. First, you can use them in almost any recipe that requires eggs despite being in powder form.

Second, you can also prepare any meal using eggs in powder form when you’re hungry and don’t have farm-fresh eggs in the home. How cool is that?

There are many powdered egg brands available on the market. You can shop for powdered eggs online with a click of a button or purchase them at most large food outlets.

Whether you want a bulk purchase of powdered eggs or just a small quantity, ReadyWise offers different packages. If you are sensible, you can try the Wise Choice Bundle from ReadyWise as an emergency package.

How are powdered eggs made?

Ever used powdered milk?

The same technology that goes into manufacturing powdered milk is also used to make powdered eggs. Like powdered milk, powdered eggs aim to dehydrate the fresh produce to extend its shelf life.

Let’s learn a little about science. Eggs contain elevated levels of glucose. During warm storage, the existing glucose reacts with protein through a process called the Maillard reaction.

The reaction of glucose and protein removes flavor in the eggs. This process causes a condition called brown discoloration. There is nothing worse than tasteless eggs. To prevent this de-flavoring, manufacturers remove the glucose from the eggs through a dehydration process.

Having understood a little science, let’s now proceed to learn the actual process of how powdered eggs are made.

Making powdered eggs is a delicate but straightforward process using a spray drying method. Although it’s a similar approach to making powdered milk, dried eggs go a little further–beyond simple pasteurization.

The first process is desugarization. Desugarization removes any existing glucose in the egg to prevent an adverse reaction with protein. This crucial step is essential before spray drying the eggs. Skipping this step results in a flavorless powdered egg.

Preparation of powdered eggs is done either using the whole egg or just the yolk. Some products contain powdered egg yolk, while others include both. Dehydration is the best option for many to capture all the nutrients from the fresh eggs in a powder form.

The spray drying method either uses pan-dried or freeze-dried methods. Pan-drying is the most common and efficient method for making powdered eggs.

You can get a variety of powdered egg products on the market, depending on your preferences. Here are the main categories available for retail purchase:

• Powdered white eggs
• Powdered whole egg and yolk
• Blends of white eggs and yolks with carbohydrates

Pan-dried eggs make the best-powdered eggs as they eliminate any moisture. Moisture elimination ensures that it is almost impossible to burn powdered eggs.

Powdered eggs-pros and cons

Powdered eggs come in handy in many conditions, as survivalists well know, so stay informed about current information regarding this practice.

Here are several pros and cons of powdered eggs that every survivalist should know:

Pros

• Easy storage and handling: You don’t have to worry about eggs being broken. They also require less storage space.
• Low cost: Most powdered egg products are affordable.
• No thawing: They are dependable and readily available for use in any situation, and you simply need to add water to rehydrate them. Whether you are in an emergency or just in a hurry, powdered eggs are a viable alternative means for survival when few other food sources are accessible.
• Powdered eggs mean better hygiene when handling as you don’t touch the powder and risk spreading germs.
• Long shelf-life. Safely stored powdered eggs can last up to a decade. You can purchase powdered eggs in bulk and store them in preparation for emergencies.
• No wastage: You can always add extra powdered eggs to your stockpile.
• Easy portability: Powdered eggs can be stacked together for long-distance transportation. You can carry them in a backpack when going for a hike or when you engage in any other outdoor activity.
• Powdered eggs are versatile, so that you can use them in diverse recipes. If you are baking or making other meals that require eggs, powdered eggs are a simple and cheaper alternative. They easily mix with other ingredients.
• Gluten-free: Can be used to bake gluten-free products.

Cons

• Concerns regarding possible elevated levels of oxidized cholesterol as they may cause harm to arteries.
• Possible loss of fresh flavor.

Where and how to use powdered eggs

Powdered eggs are an incredibly versatile food source for individual survivalists, families, or on a commercial scale.

In addition, many hospitals use this food to feed patients, and other organizations such as restaurants and the military also add powdered eggs to menu foods.

People use these eggs in their homes for fixing quick meals or during emergencies. In addition, campers, hikers, and other outdoors people tend to pack powdered eggs for use in the wild as they are portable and provide excellent nourishment.

Bakeries enjoy the convenience of using powdered eggs in their products. Because powdered eggs are easy to mix with other ingredients, manufacturers also use them in baked products.

Powdered eggs are simple to use. If you are on an outdoor excursion, you can fix yourself a simple meal in a few quick steps.

Follow these simple steps when using powdered eggs:

• Mix the powdered eggs with water in a bowl. Ensure that the water is at room temperature for best results. For everyday use, the ratio for good preparation is 1:2: One tablespoon of powdered egg to two tablespoons of water. You can use other ratios such as 2:4, depending on the amount of food you want.
• Reconstitute the eggs: After mixing, give the eggs a few minutes to properly rehydrate for baking.
• Mix your prepared eggs with the other ingredients in your recipe and continue cooking or baking.
• If you want scrambled eggs, pour your egg mixture into a hot frying pan with some cooking oil.

How long can powdered eggs last?

 

Powdered eggs are a nonperishable food due to their long shelf-life, which lasts from five to ten years.

However, the longevity property of powdered eggs is mainly dependent on how well you store this product. Hot environmental conditions tend to reduce their shelf life due to the reaction of the protein with carbohydrates.

Airtight storage in anaerobic conditions tends to increase the shelf-life of powdered eggs. It also reduces the chances of contamination from unwanted microorganisms that cause disease or adverse health reactions.

Once you open the powdered eggs, you reduce their shelf life to a few weeks or a month, just like other dehydrated products. If you open a powdered egg package and keep the remaining contents for a while, you should repack them in an airtight container.

Repacking in an airtight or vacuum-sealed package will extend their shelf-life for another few weeks. Ultimately, ensure that any packaging is moisture and oxygen-free.

Conclusion

Yes, to powdered eggs! Despite the few concerns about cholesterol oxide and loss of fresh taste, powdered eggs are the way to go.

Egg powder gives you the same nutritional value with added advantages such as longer shelf-life and simplicity in preparation. You can use egg powder for any purpose, including baking, preparing scrambled eggs, or general cooking.

The advantages of powdered eggs surpass most limitations, making them a must-have product for any serious survivalist.

Prepare for unforeseen emergencies, camping, or hiking by stocking up on powdered eggs because they are long-lasting.

While every disaster scenario is bound to look and feel different, it is incredibly vital to be prepared as much as possible.

Even if you are on your journey of veganism, it doesn’t have to break because of any emergency.

This vegetarian and vegan food prepping guide will help you pack and prep all the essential vegetarian options for any SHTF situation.

Can Vegans Prepare For the SHTF event?

Yes, they can fully prepare even if they are vegan, as being a vegan would not hinder in any way during the prepping process.

People might feel that vegan and vegetarians will have a hard time facing any crisis, but if one smartly preps, they can quickly tackle any SHTF situation with ease.

One of the main positives of being a vegan during an emergency is less spoilage, especially meats. If you encounter a grid down, the chances of getting your meat spoiled are very high.

Vegans do not have to worry about this; neither do they have to worry about using many heat resources. As meat needs to be cooked thoroughly, it can consume a lot of gas which you can easily save if your family is vegan.

So yes, vegans can prepare for any SHTF event with a bit of crafty nature and our guide.

Best Vegetarian Food To Stockpile

When people think about the vegetarian food stockpile, they usually have a common misconception that their diet lacks nutrients.

However, many food groups in the vegetarian diet can provide just as many nutrients as any steak or meat curry. You can follow our detailed best food groups to stockpile in an emergency.

Grains and Pasta

Pasta and grains are the most nutritious, protein and fiber-filled ingredients. They can last a long time and provide various meal options. Some of the best grains to stockpile include:

• Rice- While and brown
• Quinoa
• Couscous
• Whole wheat pasta
• Rice noodles

Canned and jarred goods

Canned goods should come on your priority list as they are straightforward to store and stay for several years without taking up much space.

They are excellent in making quick desserts, pasta, and stews. Some canned goods to stockpile include:

• Tomato paste
• Marinara sauce
• Pizza sauce
• Olives
• Vegetable broth
• Artichoke hearts
• Beans

Fruits and vegetables

These aren’t the most functional food group to stockpile as they perish very quickly but try to store them during the last moment as they can still provide nutrition for ten days during the starting period.

We highly recommend:

• Potatoes
• Onions
• Sweet potatoes
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Apples
• Oranges, limes, and grapefruits
• Eggplant
• Parsnips

Beans and legumes

If you are worried about insufficient fibers and proteins, you need to include beans and legumes in your stockpile.

Lentils also serve as a great alternative to meatloaf as one can very easily create a vegan meatloaf with it for a complete protein-packed meal.

• Kidney beans
• Black beans
• Chickpeas
• Red and green lentils
• Pinto beans

Seeds, nuts, and nut butter

These are great to add a healthy dose of fats, nutrients, and protein.

They provide outstanding lubrication to your joints and help build strong muscles. We suggest stocking:

• Almond and peanut butter
• Hazelnuts
• Pecans
• Almonds
• Peanuts
• Chia seeds
• Cashews

Flour and baking essentials

Baking can help divert the mind of the entire family, especially kids and help you pass the time while providing adequate nutrition.

You can use many vegan alternatives to bake cookies, bread, and other stuff, just like regular baking. A few essentials to include:

• All-purpose flour
• Wheat flour
• Almond flour
• Chickpea flour
• Gluten-free blend
• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup
• Applesauce
• Cocoa powder
• Vanilla extract

Frozen foods

If you have a deep chest freezer, we request you store frozen foods to add them to your diet.

Pack your freezer with fruits and vegetables, which can last for many months under the right temperature.

• Mango
• Bananas
• Mixed berries
• Peas
• Corn
• Broccoli
• Green beans
• Bell peppers

Snacks

You can surely avoid this list if you are only prepping for essentials, but having snacks can come in handy when you kids.

They also provide nutrition and stay fresh for an extended period.

• Chips
• Seaweed snacks
• Salsa
• Pretzels
• Granola bars
• Popcorn
• Trail mix
• Fruit leather
• Dark chocolate

How Much Food To Prep?

This question is the most important and depends on the emergency you are facing and preparing for.

If you prepare for several emergencies from grid down to nuclear attacks, you might need to store for months or years.

But if you are starting new, we highly recommend at least one month -four weeks’ worth of food prep. The grocery list should look something like this:

• 1-2 weeks’ worth of perishable foods.
• Two weeks’ worth of crackers, potatoes, onions, bread, and other semi-perishable groceries.
• 2-4 weeks’ worth of frozen vegetables, fruits, and quick ready-to-eat meals.
• Four weeks’ worth of flour, pasta, canned food, and rice.

Should You Dehydrate Your Food?

Yes, you should dehydrate your food, especially if you are prepping for a grid-down emergency.

Food dehydration is excellent if you have less space in your pantry. Dehydration saves room and also reduces weight drastically. The foods also get a high shelf life after complete dehydration because of moisture reduction.

Such dehydrated foods can come in handy when you want to leave your base and go out for days. The food would easily fit in your bug-out bag.

How To Dehydrate Vegetables And Fruits

To dehydrate fruits, you need to cut them in the desired shape and add a layer of lemon juice; lemon juice prevents it from turning extremely black.

Then place them in your desired chamber and let them get depleted of moisture.

To dehydrate vegetables, you need to cut them into tiny pieces and blanch them. Blanching is an essential step if you do not want to eat raw vegetables after rehydrating them. Then, coat these vegetables with a light layer of lemon juice and put them on a tray to dry.

Affordable Dehydration Options

Sun-drying

You can use the natural sunlight to dry the vegetables and fruits. Of course, it will require a lot of time, but you can indeed work on drying and preserving fruits and vegetables without spending a single penny.

Air drying

It will undoubtedly take a lot of time, considerably more than sun-drying, but you can still dry fruits. Try air drying only when the weather is dry; humid weather would infest the food with fungus.

Expensive Dehydration Options

Oven drying

Oven dehydration can be easy and light on the pocket as you would not require to buy a dehydrator. However, the food might not be 100% neatly dried because of patchy drying.

Professional dehydrator

These might be a little expensive. Still, if you plan on dehydrating a lot of food, we highly recommend buying these as they will dry the food quickly, evenly, and give out fewer electricity bills.

Having A Garden Is A Great Idea

Having a garden is not only an excellent idea but a complete necessity if you are a vegan.

If you were to be an omnivore, you would have a straight and easy option of hunting and fishing, but this isn’t the case with vegetarians and vegans. They need a plot to garden food that they can eat even after their stockpile gets empty.

Since a family can stock only a certain amount of food, they need a new replenishing source to eat and feed their family if the emergency stays on for years. Some of the best crops in the garden include potatoes, onions, soy, rice, peanuts, wheat, and lentils.

You might have to go through an extensive trial and error procedure, but once you learn to farm each ingredient, you can very easily feed your family for years to come. You can also garden herbs like oregano, parsley, chilies, lavender, etc., for adding seasoning to your food.

If you do not have ample space to garden or farm, you can try square foot gardening. This method enables survivors to garden a lot more variety of food within a small chunk of land.

Even if you have a few square meters of space, try to optimize it and plant something. It is always ideal to use all the resources at your disposal while surviving.

Is Foraging An Option

 

Yes, it is a very viable option during emergencies. Most of the time, people run low on their stockpiles or fail at gardening.

During such time, foraging can be an excellent way to find and eat fresh and edible food. Even if you have ample stock, it is always a good idea to hunt for fresh nutrients in the wild. Foraging is precisely like hunting but for vegans and vegetarians.

If you have taken up residence in the woods, you will have a better chance of finding healthy, nutritional ingredients in the wild. If you see greenery, make sure to inspect, and you are bound to discover a few edible and nutritious ingredients.

Foraging tips that would come in handy:

• Avoid eating anything if you aren’t 100% sure of its origins and characteristics. It is always essential to play it safe as you would not have doctors readily available during SHTF situations. Always remember the mantra of better safe than sorry.
• Be very careful where you are going to carry the activity of foraging. Be sure that you know the landscape well and keep your eyes open for holes, dangerous things, and predators.
• If you do not have a lot of time, stick to a small variety of items but make sure you know everything about them.
• Try to compulsorily learn different types of edible grass according to your shelter geography.
• Watch out for deadly insects and animals. Avoid foraging at night as it would put you at a lot of risks. Whatever happens, try to pass the night and wait for the dawn to go out for foraging.
• Consult a professional who will teach you about various parts of plants.
• Always tell someone where you are going, and the approximate time you will be back.

Five special features of poisonous plants should be kept in mind. First, do not touch or eat such plants:

• Second, avoid eating if you notice a discolored or milky sap.
• Most toxic plants can have fine hairs, beans, or thorns.
• They might start tasting bitter upon tasting them.
• A slight ‘almond’ scent in the leaves and woody parts.
• Avoid any plant with a dominant three-leaved growth pattern.

Easy To Forage Nutritious Plants

Cattails

These are incredibly healthy plants. You can almost eat most parts of the plant from its roots, shoots, and pollen heads.Cattails might not be the tastiest, but they are indeed edible.

Dandelion

Dandelion is extremely easy to find, and you can eat the entire plant in different ways. You can eat its flower buds in the early spring as they are highly nutritious.

The light texture allows one to consume it raw as snacks or in salads. The leaves of these plants can be used for stir fry, and the roots are excellent during winters. Make sure to boil the roots twice to make them tender.

Prickly Pear

This cactus-looking plant usually grows in dry and rocky soil. So if you are residing in such a geographical area, you need to look at this plant.

Make sure to wear thick elastic gloves and use tongs as the spikes can be hazardous. You can squish its fruit in the water to remove the thorns.

You can use the de-spiked fruit to make juice, jellies, nectars, and pies. Its pads can be easily sliced and cooked as a substitute for vegetables.

You can also roast and peel its branches to access the edible pulp inside. The seeds can be dried and adequately pulverized to create an ingredient that thickens almost soup and recipe.

Grasses

As mentioned earlier, all grasses are edible. To get its nutrients and avoid any irritation to your stomach, you can chew on the leaves and swallow the juice. Then, spit out the rest of the fibers.

Oxygen absorbers are small packets that are used to remove oxygen from an enclosed package.

They are added to food packets. They help in eradicating oxygen from food packets.

What Are Oxygen Absorbers?

 

Oxygen absorbers keep the food fresh by creating a nitrogen atmosphere inside the packet. Oxygen absorbers help preserve the food and maintain its quality.

You will often find them in sealed containers. They help protect food from insect infestation. Some oxygen absorbers get the oxygen level down to .01%. Oxygen absorbers help extend the shelf life of food. They keep the mold away and keep the food fresh.

Oxygen absorbers protect food from pathogens and keep it fresh for a long time. They are great for preserving perishable items. They prevent moisture from growing in the food packet. Moisture causes contamination and should be prevented at all costs.

Why Is Oxygen Bad For My Food?

Oxygen is vital for the existence of human beings but bad for their food. Unfortunately, it is true!

Oxygen damages your food in many ways. Due to the presence of oxygen, the proteins in the food get degraded. There is something called oxidative spoilage that takes place inside the food packet. This process degrades the quality of food.

Oxygen degrades the pigments and vitamins in food. Thus, causing the food to become dark and spoiled. The darkening of food is called enzymatic browning. The presence of oxygen in the food allows microorganisms to thrive. These organisms multiply inside the food packet and cause the food to go bad.

That is when you will see mold and fungus growing on your food. When a food packet is not appropriately sealed, oxygen gets inside it and starts growing. Oxygen reduces the nutritional value of food. It causes the food to lose fats and fatty portions responsible for providing nutrition to the body.

The oxygen content inside a packet increases when there is oxygen residue inside the food. If there is too much headspace inside a food packet, oxygen starts to build up in there. The oxygen then seeps into the food, causing it to become rotten.

It may come as a surprise to you that an element that nourishes life can rot food. People have observed the oxidation of food for years. That is why there are multiple ways to prevent it. Oxygen absorbers are the best way to prevent oxygen from growing inside the packet.

How Do Oxygen Absorbers Help?

Oxygen absorbers are made out of antioxidants. They are used to stop or slow down the process of oxidation. Oxygen absorbers help by keeping the food fresh.

They also prevent the food from losing its color. When oxygen starts growing inside a food packet, it spoils the food. A foul odor starts emitting from the food. You will also find discoloration of the food. All these symptoms points towards food degradation.

The food becomes inedible and has to be thrown out. Oxygen absorbers are filled with a substance that stops the growth of oxygen inside the food packet. They soak in the oxygen present inside the containers and fill it with nitrogen.

This process keeps the food fresh and prevents discoloration. Oxygen absorbers come in small sachets. These sachets are filled with black powder. The black powder is iron. When iron comes in contact with oxygen, it absorbs the oxygen.

So instead of your food, the iron in the packet becomes oxidized. It absorbs the oxygen from the packet, which is why these packets are known as oxygen absorbers.

Most companies use artificial preservatives to keep the food fresh. These preservatives are not the best. They are artificial and can reduce the nutritional value of the food.

That is why a lot of companies market their products as ‘No Artificial Preservatives. But without preservatives, the food goes bad. That is where oxygen absorbers come in. They allow you to keep the food fresh without adding any artificial preservatives to the food.

But what about the ‘DO NOT EAT’ warning on the sachets? These warnings are precautionary. It is so that people don’t consume the contents inside the sachet. A lot of companies produce oxygen absorbers that are FDA-approved. It doesn’t mean you can open a sachet and pour it into your mouth.

But what this does mean is that it is safe to put these sachets inside your food packets. It is safe to add oxygen absorbers to your food packets. Please make sure not to consume the contents of the packet at any cost. The sachets are made out of a material that does not tear easily.

In case you see a torn oxygen absorber inside your food packet, do not consume it. And at no cost should you consume the oxygen absorber. The instructions are clear and are there for a reason.

The oxygen absorber’s purpose is to prevent the food from going bad. It increases the shelf-life of food without any artificial preservatives.

How To Use Oxygen Absorbers Properly?

Air contains 78% nitrogen, 20% oxygen, 1-2%water vapor. Some other gases are also present in this 1-2% of air. Nitrogen prevents organisms from growing, but oxygen does the exact opposite.

It supports the growth of microbial organisms. When a packet is closed, there is limited space between the lid or mouth of the package and the food. Oxygen present in this space begins to interact with the food.

Oxygen residues in the food come in contact with the oxygen in the air. And thus, the oxidation process begins. The use of oxygen absorbers can prevent oxidation.

You can fill the space inside the food packet with small sachets of oxygen absorbers. The first step is to see how many sachets you will need.

Once you place the food inside the container, you will see how much space is left. Now add some sachets inside this space. Place all the sachets inside separate containers. If you expose them to the open air for too long, they will start absorbing oxygen from the air.

It will render the sachets useless. Sometimes a packet contains many oxygen absorbers, and you cannot use all of them at one go. In such a case, seal the bag of oxygen absorbers with a hot iron. Your sachets will be safe. Don’t forget to store this packet in a dry place.

You will be able to seal the packet with an iron a couple of times. After that, the sachets will become hard. So, make sure to buy a small packet of oxygen absorbers. And if you open a bag, make sure to place them in your food containers quickly.

Ideally, it would be best to use a 300 cc oxygen absorber for each gallon of product. For 5- or 6-gallon buckets, you should use 2000 cc oxygen absorbers.

Do not expose the sachets to the outside air for long. Quickly place them in the food containers or seal them up inside their original packets. If you don’t wish to seal the original packet, place the oxygen absorbers inside a fresh container.

Make sure it is airtight. By doing this, you will be able to preserve the rest of your oxygen absorbers, and they won’t go to waste. Now store this container in a dark and dry place.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

The most common mistake people make while using oxygen absorbers is exposing them to the outside air. You shouldn’t keep the sachets out for more than 15 minutes. The iron content inside the sachet starts absorbing oxygen from the air.

The oxygen absorber will become useless. Once you open a packet of oxygen absorbers, you will add a few of them inside your food container. The rest need to be stored carefully. Make sure to store the leftover sachets inside an airtight container.

Please do not put it in a ziplock. It will immediately start absorbing the oxygen inside the packet. You will not be able to use the sachets again. They will become useless.

To prevent this from happening, you will have to place the sachets inside a container. Make sure to shut the lid tightly.

Another way to check the viability of a sachet is by touching it. When you touch a sachet of oxygen absorber, it will feel light and powdery. It means that it is fresh. If it becomes stiff, it means that it is not viable. In this case, do not use the sachet.

They will not be of any use to you. If the sachet is warm to the touch, it means that you can use it. But when you touch it, and it feels hot and hard, it has become useless. In this case, you should throw it out.

Oxygen absorbers have a short shelf life. So, make sure to only purchase as much as you need. Buying extra will be a waste.

Companies often add a little pink pill inside the bag of oxygen absorbers. The pill indicates whether the sachets are good to use or not. If the pill is pink, the oxygen absorbers are fresh. When the pill turns blue, it means the sachets are useless.

Sometimes you will see that the pill is starting to turn pink or blue. If it is a light shade, don’t worry about it. It happens when the pill is exposed to the outside air. Usually, it takes 10-15 minutes for the pill to start changing its color.

Place the pill inside an airtight container, along with all the leftover sachets. It will prevent it from turning blue. The pill is just there to help us understand the state of the sachet. Some packets do not contain this pill.

What Type Of Food Works Best With Oxygen Absorbers?

Oxygen absorbers are great at preserving all kinds of most. Some food products need oxygen absorbers while others don’t. Tea and coffee are two beverages that benefit from the use of oxygen absorbers.

Make sure to add a few packets inside your tea or coffee container. Another food that requires oxygen absorbers is spices. Spices are dry. If there is extra oxygen inside the container, the spices become moist. It is best to place a few sachets of oxygen absorbers inside the container. It will keep your spices fresh and dry.

If you are someone who prefers dry fruits, then you might want to use oxygen absorbers. It will increase the shelf life of your dried fruit. And keep it fresh for longer. Dried vegetables also require oxygen absorbers to keep them fresh. Just place a few sachets inside the container of dried vegetables. It will prevent discoloration.

Legumes, peas, and beans also require oxygen absorbers. Fungus and mold quickly grow on these foods. But with the help of oxygen absorbers, you can keep them from rotting. The sachets are also great for preserving pet food. You can add it to the packet of dried dog food, bird seeds, and dried cat food.

Grains like rice, wheat, barley, rye, and corn need to be shielded from oxidation. It is best to place oxygen absorbers inside the storage container. Your grains will be fresh for longer. Also, make sure to place the container in a dark and dry place.

Pasta and flour containers are well protected with oxygen absorbers. Just add a few sachets to the container, and it will remain fresh for a long time.

What Type Of Containers Can I Use With Oxygen Absorbers?

When you pick a container for oxygen absorbers, make sure it has a tight lid. Your jar needs to be sealed well so that the sachets remain safe. If the container is not tightly wound, air will seep inside it. The oxygen absorbers will become unviable.

Mason jars are perfect for storing food. They also optimize the usage of oxygen absorbers. If you plan to use oxygen absorbers to keep your food fresh, mason jars are highly recommended. You could also use buckets and mylar bags.

If you are storing a small amount of food, then mason jars are great. But large amounts of food require large containers. In that case, go for a bucket. Mylar bags work very well.

To keep your food from rotting, you can place sachets of oxygen absorbers inside the bags. It keeps the food fresh and prevents it from going bad.

Conclusion

Oxygen absorbers are an affordable way to keep your food fresh. Instead of using artificial preservatives, you can use oxygen absorbers.

They come in the form of small sachets that can be stored anywhere. Oxygen absorbers extend the shelf life of your food and protect it from moisture.

So if you are looking for a way to keep your food fresh for long, then oxygen absorbers are for you!

It is hard to imagine a life without coffee, considering the amount of caffeine we consume daily. Coffee is a downright comfort drink that calms most of the drinkers’ nerves during the day.

When an abomination like an SHTF situation arises, people would like to cling to things that make them happy and help them be in a comforting cocoon.

To enjoy the taste and comfort of coffee in your shelter, you must store your stock of coffee in advance.

Reasons To Have Coffee Stored For SHTF Events

Barter

Coffee can be an excellent barter commodity during any SHTF situation. The main reason it will work best for the bartering community is the shortage of caffeine, and if you have a stock full of fresh coffee beans, people will exchange their priciest possession for a few grams of coffee.

In addition, every 3 out of 4 coffee drinkers are addicted to caffeine, and with these clear statistics, it is evident that using coffee as a barter commodity is the most prudent thing to do.

Increased water consumption

There is no guarantee that the water you drink will stay clean even after years. At some point in time, you will need to use water purification tablets.

But, the problem with these tablets is the solid chemical aftertaste which discourages people from drinking the water. Adding a little coffee can drastically improve the taste by making it more palatable and aid people in staying hydrated.

Shelf Life Of Different Coffee Stages

Now that you have set up your mind to store coffee for any SHTF situation, you must understand the shelf life of all the types of coffee.

Let us look at a few types of coffee that offer a different shelf life; you can choose the type according to the emergency you are going to prep for.

Ground coffee

Ground coffee is the least favorable way that one can store their coffee for a long time. Since it is grounded, it has more surface area to get exposed to the atmosphere, which speeds up oxidization.

Once you open the pack, it becomes imperative to use it within a few months. The more you delay using the coffee, the greater chances it has to become less flavorful.

The ground coffee has a shelf life of five months when it is unopened and stays flavorful for one month when opened past its best-by date.

Whole roasted coffee beans

Whole roasted coffee beans would surely last longer than grounded coffee. But they aren’t very reliable since the roasters use a lot of heat to roast the beans.

The chemical composition changes, ultimately speeding up the process where the oil releases faster than it should. When unopened at room temperature, it can stay fine till 24 months past its best date.

You will drastically reduce the shelf life when the can gets opened.

Green coffee beans

Green coffee beans have the most stable oil concentration because of their raw nature. Green beans are raw beans that you can store away for any SHTF situation.

They are the ideal type of coffee beans for your purpose. Indeed you would have to take the trouble of roasting the beans but considering its long life, it is a disadvantage you can quickly gulp.

The beans can stay in excellent condition for five-plus years past their best by date. It will also remain fresh for more than a year after you open your packet.

Instant coffee

Since instant coffee is made by freeze-drying, you can expect its shelf life to be more than ten years if the pack is sealed and unopened.

Of course, the shelf life highly depends on the quality and the packaging of the instant coffee. If the coffee is packed with many layers, including aluminum, you can be assured that it will stay fresh even for 20 years in your pantry.

One significant disadvantage of coffee is its quick moisture absorption quality. Because of this, the product can quickly go wrong and lump up once opened in a high humidity place.

Coffee Storing Methods

Freezer

Freezing is an easy and trusted method to store your coffee for any emergency. Since coffee has a low moisture content, it can stay put and fresh in the freezer for many years.

Before you put your coffee in the freezer, make sure you use non-permeable bags and air-tight containers that would not let the air seep inside. Sometimes your coffee would absorb strong smells like meat, spices if kept for a long time.

To prevent this, you need to store the packet in non-permeable bags. If your coffee already comes in a nicely sealed container, keep it as is.

Once you remove the bag for use, make sure to let the bag come to room temperature. If you directly use your coffee as soon as you remove it from the freezer, it will go bad by sucking all the moisture content.

Air-tight Containers

Air-tight containers are just a level above, keeping the packet as-is on your pantry. If you have opened your coffee bag, we request you to store it in an air-tight container to help slow down the gassing-off and oxidation process.

This method would not make your coffee last for years as there would still be air inside the jar, but keeping the coffee air-tight is your best bet if you have opened the bag and wish to preserve it as long as you can.

You can also store them in large gamma lid buckets if you plan on keeping a lot more under room temperature.

Vacuum Sealing

If you wish to keep your coffee fresh and add another layer of security instead of air-tight containers, vacuum sealing can be a great opinion.

Vacuum sealing is excellent if your favorite coffee beans do not come in solid packaging. If you are planning to store for many years, this can be a very cost-efficient way as you can vacuum bulk-bought beans all at a single time.

We highly recommend vacuum sealing your coffee if you have a home vacuum sealing kit. Sometimes the coffee aromas can seep over a period, so using green coffee beans can be your best bet during such situations.

Nitrogen-Flushed Coffee

Nitrogen-flushed coffee is a coffee procedure of removing all the oxygen from the coffee packaging. You will find your coffee is nitrogen flushed if you buy an expensive variety of coffee.

This process is done as soon as the beans are roasted. Once beans get roasted, they start to pump out gas which eventually makes the beans less fresh. To tackle this, companies carry this method, but simply doing this will make these nitrogen-flushed bags explode. To tackle this, they use a one-way valve to keep the bag stabilized.

If you are looking for nitrogen-flushed coffee, make sure to check whether the bag has a valve or not; only proceed if it has one. The significant difference between nitrogen flushed coffee and vacuum-sealed coffee is the matter of freshness.

You can instantly taste and smell the fresher bean, and thus people who never compromise on the quality of the coffee should try to buy nitrogen flushed coffee for their stockpile.

Oxygen Absorbers

Oxygen absorbers are little packets of iron filings. The iron in the pack usually grabs the oxygen molecules to keep the product fresh. You can put this oxygen absorber in your air-tight container to suck up all the existing air.

Oxygen absorbers will drastically improve the shelf life of your coffee. You shall not need to store it in the freezer to keep it safer. The little packets would work just fine at room temperature.

Mylar Bags with Oxygen Absorbers

If you are looking for the most ultimate way to store your coffee, try this storage method of mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. The most vital step is finding a good stock of fresh, green coffee beans.

We do not recommend any other type of coffee for this method, as using green beans will help you make the coffee stay fresh for more than 20 years. The main thing that deteriorates the coffee’s quality is air, light, and moisture.

We create an excellent habitat for these beans by keeping them devoid of light, water, and air. Pour your beans into the mylar bags and add a couple of oxygen absorbers. We suggest adding one at the top and one at the bottom, depending on the size of the pack.

If you aren’t sure about the absorbers’ quantity, try to refer to their chart to understand better. We recommend adding one or two more packets than necessary as it is always better to stay safe than sorry. The tiny packets would slowly suck up all the moisture leaving your beans completely fresh.

Alternative Approaches

Purchase survival coffee

If you do not want to get into the hassle of carrying out all the practices mentioned above, you can order a big container of survival coffee.

This coffee is somewhat the same as instant coffee but goes through many more chemical processes and ultimately gets freeze-dried to keep the coffee from going bad. Purchasing survival coffee is the easiest way a prepper can add coffee into their prepping list if time is essential.

Many people feel the taste isn’t as deluxe, but this coffee can feel gold at the time of need. So while you are at it, consider packing a box of survival coffee for consumption or barter. This survival coffee company boasts of having a shelf life of 25 years and comes with resealable pouches.

Grow your own coffee

Growing your coffee can be a straightforward and feasible solution on paper, but going through the entire farming process can be overwhelming and, let’s not forget- time-consuming.

But you can do it with a bit of dedication and perseverance. To grow your coffee, you will surely need a huge plot to accommodate a decent-sized farm. You will especially need to undertake a comparatively big production if you wish to trade the coffee.

As coffee plants only thrive in certain places, you need to test your soil fertility and climate. If it seems unfit, you need to start making a greenhouse to facilitate their growth. Once you build a decent greenhouse, you can start thinking about keeping the plants safe from other insects and frost.

After fine-tuning, you can start your coffee production. Remember that it might take anywhere around three to five years before your plants start growing fruits. Suppose you are planning on producing your coffee in the future.

In that case, we urge you to begin the process as soon as possible so that you have an already working coffee garden that produces high-quality beans for the freshest coffee within a few years.

Purchase green coffee beans

Green coffee beans are the perfect type of beans that you can use to store for years. Unfortunately, it can be genuinely challenging to find good quality green beans as they aren’t readily available as regular roasted beans.

Once you acquire them, please put them in mylar bags and top the bag with a few oxygen absorbers. Since these mylar bags are easy to close, you can run a hot press over the edges to seal the packet.

To consume the beans, you will have to be a bit more patient. You will need to roast these beans on top of a heat plate or roaster to turn them into a brown shade. You can then enjoy the coffee after cooling and grinding it.

This method might not be easy and quick, but you can try this method for fresher coffee. We highly recommend storing the green coffee bags in a large tub to keep them away from rodents, insects, and small animals. This way, the coffee can stay 100% safe.

Try using multiple small bags to store the green beans, as you can open just one, roast that batch, and use it for a month. This process will keep the rest of the beans safe and fresh for later consumption.

Roasting Green Coffee During SHTF Events

Step 1. Green bean roast to the “first crack.”

The first crack is the first step after opening the mylar sealed green beans you stored a few years back. Put the beans on a roaster and start roasting; within a few minutes, you will see a change in their color as they turn into a more light-yellow color.

The beans would also begin steaming heavily. After the water evaporates, you will hear the first crack, this is the starting process, and from that moment, your actual roasting process begins.

The sugars start to caramelize, water keeps releasing, and the oils begin breaking the structure. You can stop after a while during the first crack process if you enjoy lightly roasted coffee. It is because the beans have the most amount of caffeine during this stage of the roast.

Step 2. Bean roast to the “second crack.”

When you continue to roast, the beans start to caramelize even more. As soon as you hear the crackling second crack, you will see the chaff blowing away.

It would help if you stopped at this stage to get a nice and deep roast. The sugars burn during the second crack, and the smoke gets pungent. The beans also take an oily appearance.

After you are done, let it cool and de-husk the seeds and grind for a strong cup of joe. If you want an ultra-dark roast, you can let the beans get a little heat for some time. If you store the beans in small packages, you can have the freedom to create various roasts from light to dark for variety.

Additional Tips

• Avoid storing your coffee beans in a glass jar. Even if the pot is air-tight, we do not recommend transparent glass jars for storage as light permeates through the jar with ease. Transparent jars can damage the beans and make the coffee stale.
• Pack in small sizes and keep all these mini packets in one mega-sized tub in the coolest and darkest place in your stockpile pantry. Do not open the tub constantly to access the pack. If you have opened one packet, roast the entire batch and use it.
• If you wish to freeze the beans, keep the packet away from extra smelly and spicy food. Storing the coffee away will keep the beans fresh, and your coffee would not have a lingering smell of fish, meat, or spices.
• Even if you have roasted your batch, avoid keeping the coffee on your window or near the light. A cupboard is your best friend if you wish to keep your coffee fresh, solid, and intense.

Conclusion

We hope our ultimate coffee guide gives you ample suggestions and ways to keep your coffee fresh and safe for future consumption.

If you aren’t planning on stockpiling the coffee in your SHTF stockpile, we highly recommend that you start collecting it to keep up your morale during tough times and use it as a barter commodity.

Picture yourself on a long, long voyage out on the unbeatable ocean. Alright, picture yourself to be Ferdinand Magellan or Christopher Columbus.

What is the one food item that you would want to fill your granaries with on your trip across the vast waters?

The answer is Hardtack. You can almost taste its crumbly texture every time you read its name. Hartack has become a bare necessity to everyone globally looking for a non-perishable, nutritious commodity to fill up their kitchen’s storage units. But, forget kitchen units; even long military campaigns have had one essential component – Hardtack biscuits.

Hardtack is close to becoming a lifestyle choice in many parts of the world, simply because it has sold vast amounts in those regions. It is such a common phenomenon to find Hartack in people’s kitchens that it often eludes the spotlight; it is almost a banal aspect today.

You can find it used as the pastry element of many quick-fix dishes as much as it is consumed on its own. Let us take the banality of the table and find out what makes Hartack tick.

What Is Hardtack?

Hartack is a simple biscuit. You can also call it a cracker. It is made primarily out of our food staples – flour, water, and seasoning.

It has popped up throughout history because it is arguably the least complicated food you can make. Hardtack has been observed right from the 16th century and has since been a part of the military’s food ration.

The name ‘Hardtack‘ is supposed to have originated from ‘tack,’ the British slang for food or ration. They added the adjective because the ‘tack’ was hard.

You could venture a guess that some chef refused to let the bread rise, made it crispy instead, and that’s how the Hardtack came into existence. Since it was made of flour, crushed or powdered Hardtack was also used as a thickener in medieval British Chowders.

Hardtack has many synonyms across different regions – Anzac wafers, Brewis, cabin bread, sea bread, and we saved the best name for the last, molar breakers.

What is the nutritive value of Hardtack?

Does Hardtack have any nutritional value? Yes. Therefore, sailors on the sea and soldiers in the army have been typical consumers of Hardtack for a quick fix of calories.

Hardtack available in retail stores is a durable package. A 24-gram cracker can contain roughly 100 kilocalories, 2 grams of protein, and zero fiber.

Hardtack has no complex ingredients, and the cooking part of the biscuit is so arduous that it practically has no moisture left. Because of the absence of any moist content, Hardtack is invincible in time; it has an infinite shelf life.

While Hardtack has enough nutritional components to keep you from hunger during a tiring patch of a trek, it cannot sustain life entirely. Simply munching on Hardtack will not keep you alive through a nuclear catastrophe.

Soldiers who consumed Hardtack in history often used it as a cheap substitute for bread, and they often ate seasoned meat with it. Hardtack can keep you from fainting, but it lacks the proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fiber necessary to stay alive.

Can You Prepare Hardtack At Home?

Yes! It is one of the most straightforward fixes in the kitchen. The ingredients are easy to obtain; they will be present in virtually any kitchen on the planet – flour and water. In addition, you can throw in some salt to the cracker for some finesse in your bread.

Here we go. Start with three cups of flour. Add salt to it; roughly a couple of teaspoons should do fine. After mixing the salt evenly, pour a cup of water into the mix. Knead the mixture into a dough that is not sticky but isn’t too hard either. You can keep adding small amounts of flour or water to get the consistency right.

Now comes the tricky part. Arming yourself with a rolling pin, roll the dough into a flat layer roughly half an inch in thickness. Then, cut the dough into 3″ x 3″ squares and poke a few holes in each one using a fork.

You can cut the dough into any shape or size, frankly. All you have to do is make sure it isn’t too small – chances of overcooking – or too big – chances of it being undercooked.

Now place all your biscuit pieces on an ungreased cookie sheet, and bake it at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for 30 minutes. Next, flip the pieces over and bake them for another 30 minutes.

After cooking, let the cookies sit out for a few days in the sun so they can completely dry out. Voila! Enjoy your homemade Hardtacks!

How Long Can You Store A Hardtack?

Storage and longevity is the arena where Hardtack thrives. But, as we’ve said before, Hardtack has no moisture in it.

The absence of water keeps it from being a haven for microbes; it simply does not go bad. Hand to God, you could eat a Hardtack from the American Civil War era and not get an upset tummy.

Hardtack keeps well for years, nay, decades, nay centuries, even! All the reasons that glorified Hardtack in war times and sailing voyages are relevant today. It is practically bread that never goes stale.

Soldiers embedded in war zones can munch on it easily since it is durable, long-lasting, and not a chore to carry around. Pick out metaphors for gnarly wars and unending voyages in today’s day and age, and you will realize that Hardtack is the safest bet for you in any situation.

It is one of the most valuable foods currently on the planet, and if you don’t eat it, there is a good chance that it will outlive you.

What Can You Use Hardtack In?

Hardtack can be stored till kingdom come. Similarly, it gives you an infinite number of choices to play with it with your culinary skills.

While having Hardtack in all its solitary glory is a viable option for emergency nutrition, it would help to use it like bread.

A tiny note to all those looking to eat solitary Hardtack – eat it in small bits, for a big bite might have you chewing it for a good 15 minutes.

You can enjoy Hardtack with any gravy or soup. Hardtack makes for an excellent replacement for bread croutons in soup. You can use various kinds of seasoning while preparing the Hardtack, maybe throw in some oregano there, and you get your signature savory biscuit. Dip it in some aioli, hot sauce, salsa, or soup, and it will break into magical tasty bits in your mouth.

If you’re looking for a bread component in your protein-y gravies, look no further. Hardtack can make a brilliant base for any gravy. You can also crush the biscuit and use it as a thickener for the gravy itself.

Thanks to the crispy and hard nature of Hardtack, it can be used as the bread base for an open sandwich as well. So get your veggies, meat bits, and sauces together, and top off your crisp Hardtacks with a delicious salad or stuffing.

You can even substitute your usual pancake breakfast with Hardtack once in a while. It is nutritious and healthy enough to be a breakfast. Top off your Hardtacks with honey or maple syrup, and they will taste incredible.

The possibilities are endless, thanks to the versatile nature of Hardtacks. For example, Hardtacks can substitute any form of bread in any meal. So, create something amazing using Hardtack!

Conclusion

We have talked about the most common food on the planet – Hardtack. What started with the Pharaohs of Egypt (yes, we’re not kidding) has traveled ahead in time today and has managed to stay the same.

It is the most fundamental aspect of food that humans have consumed. We would not be surprised if anthropological research found that Hardtack was primordial food for the first humans.

It isn’t very often that commodities thrive in time and space for so long. Only those commodities that have never lost their importance make it through all barriers.

Hardtack is eternal food, literally. It never goes bad. It is easy to make and can be used in any form of food anywhere on Earth. It has given life to those in need, be it soldiers stuck in gruesome wars or explorers in the sea on the brink of discovery.

Its simple and undying nature has kept Hardtack alive and well to date. It is now retailed across the globe, where it has continued to nourish all those in need.

It is known by various names across the globe, and almost all of them are descriptive of its hard nature. The Germans call it “Panzerplatten.” You might recognize the word “Panzer” in there; it was a German tank in the second world war that was supposedly indestructible. And they’re right to name it that. The Hardtack has stayed put through millennia, and it is difficult to prove that that will ever change.

Dehydrated butter is nothing but powdered butter. It is often used to bake goods.

When water is removed from the butter, it is known as dehydrated butter. The process of extracting water from the butter is called dehydration.

What Is Dehydrated Butter

Butter contains approximately 80% fat, 1-2% milk solids, and water. You cannot use dehydrated butter for frying. You can only use it for baking.

Many baking dishes require you to use butter. To add butter to the baking mixture, you need to turn it into a paste. Add some water to the powder and create a thick paste. Make sure it doesn’t become too hard.

Some people also store dehydrated peanut butter. Dehydrated products have a long shelf life. You can keep it for a long time. It does not spoil quickly. You can also dehydrate buttermilk. You can then use the powdered butter to make many different recipes.

Dehydrated butter has a slightly milky taste. It doesn’t exactly taste like butter. You can use it for baking but not for eating. People often use dehydrated butter in the form of paste. Butter and dehydrated butter have different nutritional properties.

Dehydrated butter contains 35 calories. At the same time, regular butter contains 100 calories. The calories in dehydrated butter come from the milk solids. You cannot use dehydrated butter to grease a pan. It will get burnt and stick to the pan.

Powdered butter in a pan will create a mess. Instead, it would be best if you used dehydrated butter to add richness to a dish. If you want to use melted butter, then go for regular butter. It melts quickly and gives you the greasy feel you need.

Reasons To Stockpile Dehydrated Butter

Dehydrated butter has a long shelf life, provided you store it well. Use an airtight container to store dehydrated butter.

Dry food products quickly absorb moisture. So, it is wise to hold it in tightly sealed jars. You could also add oxygen absorbers to the jars. It will keep the dehydrated butter fresh and dry.

There are plenty of reasons to stockpile dehydrated butter. Since you can store it for a long time, people prefer stockpiling dehydrated butter. It is a multipurpose ingredient. You can sprinkle it on your food for flavor, or you can use it to thicken your sauce.

Baking is another great way to use dehydrated butter. Dehydrated butter comes in handy in case of an emergency. You can use it to add some flavor to your potatoes.

There are multiple reasons for stockpiling dehydrated butter. When your electricity goes out, the food in the refrigerator goes bad. Regular butter will melt in this case. If you have dehydrated butter stored in your pantry, you can use it to make multiple dishes.

People who live in areas that are prone to natural disasters should also store dehydrated butter. You can easily use it to add taste to your food. You can also use it to thicken a soup or gravy.

During a flood, most food items might get wet. Since dehydrated butter is a dry item, it will survive. It usually comes in cans that you can preserve for a long time. Many companies also make healthy dehydrated butter. You can use it to make smoothies or shakes.

Dehydrated butter is excellent for adding flavor to snacks. If you have young children in the house, they can easily use dehydrated butter. For example, they can add it to popcorn or potatoes. Dehydrated butter is healthy and easy to use.

People who are on medication can also store dehydrated butter. It works well in case of a flood emergency. Sometimes we forget to purchase groceries.

In this case, you can use dehydrated butter for cooking with whatever you have at home. For example, it can act as a quick fix in soup and sauces. You can also use it to roast chicken or turkey.

It is always good to have a few cans of dehydrated butter in your pantry. You never know when you might need it.

Proper Ways To Store Dehydrated Butter

It would be best if you stored dehydrated butter in a dark and dry place. It should be kept in an airtight container.

Make sure that moisture does not form inside the container. Usually, companies sell dehydrated butter in tight cans. If you are making it at home, then store it in a tightly sealed jar. You can also add a few packets of oxygen absorbers to the jar.

These sachets are filled with a powdered iron. The iron absorbs the oxygen inside the jar and prevents the butter from getting oxidized.

Thus, your dehydrated butter will remain fresh and dry. Do not store dehydrated butter in zip locks. Tighten the tin as soon as you are done using it. Make sure you don’t expose it to the outside air for too long.

You can also freeze dehydrated butter. You can store dehydrated butter in mylar packs. Remove all the air from the pack and fill it with dehydrated butter. Now add a few sachets of oxygen absorbers to the packet and seal it.

Please keep it in the freezer and store it for an emergency. Dehydrated butter works best for long-term storage. Amongst all the items that can go into long-term storage, dehydrated butter is the best. Ideally, it would help if you stored your dehydrated butter in a dry place.

Freezing should be your second option. Even though it is not the way people usually keep dehydrated butter, it does work.

Shelf Life And How To Prolong It

The best way to prolong the shelf life of butter is by canning it. You can store it in mason jars or canned containers.

However, you cannot store regular butter for too long. When you store it for long, the fat can go rancid. That is where dehydrated butter comes in.

Since the water is removed from the butter, it becomes dehydrated. The dried butter turns into powder. It works well for long-term storage. You can store some powdered butter for up to 25-30 years. After that, it is store-bought dehydrated butter.

If you are making dehydrated butter at home, you can store it for up to 5 years. Make sure to store it properly. Keep using it for years. Don’t store and forget. Keep an eye on the stored product.

Even if it is well stored, it is better to keep checking the health of your dehydrated butter. You can increase its shelf life by holding it in a tight container or freezing it. A dry cabinet will be a better option.

It will make the dehydrated powder last longer. Freezing it will also keep it fresh, but not for too long. So whatever you choose, make sure to store it well. And keep a constant check on your product.

Some brands say that you can store unopened cans of dehydrated butter for 5 years. Check the instructions on the can. It will tell you exactly how long you can keep it for. Make sure to store it in a place that has a controlled temperature.

The ideal temperature to store canned, dehydrated butter is 55 degrees Fahrenheit to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The room should be free of humidity. Make sure your canned products are not exposed to direct sunlight either.

The period for which you can store it varies from brand to brand. Make sure to keep it in a dry cabinet. Also, make sure not to use a contaminated spoon. It might tarnish the longevity of the dehydrated powder.

How To Reconstitute Powdered Butter

You can reconstitute powdered butter in many ways. Different brands offer different instructions for reconstitution.

For firm and moldable butter, add 3 tablespoons of water to 1 cup of powdered butter. You can then add it to a baking mixture. However, some people like their butter paste to be soft and runny. In that case, you can add 6 tablespoons of water to 1 cup of powdered butter.

To make spreadable butter, you need to add 3 tablespoons of water to 1 cup of powdered butter. The butter will look like whipped buttercream frosting. You can reconstitute powdered butter in any way you like.

The consistency varies depending on your usage. Every dish requires a different consistency of powdered butter. Make sure to add the correct type of butter to the suitable dish.

Ideally, people add water to powdered butter and turn it into a thick paste. If it is dehydrated flavored butter, then you can spread the mix on toast. Unflavored powdered butter doesn’t taste so good. You can turn it into a paste and use it for cooking.

Some people add equal amounts of water and powdered butter. It can make the mix extremely thin and runny. The best way to go about it is by adding small amounts of water.

Whip the mixture and see if you have found the consistency you like. Keep adding water till you find the perfect blend. Adding water as you go is the ideal way of reconstituting powdered butter.

How To Make Your Own Dehydrated Butter

Making your own dehydrated butter at home might take a little extra effort.

The first step is to cut cold butter into ½ inch long planks. Now spread the planks on a piece of parchment paper. Next, place the parchment paper on your dehydrator. Air circulation is essential when it comes to dehydrating butter.

You need to keep the butter cold all through the process. Now freeze the butter-covered parchment paper for 24 hours. It will give an edge to your dehydrated butter. After that, the butter will begin to dry out in the freezer.

Make sure you dehydrate your butter in a hot and dry place. When the temperature of the room is cold, the temperature of the butter remains intact. However, if it is hot outside, the butter will begin to melt. Melted butter can hamper your entire dehydrating process.

Now dehydrate the butter for a good 12 hours. Make sure the temperature is controlled at all times. It will give you a better-finished product. The next step is to put the butter back into the freezer. Keep it inside for 24 hours. The cold temperature inside the freeze will help dry the butter out.

You can also try a low-level freezing process. If you have the time and the patience, then freeze the butter for a week! Now remove the butter, and voila! You have high-quality dehydrated butter!

Can You Feel The Difference From Proper Butter?

There is a significant difference between dehydrated butter and proper butter. Dehydrated butter tastes a bit milky.

Therefore, it is not as delicious as proper butter. Powdered butter has a mild taste, whereas proper butter has a strong flavor.

Brands usually add a specific ingredient to make them taste creamy. You can check out a few ingredients that can be added to your dehydrated butter.

If you want to use it for baking or cooking, you don’t have to worry about the flavor. But if you decide to sprinkle it on your popcorn, then the taste will matter!

Where To Use Dehydrated Butter

You can use dehydrated butter for several purposes. First, you can use it for baking. People often use dry butter for baking.

It readily mixes with the baking batter. You can use it for baking cakes, muffins, cookies, or any of your favorite recipes. You can also use dehydrated butter to garnish soups.

You can sprinkle a little powdered butter on your soup to add some flavor to it. Some companies sell flavored butter powder. It makes your soup taste creamy and delicious. You can also add dehydrated butter to sauces. It will add a certain richness to your sauce. Some people also add it to their list of camping food.

You can pack a tin of dehydrated butter when you go camping. It is an excellent substitute for butter in an emergency. Use it to sprinkle on your food or turn it into a paste. Raw dehydrated butter may not be as tasty as flavored ones.

So make sure you choose the right one for your camping trip. Dehydrated butter also goes very well with popcorn. Just sprinkle it on your favorite popcorn and enjoy the buttery flavor.

You can also use butter powder for cooking. Add it as a seasoning on your roasted chicken. It thickens the turkey and chicken glaze. Some people also prefer butter powder to their pasta.

It adds a little texture to it. Adding rice is also a great idea. Many health brands also suggest adding dehydrated butter to smoothies and shakes. But, again, you can check the ingredients and use them accordingly.

Conclusion

Dehydrated butter can be used for a variety of things. You can sprinkle it on your popcorn, add it to your baking mix or garnish your soup.

People use it for baking cakes, muffins, and bread. Both garlic bread and plain bread can be baked using dehydrated butter. No matter how you use it, dehydrated butter tastes delicious.

If you make it at home, you will need to add a few ingredients for flavor. But if you purchase from a supermarket, you will find plenty of flavored options. You can store dehydrated butter for a long time. It comes in handy during emergencies.

You can reconstitute dry butter and use it for anything you like. Many brands sell flavored butter powder. You can use this powder to make a paste and spread it on a piece of bread.

Eating raw spinach leaves from your garden or the nearby organic store is one of the best things. Indeed, the best part of spinach is that it will go well with most types of salads.

And you can have so many advantages by adding these super-green leaves to your diet. Here is the problem, though. Spinach leaves do not survive room temperature or refrigeration beyond a point.

It means you cannot expect to finish an entire harvest or bag of spinach by yourself. If you try to store it, you might have to use a few other techniques.

You could consider getting smaller bags of spinach from the store, but it is not so practical. Continuous farming is not the most suitable option for many people. So, the most convenient option is to dehydrate and store spinach.

Dehydration refers to the process of removing water from the spinach leaves and making them last longer. Even better, you can follow multiple routes once you have finished dehydrating spinach.

In this article, we have prepared an ultimate guide to spinach dehydration and long-term storage. We have also answered a few questions you may have about the ordeal. So, without further ado, we will jump into the dehydration process.

How To Dehydrate Spinach?

You can dehydrate spinach in multiple ways. We have covered the three most popular options in this guide.

As you can guess, you may need a unique set of tools while following each method. Therefore, we have covered the steps you need to follow for each technique.

#1 Dehydrate Spinach using a Food Dehydrator

This method is the easiest if you have a dehydrator at your home.

Tools and Equipment Needed:

• A Food Dehydrator
• A Draining Pot
• Chopping Knife

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. As we said, we are using a dedicated food dehydrator for this process. A food dehydrator is a tool to remove water content from food products. It may be done for long-term storage or optimizing the flavor.
2. First, you have to go through the spinach leaves and check if there are dead parts. Once you remove the dead parts, you should wash the spinach leaves thoroughly. Make sure you do not let any contaminants.
3. It is also recommended to remove large stems from the collection. Because these stems contain lots of water, they may cause problems during the dehydration process. In addition, in some cases, the stems might become so dry, ruining the looks and texture of the hydrated spinach leaves.
4. Once you have removed the stems, you can use the chopping knife to make the spinach leaves into an easy-to-manage structure. You can skip this step if you want to use the dehydrated leaves in their biggest size, though.
5. Now, it is time to organize the spinach leaves for drying. Make sure you do not add all the leaves in a single space. Instead, spread them out as much as you can. It is not necessary to separate spinach leaves one by one, but overlapping will be another problem.
6. In this step, you can let the dehydrator do its job. The recommended time is 6 hours, and you have to maintain a temperature of 125 degrees. Depending on the leaves you have, you may have to spend a few more hours. It would help if you waited until the leaves are visibly dry and brittle.

#2 Dehydrate Spinach using the oven

If you do not have a dedicated dehydrator, you can rely on the oven.

Tools and Equipment Needed:

• Oven
• Chopping knife

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. In this method, we are using a conventional oven in your kitchen. It means you do not have to spend extra on a food dehydrator. In addition, you can finish the dehydration process quickly since an oven produces more heat.
2. You have to follow the first three steps we have mentioned in the first method. It means you have to remove contaminants, excess water, and stems from the bunch of spinach leaves you have. You can also chop the leaves if you want.
3. Now, you can use a cookie rack to arrange the spinach leaves for dehydration. You have to set up all the leaves without piling them up. Make sure that everything is placed on an even layer. It would reduce the chances of overburning.
4. You can set the degrees to 125 degrees. However, some ovens may have a minimum temperature of 150 degrees. In that case, you can stick to 150 degrees temperature, but you should keep an eye to see if the heat is too much.
5. As said, you would not have to wait for long, especially if you have chosen 150 degrees temperature. You might have the results in 2 or 3 hours, which is excellent. Once you find that the leaves are dry and brittle, you can move them to another container.

#3 Hang-drying Spinach Leaves

If you do not have an oven, you can try this conventional method to dehydrate spinach leaves.

Tools and Equipment Needed:

• Butcher’s string

Step-by-step Guide:

1. Like we did in the previous methods, you have to clean and arrange the spinach leaves. You do not have to remove stems in this method. The stems would come in handy when we have to set up the string.
2. In this step, you can tie the spinach leaves to the butcher’s string. Make sure that the leaves do not fall, especially if you live in a windy area. Therefore, it is best to make them tight on the string.
3. Now, you can hang the string in a place that does not get direct sunlight. However, exposing the leaves to direct sunlight is not the best idea. Instead, it would be best if you let the spinach leaves become dry with the help of natural air.
4. While this process may look up to 3 or 4 weeks, it does not cost anything. You can leave the spinach leaves hanging for this time and check back once you are ready. Once you find these leaves are dry, you can move them to a plate, container, or zip bag.

So, you can choose between these three options depending on the equipment you have and the time you can

What is the Proper Way to Store Dehydrated Spinach?

There is no single proper way to store dehydrated spinach. However, you can choose one of the following options for the best results.

The choice must be based on how you want to use the spinach in the long term.

1. You can transfer the dehydrated spinach leaves to an airtight bag. We recommend going for a zip bag that would keep things neat. You can store the leaves in the bag and consume them whenever you want.
2. You can create spinach powder, which is easy to use while cooking. You can use this powder to add fresh spinach flavor to your morning eggs, omelets, or other dishes. It is very convenient than adding raw leaves, which may not diffuse the flavor nicely.
3. Instead of creating a powder, you can also create spinach flakes. It would be a great addition to your morning smoothies and other drinks. We hope you know that spinach leaves offer a lot of nutrient values.

These three methods would increase the usability of the spinach leaves to a great extent.

Shelf Life of Dehydrated Spinach

One reason people dehydrate spinach in the first place is to increase the shelf life. So, what would be the average shelf life of dehydrated spinach?

Even though the numbers would vary based on the methods, you can store dehydrated spinach on your shelf for up to six months. In some cases, dry spinach leaves and flakes would last for up to one year.

However, it is unlikely that you would keep the dehydrated spinach for such a long span. These products are so delicious that you can finish them in a month or two.

By the way, you can get the maximum shelf life by converting spinach to spinach powder.

Should You Make Spinach Powder?

Making spinach powder is an effective way to increase the longevity of dehydrated spinach. You can do this by crushing the dry leaves.

You will then have a nice powder that is easy to blend into smoothies and other dishes. Therefore, if you would like to add spinach to many dishes, you should make spinach powder.

Doing so will help you avail of the maximum shelf life as well. You can expect the powder to last on your shelf for up to a year, which is excellent.

Does Spinach Lose Nutrients When Dehydrated?

No, spinach does not lose nutrients when dehydrated. As we have seen, dehydrating does not affect leaves in any chemical form. Instead, the process removes the water from the bunch.

Therefore, spinach powder or spinach flakes would offer the same nutritional advantages as raw spinach leaves would. It would become easy to add flavor into dishes as well. So, dehydrating spinach gives you more benefits than problems. It also makes things convenient to a great extent.

You have to choose the dehydrating method based on how you want to consume it. Not everyone would not love eating hydrated spinach leaves, but spinach powder accompanies most dishes nicely.