Doomsday preppers would know, but most moms do, too! You see, the kitchen cupboard is like the storage space where moms keep their arsenal of weapons aka food supplies and other essentials for survival. But not many of us are aware that most of the items in our pantry could likely outlive us. Yes, some food, by design or by nature, carries an indefinite time until when we can consume them safely.
Of course, some of them would still need to be subjected to certain conditions for them to last longer, or as expected. In the event of a calamity or, okay, zombie apocalypse, these are the food items you might want to consider stocking because we do not know how long Brad Pitt would take to get to a UN base and figure out the cure, get it? World War Z reference? No? Watch it. You might learn a thing or two.
From basics like grains, rice, and other condiments, canned and other dried food can last for a long time. There is a reason why most post-apocalyptic movies feature these items as one of the essentials for survival. Now, all you have to do is inspect, and sometimes, use your God-given senses to spot spoilage and determine whether the food is still edible or not. First things first, airtight containers. Invest in these lifesavers and money-saving containers.
Popcorn
Popcorn stores moisture for up to 12 months. That stored moisture is the reason for them to pop when heated. When properly stored, unopened popcorn can last indefinitely. Microwave popcorn usually lasts 6-8 months. Since it’s a high-fiber whole grain, when lightly seasoned and air-popped, popcorn is an ideal healthy snack.
Fun fact: During World War II, due to the sugar shortage, Americans reported eating three times more popcorn.
Rice
Unless it’s brown, another item with an indefinite shelf life is rice, likely due to its low oil content. Like the other food items on this list, when properly stored in an airtight container, rice could surely last you long enough. A piece of information that is timely and very useful yet often forgotten. If you can afford to buy as much rice as you can, make sure they’ll be placed in a cool and dry place, free from bugs, and stored in an airtight container.
Fun fact: The Great Wall of China is held together by sticky rice armor.
Dried Pasta
Generally, dried food can last longer than most food products that aren’t. In the case of dried pasta, it’s still safe to use past its expiration date, so long as you don’t smell any rancid odor, especially pasta made from eggs. Like everything else, when stored properly, pasta could last forever, but of course, the quality decreases after the two-year mark from the time of purchase.
Fun fact: Pasta is Italian for paste, which is a combination of flour and water. If pasta is cooked properly, it should stick to a wall when it is thrown.
Low-Acid Canned Food
Whether it be soup, vegetables, meat, or beans, so long as they contain low acid content, they could last you two to five years. Like rice, make sure they are stored in a dry and cool place, away from damp areas like under the sink or near the stove. Make it a habit, as well, to spot rusts, dented or bulging cans, or leakages. These are clear indicators that the food inside the can is already spoiled.
Fun fact: Aside from being the safest form of food packaging, the materials used for canned goods are environmentally friendly, because well, you can recycle them endlessly. It is the most recycled item in the world.
Dried Beans
Since we have already established that dried products often last longer than other food products, given they’re stored properly, dried beans are considered non-perishable. They can still be safe to eat after five years, but the vitamins and nutrients in them diminish through time. Apart from the ones listed below, there is a long list of food that has an indefinite shelf life. Honey, vinegar, sugar, salt, and other dried food that are pantry staples are considered non-perishable. So, the next time you open that cupboard, do not think twice about these food items.
