First, there is the original packaging. Many of the items that you will rotate regularly through your Three-Month Supply can be left in their original packages and containers. This includes things like dried pasta, cereal, and frozen vegetables. Typically, a "best by" date can be found on the outside of the packaging, and is useful in helping you to use up each product while it will still taste the best. It is always important to use up oldest items and ingredients first before opening a newer item, but it is especially necessary when using and rotating items that have been left in their original packaging. I recently discovered a package of frozen vegetables that had found it's way to the bottom of my chest freezer. It's best by date was six months previous and there was a very small hole in the bag. When I opened the package, it was full of ice and the vegetables were shriveled and dried out because they had lost all of their moisture. It was a reminder to me of the importance of rotating your food.
Next, food items can be repackaged using plastic wrap, zipper-top plastic bags, foil, Food-Saver type bags, or plastic containers. Again, these methods of packaging are more suited to items that will be rotated and used within a fairly short time frame, such as a part of your Three-Month Supply.
Thirdly, food products can be stored in glass or heavy-duty plastic containers. I am not referring to canning items - that is the next section. Using plastic or glass containers, buckets, or jars works well for items dry products that you use on a regular basis. For example, whenever I open one of my #10 cans from my Longer-Term Food Storage, I put it into a glass container so that I can see what is in there, and to keep the contents fresh while I use it up. A friend of mine does the same thing with clear, square, plastic containers. For items I use in larger quantities, such as sugar or flour, I keep them in labeled white buckets with a screw top lid. You can also use food-grade plastic buckets for storing your Longer-Term Supply, but you need to either treat them with nitrogen gas or use dry ice to displace the oxygen.
Fourth, canning food in glass containers is a great storage option. Using the Ward's pressure canner, you can bottle meats, beans, and vegetables. Always, however, make sure you use a tested recipe, and follow the directions to the letter. A great resource for canning recipes is the National Center for Home Food Preservation. They also offer a free online class that covers the basics of canning. Using a boiling water canner, you can bottle fruit and fruit products such as jams. Again, directions can be found on the NCHFP website.
Fifth, a mylar bag, also know as a "dry-pack pouch" is fabulous for packaging items for your food storage. The Ward now has a mylar bag sealer, and the pouches cost $0.35 from the Mesa Home Storage Center. (Remember, prices are subject to change as necessary.) The mylar bags hold more than a #10 can, and cost much less. They also can be stored flat, and therefore can fit in places that #10 can cannot. However, dry-pack pouches are not rodent-proof, and would need to be placed in a secondary container that is rodent-proof if rodents are a concern. You still need to use an oxygen packet with the mylar bags. To seal these bags, you must use a special, heavy-duty sealer called an impulse sealer. A vacuum packaging machine, such as the Food Saver, will not work. We are very, very fortunate to have an impulse sealer for the Ward. Please contact Rebecca Wilcox if you are interested in using it.
Lastly, #10 cans are the most common container used for Food Storage, especially for Longer-Term Supply items. The first Saturday of each month, we will have a ward canning day, and will have a #10 Can Sealer, as well as the Mylar Bag Impulse Sealer available to use. #10 cans and lids can be purchased at the Mesa Home Storage Center. The current price is $1.01 for the can and the metal lid. Remember, prices are subject to change as necessary.
Whatever storage containers you use, make sure you are regularly rotating your food storage, including your Longer-Term Supply in order to have the best quality and flavor possible.
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