Shelf Stable Meals Means Good Eating Even When The Electricity Is Out

By Karyn Shields


Survivalists tell us that we must have, already prepared, a bug out bag with enough supplies to last us at least three days. Water, itself, because of the weight, will be an issue, however, food is a bigger one as most people like to eat a few fresh things every day and there can be none of that in a bag that must be grabbed quickly in order to survive. That is why shelf stable meals will help out when you need to get going.

The bug out bags that you may have heard about must contain water, food and shelter for about three days for you and your party. Dragging along a bunch of cans, which are safe, will be a load that you may not want to tackle. Dehydrated food, which is stable for long periods of time, is a better option and the selections available are better than they used to be.

Many manufacturers will offer this type of food and many people remember when they ate them in the military. They were and still are called MREs or meals ready to eat. They come as dehydrated or individually canned meals, boxed with a main course and, occasionally a dessert. Some need to be heated and some are fine just as they are.

You may decide to prepare your own shelf stable foods by canning, storing or otherwise containerizing normal foods in preparation for the day you will need them. The basic categories are carbohydrates, fats and proteins, all of which are necessary for fairly balanced meals. These can be handled in ways that make them available whenever you need them.

Carbohydrates are the grains and beans that comprise the majority of the meals you can eat, literally, on the run. These are low in cost and contain vitamin B and some sources of protein. Sugar and honey provide carbohydrates as well and all of these items will store for long periods of time in sealed plastic containers.

The proteins everyone needs can be satisfied with meat and fish. These, however, do not store very well as the moisture content is too high for safe food outside of a refrigerator. These items can be stored and packed easily in a bug out bag by canning them. Individual portions can be as delicious, out in the field as they do at home, when you have a selection of them to consider.

The fats are something the body needs. It is used for fuel and contains many vitamins and proteins not found anywhere else. The problem with fat is it can become rancid fairly quickly. That is not a problem with Coconut oil as it can last long periods of time at room temperatures and everyone needs fats for taste as well as anything else. Include a container of this oil in every bug out bag as you can use it for a variety of things non food related as well.

Even if you are just concerned about having a stable supply of food, regardless of what happens, shelf stable is a good thing to think about. Things that will not go bad. Things that you can take in the case of an emergency or even if you just want to take a long hike and still eat good.




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