01
Feb
2023

Storing Water Long Term for Emergencies

Storing Water Long Term for Emergencies

Water should be near your top priorities when building your emergency survival supplies. You need to be thinking about storing water long term for emergencies. Humans can only survive for about three days without drinking water. We can live for three or four weeks without food.


In many emergency or natural disaster scenarios, there is a distinct possibility that your water supply is compromised. I live in a very earthquake-prone area, and a significant earthquake can easily damage pipes and water distribution systems. I am fully prepared not to have running water for an extended period should a major earthquake hit.

FEMA recommends at least 1 gallon of water per person daily—two quarts for drinking water and two for food preparation.

FEMA’s recommendation is the bare minimum in the worst-case scenario. Many people will probably struggle with 1 gallon per day, especially in hot climates or if doing a lot of physical activity.

In my prepping, I plan on 2 gallons of water per person daily. For my daily use, I need about 2 gallons. I expect to exert myself more during a significant disaster physically.

How Many Days Worth of Water Should I Store?

FEMA recommends three days worth of water minimum. I don’t think this is remotely enough, considering how important water is to our survival.

If you’re in a dry and remote area, you may want to store more water. Or if you live close to clean bodies of water, you may be able to get by with less in storage. I keep a month of water per person in my household.

Your needs and situation may differ from mine, so evaluate your case to determine your needs.

Factors that May Affect How Much Water You Need for Long Term Storage

Your water needs during daily life may be dramatically different during an emergency.

  • Physical Activity – The more active you are, the more water your body will need. During an emergency, there is a good chance you will be more physically active trying to survive.
  • Climate – Living in a hot environment will require more water than living in a colder climate.
  • Age – Young kids don’t need as much water as most adults. I probably drink four times the water of my son.
  • Physical Condition – Some people need more water. My breastfeeding wife needs more water than if she wasn’t breastfeeding.
  • Health – An unhealthy person may not be able to survive on limited water as well as someone in good health.

What containers Should be Used to store water?

There are numerous options when it comes to water storage containers. Check out our detailed post on the best water storage containers.

Bottled Water

Storing bottled water is the quickest and easiest way to get an emergency water supply. There are downsides to this, though. The biggest one is limited shelf life. You can mitigate this by regularly rotating your bottled water.

Pros

  • Plentiful and cheap
  • Easy to transport

Cons

  • Limited shelf life of 6-12 months
  • Plastic bottles break down and can leech into the water

bottles, plastic bottle, bottle

Glass Containers

There are a lot of benefits to glass containers. They can last indefinitely and are impervious to many forms of contamination. If you’re using canning jars, you have the advantage of being able to sanitize the water while it’s in the jars.

Pros

  • Can last indefinitely
  • Easily sterilized
  • It does not break down
  • Visible contents

Cons

  • Fragile
  • Heavier than plastic containers
  • Relatively small size

water, glass bottles, bottles

Plastic Water Storage Containers

These are specialized containers designed for long-term water storage. They are the best option if you’re looking to store more significant amounts of water. Plastic containers come in many shapes and sizes to suit your needs. I use 55-gallon water barrels for most of my emergency water storage. Then I have several smaller containers that are more convenient to transport.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Great for bulk storage
  • Many sizes available
  • It can be lightweight

Cons

  • It must be food grade
barrel, plastic, blue, water

Preparing Water for Storage

Clean and Sanitize Your Containers

For the most extended shelf life, starting with clean containers and clean water is critical. Contaminated water will not last as long and may pose a severe health risk. Many waterborne diseases can cause dysentery and even death.

You can use unscented liquid chlorine bleach to disinfect your containers. Be sure to use new fresh bleach because it degrades over time and becomes less effective.

Disinfect Your Water if Necessary

Many water sources in the US are very clean. No additional treatment is required before putting the water in your containers. Check your local water municipality for information to determine if you should treat your water.

Fill Your Containers

Using a clean water source, fill your sanitized containers. If you need to use a hose, be sure it is one meant for potable water. I use an RV potable water hose since my barrels are far from my water spigot.

Store Your Containers

Choose a suitable cool, dry place to keep your containers. Extreme temperatures, chemicals, and light can cause your water to spoil.

Also, avoid placing your water containers directly on the ground. Chemicals can leach into containers from concrete and other floor materials. I stack my containers on wood platforms.

FAQ

Do I need to disinfect (add chemicals to) the water?

That depends on your water source. If it’s already clean then probably not. Most city water sources in the US are clean enough to not require additional disinfecting.

My stored water tastes funny. Is something wrong?

Possibly, it’s hard to know for sure but if your water tastes strange the safest option is to not drink it.

Can I use the swimming pool as my emergency water source?

You can probably use your pool water during an emergency for a while. The thing is it will not stay safe to drink long term. It may need additional filtering and disinfection to drink safely.

Do I need to filter my water before consumption?

That will depend on how your water was stored and how clean it is. If you have any doubts about the safety of your water additional filtration and sanitation is wise. Waterborne diseases are no joke.

Posted by Mike in Water, 0 comments
30
Jan
2023

How to Store Flour Long Term

How to store flour long term
Flour

If you found this page, you’re probably wondering how to store flour long term. The best way to store flour long-term is by using sealed mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. Using this method will yield the best possible shelf life.

Storing flour in the original paper bag will result in a six-month shelf life. Keeping your flour in an airtight container can extend this up to one year.

How Does Flour Go Bad?

flour, insects
Contaminated flour

If you store flour properly, it can last for a decade or more. The key is to protect flour from the leading causes of flour spoilage.

  • Mold – Flour exposed to excess moisture will be prone to mold. The first sign of mold will be the sour smell. Eventually, you can easily see mold growing in the flour. Moldy flour should be thrown out.
  • Insects – Flour can become contaminated with insect eggs no matter how suitable your storage containers are. If you’re concerned about insect eggs, you can freeze flour to kill any eggs before storage. New bags of flour can contain insect eggs before you even open them.
  • Oxidation – Oxidation caused by exposure to oxygen will cause flour and many other grains to go rancid. Storing flour with an oxygen absorber can significantly reduce this possibility.
  • Absorbing Smells – Flour and many other foods can absorb scents when exposed to a strong odor for some time. Storing flour in airtight containers and away from smelly things can prevent this.

For maximum shelf life, you must protect flour from the following:

  1. Moisture – When storing food long term, it is best to keep things as dry as possible. Without moisture, there is less risk of mold or other contamination.
  2. Heat – The ideal temperature for food storage is about room temperature or 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If your food is experiencing warmer temperatures, it will reduce its usable lifespan
  3. Oxygen – Exposure to oxygen will cause certain foods to oxidize, which can degrade their flavor and nutritional properties. If oxygen is present in your food stores, it will also create an environment for microbes and insects.
  4. Sunlight – If your food is exposed to sunlight, it can affect some foods’ appearance, flavor, and nutrients. Oils and fats are prone to oxidation when exposed to sunlight, increasing the risk they go rancid.
  5. Pests – Rodents and insects can contaminate or destroy your emergency food supply.

How to Store Flour Long Term

There are many ways to store flour to increase its shelf life. Below are a few of the best.

Mylar Bags With Oxygen Absorbers

Shelf life: 10+ years

Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers are the best way to store flour and maximize its shelf life. When done correctly, you can expect whole wheat flour to last up to ten years and white flour to last ten or more.

Sealed mylar bags are airtight and lightproof. When combined with correctly sized oxygen absorbers, no oxygen, moisture, or light compromises the flour. Mylar bags also offer decent protection against insects.

If you vacuum seal bags with oxygen absorbers, it will help prevent insect eggs from hatching. Any insects in the flour, when you seal it, will die due to lack of oxygen.

For detailed info about using oxygen absorbers, check out our post.

Foodgrade Buckets or Canning Jars(mason jar) With Oxygen Absorbers

bucket, plastic, oxygen absorber

Shelf Life: 5+ years

Flour can be stored directly in food-grade buckets, mason jars, or canning jars. As long as your containers have airtight lids, they will do a great job in helping preserve your flour.

The benefit of canning jars is it’s easy to view the contents when periodically checking your stores.

If using food-grade buckets, I recommend gamma lids because they are the most convenient and generally seal the best.

Combine an airtight container with oxygen absorbers for maximum shelf life.

Vacuum Sealing

Shelf life: 1-2 years

You can use consumer-grade vacuum seal bags for flour storage. By vacuum sealing, you will reduce the air packaged with your flour which will help extend the shelf life somewhat.

The problem with this method lies in the limitations of plastic vacuum seal bags. These bags are not completely airtight, and oxygen and moisture will permeate the bags.

This method will undoubtedly extend the shelf life but not as much as a mylar bag.

Freezer

Shelf Life: Indefinitely

You can keep flour in a freezer practically forever. Freezing will protect the flour from most potential contamination sources. The bonus is that freezing will kill insect eggs.

Bring the flour out of the freezer and let it get to room temperature when you intend to use it. If it’s humid, the flour can absorb moisture as it warms. It is best to keep the flour in an airtight container during the warming process to help prevent moisture from absorbing into the flour.

Storing Different Types of Flour

White flour has the longest shelf life of any ordinary flour. This is because it contains very little fat.

Whole grain flour and wheat flour will have a much shorter shelf life than white flour because they contain more fats. Your biggest issue will be those fats going rancid.

Alternative flours like almond flour and coconut flour also contain many oils. These flours will usually go rancid before they spoil from other sources, no matter how well you store them.

Bread flour and self-rising flour shelf life will depend on the extra ingredients within the flour mixture. It will probably last a long time if it’s primarily white flour. It may go rancid if it has a higher fat content than pure white flour.

If you want to store flour long-term and get the best shelf life, use white flour.

FAQ

What is the best long-term way to store flour?

Vacuum seal flour in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers.

Does flour need oxygen absorbers in mylar bags?

Yes, use 400cc oxygen absorber for a one gallon container of flour. Adjust for smaller or larger containers.

Can you use flour two years out of date?

Theoretically yes, it depends on how it was stored. If the flour looks and smells fine it is probably safe to use.

Should I refrigerate flour?

No, it is not necessary to refrigerate flour.

How long can you store flour in Mylar bag?

Ten to twenty years if stored properly with oxygen absorbers.

Can flour last 20 years?

Yes, if it was stored properly.

Is it better to store flour in glass or plastic?

Both can be good for long term storage. You should only use food-grade plastic when storing flour.

Posted by Mike in Food, 0 comments
26
Jan
2023

Can my Distilled Water go bad?

can my distilled water go bad

You may be wondering “can my distilled water go bad?”. Despite being the purest form of water, distilled water, like all water, can go bad and be unsafe to drink or use.

Water that is distilled is purified using the process of distillation. Through this process, the water is boiled. When cooled, the steam is collected and turned back into pure liquid H2O water.

Distilled water can have a longer shelf life than ordinary tap water because of its purity and lack of contaminants. This doesn’t necessarily make it the best choice for storing long-term for emergencies.

The most common use for distilled water is in humidifiers and other household appliances. I like to use distilled water in my steam iron to reduce mineral deposits.

Drinking distilled water is okay but not recommended long term due to the lack of minerals in the water.

Clean tap or spring water is superior to distilled water if drinking water is needed.

How Long Does Distilled Water Last?

drop of water, drop, impact

Distilled water can theoretically have a longer shelf life than other water because it is the purest form. Unopened distilled water jugs will generally be safe to drink and use for several years beyond the best by date if stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

By itself, water cannot go bad, but environmental factors can compromise the safety of the water. Store-bought distilled water in a plastic container can degrade over time. The degradation process may leech chemical contaminants into the water or allow other things in the water.

Distilled Water Shelf Life

RefrigeratedPantry
Opened bottle of distilled water9-12 months3-7 days
Unopened bottle of distilled water2+ years2+ years

Store distilled water in glass bottles that can last much longer because the glass bottles will not degrade.
Opened bottled water can go bad sooner than unopened containers. Opening the container exposes the water to air and potentially other contaminants.
Just because the container was opened doesn’t necessarily mean it will spoil, but water safety must be taken seriously. Waterborne illnesses like Giardia and Cryptosporidium can kill you.

Distilled Water Vs. Purified Water?

heat sink, glass, spiral
glass cooling coils used in the distillation process

Purified water has been filtered to reduce contaminants and improve purity. It is not the same thing as distilled water.
Most purified water will contain more minerals and is less pure than distilled water.

Is It Safe To Drink Distilled Water?

Distilled water is generally safe, provided the water hasn’t gone bad or been contaminated.
If all you have is distilled water, it will be acceptable to drink
The main reason not to drink distilled water is it doesn’t contain essential minerals our bodies need. That is why drinking spring water or regular tap water is preferable.

Is Expired Distilled Water Safe to Use?

Distilled water past its best by date can still be safe to use if stored properly. If you are planning to drink purified water, be extra careful to ensure it hasn’t spoiled.
About a year is the best-by-date on most distilled water I’ve seen. I have drank bottled water years beyond its best by date. There were no water issues, but I noticed a slight plastic taste.
I wouldn’t recommend drinking distilled water well beyond its best by date, but if you must, you definitely can do so.

How do I Tell if Distilled Water has Gone bad?

algae, water, bottle, plastic

It can be challenging to tell if water has gone bad. Waterborne pathogens can live in water that looks and smells completely fine.

I got e.coli from drinking contaminated bottled water during a military training exercise in 2013. The water looked, smelled, and tasted perfectly clean, and there was no sign the water contained e.coli bacteria. We only learned of the e.coli after using specialized water testing equipment.

If you have any doubt about the safety of your water, don’t risk drinking it.

If you’re in a dire situation, boiling water can kill most pathogens in water. Remember that boiling usually won’t remove hazardous chemicals from the water.

  • Green Algae – Algae can grow in water if the water has been contaminated and the conditions are right. Water with algae will be a yellow or greenish color. You may also notice greenish sediment in the container.
  • Cloudiness – If your water is cloudy, it can indicate contamination or pathogens. Avoid drinking murky distilled water.
  • Unusual smell – Strange smells strongly suggest something is wrong with your water. Just because water smells good doesn’t mean it’s safe, but don’t drink it if it stinks.
  • Chemical taste – Water with an unusual or chemical taste is an indication the distilled water is contaminated. It may be chemicals from the container breaking down or something else.

How to Safely Store Distilled Water

Storing distilled water long term is the same as storing normal water. For the most extended shelf life, it’s best to use containers designed for long-term water storage. Check out our post on the best water storage containers.

  • Keep your water in a cool, dry place.
  • Use the proper containers. Food-grade HDPE plastic containers are designed to safely store water long term.
  • Avoid direct sunlight. The sunlight can cause algae growth and the plastic containers to degrade
  • Keep away from odorous materials. Strong scents can permeate your water containers and contaminate the water.
  • Keep lids secure. Tightly sealed lids will prevent air exposure and leakage.

FAQ

Is drinking distilled water safe?

Yes, it is safe to drink distilled water.

Can bacteria grow in distilled water?

Yes, bacteria can grow in distilled water if it is contaminated.

How long does distilled water last?

The best by date on most bottles of distilled water is about one year if it is unopened.

How long does distilled water last after being opened?

Opened distilled water can last a year or more if stored correctly. Be careful if you intend to drink it.

How do I extend the lifespan of distilled water?

Store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

What are the risks of consuming contaminated distilled water?

Consuming contaminated water can cause death or severe illness from waterborne pathogens or other contaminants.

Does distilled water need to be refrigerated after opening?

If you want to drink distilled water, it should be refrigerated after opening. It does not need to be refrigerated if used for appliances.

Does distilled water have chlorine?

No, it is pure H2O.

Posted by Mike in Water, 0 comments
25
Jan
2023

Can my Vaseline or Petroleum Jelly Expire?

Can my Vaseline or Petroleum Jelly expire?

Petroleum jelly commonly known as Vaseline is a common skin ointment used to treat burns, dry skin, and other skin ailments. It can also be used as a fire starter in an emergency.

Does Vaseline and Petroleum Jelly Expire?

Vaseline petroleum jelly can eventually expire if the jar is opened. The best by date on containers of Vaseline is about three years. In many cases an opened jar of vaseline can last much longer than three years.

An unopened new jar of Vaseline or petroleum jelly can last for at least 10 years when stored properly and probably much longer.

If you’ve got an old Vaseline jar laying around in your medicine cabinet and you’re wondering if you can still use it we can help you answer that question.

How do I Know if Vaseline has gone bad?

petroleum jelly, vaseline, ointment

Vaseline petroleum jelly and most other brands of petroleum jelly are generally going to be safe to use on your skin up to five years beyond the best by date.

If you opened a container of Vaseline and it looks and smells normal it’s probably fine to use.

Really old petroleum jelly may start to discolor or its consistency may become more watery. Old Vaseline can still be used as a lubricant and firestarter once it’s not suitable for skin use.

Pure petroleum jelly is not prone to bacteria or mold growth because it has no nutrients that would allow such organisms to thrive. The contents of an unopened jar of Vaseline should be a sterile environment further preventing bacteria.

An old opened jar of vaseline may have contaminants like skin cells and moisture which could create a breeding ground for bacteria to grow.

What is Vaseline Made of?

Petroleum jelly was discovered as a byproduct of the petroleum production process.

Vaseline and most other generic petroleum jelly (also known as soft paraffin) products are a mixture of various hydrocarbons, mineral oils and waxes.

Does Vaseline Last Longer Than Petroleum Jelly?

petroleum jelly, vaseline, ointment

Vaseline has the same shelf life as any other petroleum jelly. There is no difference in shelf life between various brands of petroleum jelly.

If the container is unopened and stored correctly, Vaseline or petroleum jelly can last decades.

What can I use Vaseline Petroleum Jelly for?

petroleum jelly, vaseline, ointment

Vaseline is an incredibly versatile substance. I’ve used it to lubricate a door hinge, protect wounds, and I even put it on my legs to prevent chafing during long hikes.

Here is a list of common ways you can use petroleum jelly.

  • Treat dry skin and chapped lips

  • Heal minor cuts scrapes and burns

  • Treat diaper rash

  • Can be used in place of mineral oil

  • Prevent chafing

  • Lubricate machinery

  • Prevent rust on knives and other steel tools

  • Create a fire starter using cotton balls or cloth

Because of its versatility, Petroleum jelly is an excellent thing to add to a bug out bag or emergency supplies along with your food and water. If you’re interested in the best long term food storage containers check out our post here.

How do I Store Vaseline Properly?

Vaseline should be stored in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight. When stored properly in this way generic petroleum jellies and Vaseline can have an extremely long shelf life. Some believe it can last nearly indefinitely.

FAQ

What Does Old or Expired Vaseline Look Like?

It may be discolored or smell unusual. Old petroleum jelly is still very useful for things beyond skincare when it is old.

How do I know if my Vaseline is expired?

The package will have a best by date on the package.

Can bacteria grow in petroleum jelly?

If the petroleum jelly is contaminated it can potentially grow bacteria. Unopened petroleum jelly will not grow bacteria.

How to store Vaseline?

Keep Vaseline in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight.

Does Vaseline have an expiration date and does it expire?

Vaseline has a best by date and doesn’t technically have an expiration date. In most cases Vaseline and generic petroleum jellies can be used well beyond the expiry date on the package.

Can Vaseline clog pores?

Some people can experience clogged pores from Vaseline

What happens when you use expired Vaseline?

Even Vaseline years beyond it’s best by date can be perfectly fine to use.

Does unopened Vaseline last longer?

Yes, unopened Vaseline is sterile and can last decades.

Any other uses for Vaseline petroleum if it’s gone off?

Yes you can use extremely old Vaseline for many things

Can the life span of petroleum jelly be extended?

Yes, the life span of petroleum jelly can be extended by storing it properly in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight.

Safety concerns of using petroleum jelly

Petroleum jelly is generally very safe but should not be used internally or eaten. Some people may be allergic to it.

Posted by Mike in Gear and Supplies, 0 comments
24
Jan
2023

The best long term food storage containers

bucket, mylar, plastic, food

There are numerous options when it comes to long term food storage containers. Each type of container has it’s pros and cons.

What works best for my family may not suit your needs. It’s up to you to determine what works best for your situation.

Long Term Food Storage Considerations

It takes a fair amount of time, effort, and resources to put together a supply of long term food storage containers. If I’m going through the effort I want my supplies to last as long as possible.

To get the longest shelf life out of your long term food supply you must control for following five main things:

  1. Moisture – When storing food long term it is best to keep things as dry as possible. Without moisture there is less risk for things like mold or other contamination.

  2. Heat – The ideal temperature for food storage is about room temperature or 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If your food is experiencing warmer temperatures it will reduce its usable lifespan

  3. Oxygen – Exposure to oxygen will cause certain foods to oxidize which can degrade their flavor and nutritional properties. If oxygen is present in your food stores it will also create an environment for microbes and insects to live.

  4. Sunlight – If your food is exposed to sunlight it can effect the appearance, flavor, and nutrients of some foods. Oils and fats are prone to oxidation when exposed to sunlight increasing the risk they go rancid.

  5. Pests – Rodents and insects can contaminate or completely destroy your emergency food supply.

6 Options for Long Term Food Storage Containers

You can use nearly anything for long term food storage containers but not all are created equal.

Original Packaging

rice, bag, plastic

Storing food in it’s original packaging is not going to give the longest shelf life but it’s still a viable option for many dry foods. You can still get at least a year or two shelf life from many dry foods in their original packages.

I keep a portion of our emergency food in it’s original package but we rotate through it regularly. We make sure to consume the foods prior to their best by date so the food is always fresh.

The original packaging of many things will not be very rodent proof so you must consider this if you’re opting to keep your emergency food in the original packages. I keep my foods stored in a storage room with rodent proof shelves so they are protected should rodents get into my building.

Pros:

  • Very easy

  • Affordable

  • No special equipment required

Cons:

  • Not rodent or insect proof

  • Packages aren’t very durable

  • Insect eggs may hatch if present in the packages

Plastic Containers

bottle, rice, plastic

If you’re on a budget, recycling plastic containers like soda bottles and jars can work great. Make sure to clean and dry the containers prior to putting food in them. They will keep your food protected against most pests.

Plastic bottles are also quite durable and water resistant in case they get knocked over or wet.

Since many plastic containers can be porous there they may allow moisture and oxygen into the food storage containers over time. You can use desiccants and oxygen absorbers to help with this issue.

If you’re choosing to use recycled plastic containers to store food I recommend regularly rotating your stocks.

Pros:

  • Cheap

  • Durable

  • Pest resistant

  • Contents are visible for easy inspection

Cons:

  • Humidity and Oxygen can slowly permeate the containers

  • Plastic can degrade over time

Glass Jars

jam, fruit, jars

Mason jars and other glass jars have been used in long term food storage for over a hundred years. They are still an excellent storage container for keeping food stored long term.

The biggest downsides to glass jars is they can be fragile and heavier than some other containers.

I don’t use that many glass jars in my food prepper pantry but I keep them on shelving that won’t allow the jars to fall in the the event of an earthquake. I also store some of them in non-food grade buckets as additional protection from breakage.

Pros:

  • Cheap

  • Very pest resistant

  • Contents are visible for easy inspection

  • Reusable and does not degrade

Cons:

  • Fragile

  • Heavier

  • Lids can rust in humid environments

Mylar Bags With Oxygen Absorbers

mylar, bag, food, storage

Mylar bags are one of the most popular containers for long term food storage. They come in all imaginable sizes and are relatively cheap.

The mylar bags when sealed correctly are airtight and moisture resistant. Mylar bags also have the advantage of being impervious to light.

When you combine them with an appropriately sized oxygen absorber you have a storage container which can keep some dry foods good for decades.

For more details on how to properly use oxygen absorbers read our post here.

Pros:

  • Airtight and moisture proof

  • Easy to reseal after opening

  • Numerous sizes available

Cons:

  • Can be damaged

  • Not pest resistant

  • Cost

Plastic Food Grade Buckets

bucket, plastic, food

Food grade buckets make an excellent food storage container by themselves. Some people simply dump their dry food inside and seal them up. This works decently enough but a plastic bucket may not be entirely airtight depending on the lid.

I prefer to use vacuum sealed mylar bags and place them inside the buckets. This gives an extra layer of protection for the food.

If you store food in plastic buckets you can be fairly confident that most pests will not be able to get to your food. Combine this with a mylar bag and your food can last decades.

Pros:

  • Durable

  • Pest resistant

  • Protects from light and air

  • Reusable

Cons:

  • Cost and availability

  • Some lids are not airtight

#10 Metal Cans

can, metal, food, storage

Pronounced “ten pound cans” these are commonly found metal can that can hold about 115 fluid ounces. For reference, the soup cans you find at the store are called #2 cans and hold about 16 fluid ounces of liquid.

When correctly sealed #10 cans are airtight and light proof. They are also quite durable.

The biggest downside is the sealing tools can cost around $1000 or more. This tool is required to seal these cans.

Pros:

  • Durable

  • Conveniently sized

  • Airtight and light proof

Cons:

  • Expensive tool required

  • Can be difficult to open without a can opener

  • Not reusable

  • Can rust in humid environments

FAQ

What is the best way to store dry food long term?

It depends, but using mylar bags with oxygen absorbers inside sealed buckets work very well for most dry foods.

Do I need food grade buckets with mylar bags?

If you are vacuum sealing your mylar bags food grade buckets aren’t required.

What is the best container to keep food fresh?

Vacuum sealed mylar bags can keep foods fresh for a long time.

What foods are best for long term storage?

Dry foods like white rice, dry beans, and dry pasta can last decades when stored correctly.

What kind of bucket is best to store food long term?

If you are putting your food directly in the bucket it must be food grade.

Posted by Mike in Food, 0 comments

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