Most people believe that refrigeration is necessary to keep food from spoiling. However, there are actually a number of foods that can last for weeks or even months without being refrigerated. These foods include:
-Fruits and vegetables such as apples, potatoes, and onions.
-Breads and pastries.
-Canned goods such as soups and stews.
-Dried meats such as jerky or salami.
-Nuts and seeds.
Of course, the length of time these foods will last without refrigeration will vary depending on the conditions they are stored in (for example, if they are kept in a cool, dark place they will last longer than if they are stored in a warm, humid environment). However, if you need to store food for an extended period of time without access to refrigeration, these are some of the best options.
Bouillon. magne z 2 Getty Images
Bouillon cubes are a concentrated form of broth made by simmering meat, bones, and vegetables in water. The resultant liquid is then strained and cooled, resulting in a thickened, flavorful base that can be used to make soups, stews, and sauces.
Bouillon cubes have a long shelf life and do not require refrigeration. However, once opened, they should be used within a few days. Bouillon cubes are an easy way to add flavor to dishes without having to prepare homemade broth.
Canned Fruits, Vegetables and Beans. SarapulSar38 Getty Images
Canned fruits, vegetables and beans are some of the longest lasting food items without refrigeration. Canned goods can last for months or even years without refrigeration, as long as they are stored in a cool, dry place.
While many people think that canned goods are only good for emergency situations, such as power outages or natural disasters, they can actually be a part of your everyday diet. Canned fruits and vegetables can be just as nutritious as fresh produce, and often times more affordable. Beans are a great source of protein and fiber, and can be used in a variety of recipes.
Here are some tips for using canned foods in your everyday cooking:
-Rinse fruits and vegetables before eating or cooking to remove any added salt or sugar. -Add canned fruits to yogurt or oatmeal for a healthy breakfast or snack. -Top salads with canned beans or veggies for extra protein and fiber. -Make homemade soups using canned tomatoes, beans and veggies. Add some fresh herbs for flavor. -Use canned fruit (such as pineapple chunks) to make quick and easy fruit salad.
Corn Starch. Shutterstock Michelle Lee Photography
When about stocking your pantry with non-perishable staples, corn starch is a great option. This powdery ingredient is derived from the endosperm of the corn kernel, and is commonly used as a thickening agent in sauces, gravies, and pies. While you may not think of it as an all-purpose ingredient, corn starch can actually be used in a variety of ways.
One advantage of keeping corn starch on hand is that it has a long shelf life. When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, this pantry staple can last for up to two years. This makes it a great option for those who like to be prepared for anything.
Another plus of this versatile ingredient is that it’s relatively inexpensive. A one-pound bag of corn starch typically costs less than $2.00 USD, making it an affordable addition to your kitchen pantry.
So what can you do with corn starch? Here are some ideas:
1) Use it as a thickener: Cornstarch is often used as a thickening agent in soups, sauces, and gravies. Simply whisk the powder into your desired liquid until desired consistency is achieved. Keep in mind that cornstarch will thicken when heated, so be sure not to add too much at once or your dish may become too thick. 2) Make homemade laundry detergent: Believe it or not, you can use cornstarch to make your own laundry detergent! Just mix equal parts baking soda and cornstarch together with some water until you have a paste-like consistency. Add essential oils if desired (for scent) and use as you would any other laundry detergent.
3) Dust carpets and upholstery: If you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to dust your carpets and upholstery, look no further than cornstarch. This gentle powder will pick up dust without damaging delicate fabrics.
4) Make DIY slime: Kids love slime, but store-bought versions can be expensive – especially if they always seem to lose interest after just a few days! Luckily, you can make DIY slime using just four ingredients: Elmer’s glue, water, contact lens solution, and cornstarch. Simply mix everything together until slime forms (it should only take about 5 minutes).
5) Soothe insect bites: If you.
Dark Chocolate
The higher cocoa content in dark chocolate means that it contains more flavonoids, which are compounds that have been linked to health benefits like improved blood flow and lower blood pressure. Dark chocolate also has a higher concentration of antioxidants than other types of chocolates. These properties make dark chocolate a potentially healthy treat when consumed in moderation.
One study found that eating just one ounce of dark chocolate per day was associated with a decrease in risk factors for heart disease. This includes lower LDL cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Another study showed that people who ate dark chocolate had better cognitive function than those who didn’t eat any at all.
So how much dark chocolate should you eat to reap the potential health benefits? Most studies seem to agree that consuming around 1 ounce (28 grams) per day is ideal. This amounts to about 200 calories’ worth of dark chocolate, which isn’t too much if you evenly distribute it throughout the day or week.
If you want to include dark chocolate as part of a healthy diet, consider pairing it with other nutrient-rich foods like fruits, nuts, or whole grains. This will help you reach your goals while still enjoying the delicious taste of dark chocolate!
Dried Beans, Lentils and Legumes
Dried beans, lentils and legumes come from a variety of plants. The most common are: soybeans, black-eyed peas, chickpeas, lima beans, navy beans, kidney beans and pinto beans. Other varieties include: fava beans, garbanzo beans, black bean.
Dried Fruits (Raisins, Dried Cranberries and More)
Dried fruits are an excellent source of nutrients and antioxidants, and they can last for months without refrigeration. Raisins, dried cranberries, apricots, prunes and more are all great choices for long-term storage.
Dried fruits are a healthy snack option because they contain no added sugar or preservatives. You can find them in the bulk section of your local grocery store or online. When storing dried fruits, be sure to keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Raisins: Raisins are made from grapes that have been dried in the sun or in an oven. They’re a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C. raisins can last up to a year when stored properly. Dried Cranberries: Dried cranberries are made from fresh cranberries that have been dehydrated. They’re a good source of fiber and vitamin C, and they can last up to eight months when stored properly.
Dried Pasta
Dried pasta is made from durum wheat, a type of wheat with a high protein content that gives the pasta its firm texture. The wheat is milled into semolina flour, which is then combined with water to form a dough. The dough is extruded through dies of various shapes to create the different types of noodles, and then it is dried at low temperatures for several hours or days.
During the drying process, starches in the pasta break down and crystallize, which helps to prevent the noodles from sticking together and makes them more shelf-stable. Dried pasta should be cooked in boiling water for 10-12 minutes before being served.