Hi everyone, and welcome to Experimental Homesteader Podcast, where we explore all things self-sufficiency, homesteading, and preparedness. I’m Sheri Ann Richerson, and I’m so excited to have you here today!
If you’ve ever wondered how to store food in a way that keeps it fresh, safe, and ready to use when you need it most, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving into the Secrets to Food Storage—covering everything from pantry basics to long-term preservation tips that will make your life easier and your pantry more reliable.
And before we dive in, I want to let you know about my book, 101 Self-Sufficiency Tips. It’s packed with practical advice, including how to plan, preserve, and organize your food storage for any situation. You can find it on Amazon or through the link in the show notes.
Let’s start with the basics: Why is food storage so important?
Food storage isn’t just for emergencies—it’s a practical way to save money, reduce food waste, and always have the ingredients you need at your fingertips. Whether you’re stocking up for winter, building a prepper pantry, or simply trying to stretch your grocery budget, learning how to store food properly is a game changer.
Did you know that improper storage can lead to spoilage, pests, or even foodborne illness? That’s why it’s so important to follow a few simple rules to keep your food fresh and safe.
Now, let’s talk about the three pillars of effective food storage: Environment, Containers, and Rotation.
- Environment:
- Food needs to be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place. Heat and humidity can speed up spoilage, while light can degrade nutrients.
- Avoid storing food in garages or attics—these spaces can get too hot or too humid.
- Containers:
- Always use airtight, pest-proof containers. For dry goods like rice, flour, and pasta, transfer them from their original packaging into BPA-free containers or jars with a tight seal.
- Consider adding oxygen absorbers to extend shelf life for things like grains or dehydrated foods.
- Rotation:
- Use the FIFO method: First In, First Out. This means you always use the oldest items first to avoid spoilage.
- Label everything with dates so you know when it was stored and when it should be used.
So, what are the best foods to store? Let’s go through a few staples that are perfect for a prepper pantry:
- Dry Goods: Rice, beans, and pasta have long shelf lives and are easy to store. Just make sure they’re kept in airtight containers.
- Canned Goods: Vegetables, fruits, and meats can last years if stored properly. Avoid cans with dents or rust.
- Dehydrated Foods: Fruits and vegetables that are dried and vacuum-sealed can last 5-10 years.
- Bone Broth: Make your own and freeze it in portioned containers—it’s a lifesaver for quick meals.
- Spices and Sweeteners: Sugar and dried spices can last indefinitely if stored correctly. They’re essential for adding flavor to your pantry meals.
Before we wrap up, let’s talk about a few common mistakes people make with food storage:
- Ignoring Temperature Fluctuations: Don’t store food in places where temperatures vary widely—it can cause spoilage.
- Skipping Labels: If you don’t label your food, you’ll lose track of what needs to be used first.
- Relying on One Method: Diversify your food storage techniques—canning, freezing, and dehydrating all have their strengths.
If you avoid these mistakes, you’ll save money and time, and your pantry will be a reliable resource when you need it most.
That’s it for today’s episode of Experimental Homesteader Podcast. I hope these secrets to food storage have inspired you to take a closer look at your own pantry and make it the best it can be.
If you’re ready to dive deeper, check out my book, 101 Self-Sufficiency Tips, where I cover even more food preservation techniques, pantry organization tips, and weekly stockpiling strategies to save money and stay prepared year-round.
And if you’re looking for hands-on learning, don’t miss my live mini-class, Food Preservation for Self-Sufficient Living. It’s a 90-minute session packed with actionable tips to help you master food storage and more.
You can find links to both the book and the class in the show notes.
Finally, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, or share this episode with someone who could benefit from it. And if you’ve got questions or tips of your own, join the conversation in my free Facebook group, Homesteading and Prepping - Learning, Living, Loving Self-Sufficiency.
Until next time, happy prepping!
Show Notes:
Here are the links to the resources mentioned in the podcast above.
1o1 Self-Sufficiency Tips Book (hardcopy and Kindle version)
Homesteading and Prepping - Learning, Living, Loving Self-Sufficiency Facebook Group
Food Preservation For Self-Sufficient Living Mini Class
Be sure to look for the Experimental Homesteader Podcast on Apple Podcasts and also Amazon Music - and be sure to follow so you don't miss an episode!
