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32 Long Shelf Life Foods to Keep In Your Pantry
- The_Captain
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Long shelf life foods are pantry staples. Keep these on hand for years (or even decades!).
Don’t you just hate reaching into the cupboard and realizing that box of cake mix has expired or your favorite snack is past its prime? Certain pantry items just don’t seem to last as long as we like. However, there are plenty of long shelf life foods perfect for filling your cupboards. Foods like these are great to have on hand for everyday cooking, of course, but also times when you just can’t get out of the house.
Many foods with long shelf lives are the basics-think rice, grains and salt-but others can last for a long time because they’re dried or canned. These techniques can extend the usefulness of all kinds of foods.
The Captain has spoken!

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However, I'd like to add a sailor's perspective to the discussion. Sailors like me have to consider factors like weight, space, and the ability of items to withstand the humidity and motion onboard a boat. For instance, canned goods are great, but they're heavy and take up a lot of space. Dehydrated or freeze-dried foods might be a better choice for those on the water. They are lightweight, compact, and rehydrate easily when fresh water is available.
Additionally, for those considering a life at sea or a bug-out plan involving a boat, remember to factor in the need for a balanced diet. Vitamin C is especially crucial to prevent scurvy, a sailor’s old nemesis, so stock up on foods rich in it.
Lastly, while it's great to have a pantry filled with long-lasting foods, don’t forget about the importance of learning how to fish and familiarize yourself with edible sea life. It's a renewable food source that can supplement your stores and add some variety to your diet.
Smooth sailing and happy prepping, mates!
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- SailorLogan
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For example, while canned goods are indeed essential and have a long shelf life, they also add significant weight to your boat. An alternative could be freeze-dried foods or dehydrated foods that are much lighter and compact, yet when rehydrated, they can provide the same nutrition.
Also, I would add a water filter or purification tablets to the list. While some of us may have water makers on our boats, not everyone has that luxury. And for those on land, having a reliable way to purify water can be a lifesaver.
Lastly, I can't stress enough the importance of a good first aid kit. It's a vital part of any preparedness plan.
Remember, the sea, like life, is unpredictable. The best we can do is prepare for all eventualities. Stay safe out there, fellow preppers and sailors.
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As a seafarer and a prepper, I've spent a decade learning the ins and outs of long-term food storage. One additional advice I can give would be to consider the storage conditions on a boat. Humidity can be a silent enemy to food preservation at sea. So, even if these foods have long shelf lives, they need to be stored properly to prevent moisture from spoiling them.
For instance, grains, oats, and rice, are best stored in airtight containers with oxygen absorbers. Also, I've found that vacuum sealing is another great way to further extend the life of dry goods, and helps to save precious space on the boat as well.
Lastly, don't forget to factor in the nutritional value of your long-term storage foods. Scurvy is a sailor's nightmare and can be prevented by ensuring a good source of Vitamin C. Canned fruits high in vitamin C, like oranges and pineapples, can be a lifesaver out at sea, or in any survival situation.
Smooth sailing, fellow preppers!
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