An emergency may appear in various forms: as an earthquake, as a cyclone or even as a situation of war. It is up to us to be prepared to respond to such eventualities.
The first form to guard ourselves is, no doubt, ensure our food storage for some time.
In most cases, one of the first things missing is the electricity and water, so our emergency “storeroom” should be constituted by packaged long-life and or dry food. As we can have to eventually abandon our homes the choice of products must also pass by the required storage space and ease of transportation.
Another precaution to be taken in the choice of food is its nutritional value, because usually in emergency situations the energetic costs tend to be higher than the in normal situations. Therefore, we should choose foods with high energy and protein.
Usually foods are not processed and packed in order to last long. The exceptions are canned food, dried beans, some fruit and sugar.
Tip: Do not forget the open cans.
This list is designed such that the player, in case of emergency, can extend the life expectancy for a maximum time possible.
1. Peanut Butter
High energy food, consisting of healthy fats and proteins.
Except where indicated otherwise, does not require refrigeration after opening.
2. Whole-wheat crackers
Great as a substitute for bread, and can even be used to make sandwiches. Because they are richer in fats than their regular wheat sisters, its useful life is shorter. But can we pack them in vacuum in order to increase their useful life.
Its high fiber content compensates a lot when we have quite hungry.
3. Nuts and trail mixes
Definitely a food to store in large quantities for its high energy. They are very nutritious and healthy beside being delicious snacks.
Once again it is advisable to opt for purchasing those that come packaged in individual doses to prevent its oxidation.
4.Cereals
Preferably the multi-cereals (eg Muesli). In the interests of nutritional balance, opt for products packaged in individual doses, once again, to keep the product always fresh after each use.
5. Granola bars and power bars
Extremely satiating and healthy, these foods have a shelf life of at least 6 months within the package. In addition, they are an excellent source of carbohydrates.
6. Dried fruits, such as apricots and raisins
In the impossibility of ingesting fresh fruit, this food is an excellent substitute as a source of potassium and fiber. “Dried fruits provide you with a significant amount of nutrients and calories”, says Swanson.
7. Canned tuna, salmon, chicken, or turkey
With an average duration of 2 years within the package, are an excellent source of animal protein. When vacuum packed their duration is shorter, being more or less than 6 months.
8. Canned vegetables, such as green beans, carrots, and peas
When there is no possibility to get these foods in their natural form, canned vegetables are the best option it to obtain essential nutrient.
9. Canned soups and chili
Remember buying these foods with low sodium (salt).
Soups and canned chilli are an excellent option for obtaining various nutrients, with the advantage that they can be consumed directly from the can.
10. Bottled water
Try to have a permanent reservation for at least 3 days.
The daily recommended amount per person is 1 Gallon, knowing that half gallon of which is the amount needed for human consumption per day on average, and half for hygiene and food preparation and cooking.
11. Sports drinks, such as Gatorade or Powerade
The electrolytes and carbohydrates present in these beverages will help you rehydrate your body and maintain its normal functioning, especially when water becomes scarce.
12. Powdered milk
A large part of the milk product need refrigeration, so the excellent milk powder substitute and an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D.
13. Sugar, salt, and pepper
Although normally be used as for seasoning or sweetener, if you find a way to cook, sugar and salt are also a source of energy and mineral salts respectively.
14. Multivitamins
Multivitamins, liquid or in pills, are dietary supplements that will help you to balance the nutrients from your body and make compensation of an exceptional diet, not as balanced as in common days.
15. Apples
Apples can have a useful life of up to 3 months, when stored in a dark, dry and cool place (our grandparents could save apples almost an entire year in the basement or attic). It is advisable to keep this fruit away from other more perishable (eg bananas) to prevent rot by contagion.
16. Citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruits
Because they have acid content and tough skin, citrus, can be kept to a maximum of 2 weeks (sometimes a little longer) without refrigeration. Especially if bought before the state of full maturity.
Citrus fruit is extremely high in vitamin C and will keep you hydrated.
17. Avocados
If it is not to, the avocado remains unrefrigerated for at least one week.
18. Tomatoes
When acquired still a bit green and bark intact, tomatoes last for quite a few days.
19. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams
In the possibility of cooking food, these are a great accompaniment and quite nutritious. When stored in a dark, dry and cool place potatoes have a long durability.
Farmers can keep potatoes for consumption of one crop to another.
20. Cucumbers and summer squash
These vegetables can be eaten raw and remain unrefrigerated for a few days.
21. Winter squash
Although you can not eat them raw, if you have the possibility to cook during emergency this is a food having large quantities.
22. Hard, packaged sausages
Hard, packaged sausages, such as sopressata and pepperoni are an indispensable items to anyone who is preparing an emergency storeroom of due to their long duration.
Nobody can eat tuna and canned meat forever … so these foods are an excellent option.
If kept in the package have a duration of six months. Also have a duration of a few days after opening, thus making it a must-have product for emergencies.
Note: The duration of fruits and vegetables from organic production is far superior to those from intensive agriculture and further genetically manipulated, not to say they are very tasty and healthy.