Other stuff needed for cooking

**merlin1358** · 07-25-2012, 09:24 AM

I have been thinking about all the other stuff needed for cooking and the long term storage options. I have been keeping a mental list of all the other stuff, garlic, onions, celery, salt, pepper, paprika etc. that I use on a day to day basis and am trying to decide how to store all of this stuff.
I know the shelf life of most spices is 6 months to a year because of exposure to air, the plastic bottle they come in just don't seal well enough. What about putting the plastic bottle in a Mylar bag and adding a small O2 absorb-er before sealing, The plastic used in the bottles isn't a perfect barrier to oxygen, it is slightly permeable and will allow a little air to pass over time. I know it wouldn't get all the air out of the jar but it would remove the air from the bag and create a vacuum in the area outside the bottle which would tend to draw some of the air out.

I have also been experimenting with drying things like garlic, onions and celery, looks pretty good so far. I slice it all thin and air dry it with a fan. Could I maybe get the last bit of moisture out by putting it in a jar with a big desiccant pack in the bottom for a week or two before transferring it to Mylar?
Could I put maybe 6 months worth in a bag with a desiccant pack in the bottom and an O2 absorb-er in the top? I was thinking of different ways to keep the desiccant and the absorb-er from coming in contact with the food, any ideas?

I am also making a list of things like cutting board, knives, spatulas and stuff to pack in a bucket, I basically want to create a small kitchen in a bucket so i don't have to gather up stuff in a rush, I understand that it will probably take more than one bucket.

**Chefsimms** · 07-25-2012, 09:35 AM

I have spices that are 30 years old and they seem to be getting stronger. Most of them were grown in my garden and dried out real well, then put into a jar (like a baby food jar) then stored in a dark place... most of the spices you buy in the stores already pretty old when you get them

**Morgan101** · 07-25-2012, 11:00 AM

Are the spices you are storing only used for taste? The reason I ask is that I don't believe you can increase the shelf life of a food product after it has been manufactured. If these are only used for taste, and not for nutritional value your storage methods may work. Foods that are kept past their shelf life may still be good to eat, but usually lose nutritional value as they age.

You are spot on in making a list of all the things you will need. I called it "Kitchen". Pots, pans, spatulas, oven mitts, utensils, can opener, dishes, towels, kitchen matches, etc. Everything you would need in the Kitchen. I keep them all in a duffel bag with other camping gear. Write it all down, and check off as you acquire. You will never remember it all. Everyone in the family knows where it is, and that it goes with us if we have to bug out. Good luck. It sounds like you have a good start.

**countryboy6685** · 07-25-2012, 11:21 AM

EE sells a lot of spices and such in everyday size cans . I have bought a good stock of what I use
Robert W

**ZAGran** · 07-25-2012, 09:16 PM

Thank heavens I am buggin' in and am the BOL for my family. I'd never get enough kitchen 'stuff' in a duffel bag! However, I'm sure i could make do if I had to. The cans of spices sound the way to go. Will look into it for myself.

**Applejack** · 07-25-2012, 09:38 PM

We are growing some spices and drying them this year and have a lot of store bought ones also. for the long term I put out the money and buy the better quality spices as they seem to keep better. You can buy the very small ball canning jars and seal spices in those with a seal a meal. works well. I have a great deal of spices stored this way and it works very well.
AJ

**cracker** · 07-26-2012, 02:55 AM

In order to cook you need fire. i save all my lint from dryer it is best fire stater
and a lot takes up little room and is lightweight I just stick it in ziplock bags