Seven affordable, nutrient-dense foods to stockpile for survival

Sunday, November 04, 2012 by: Jonathan Benson, staff writer
Tags: superfoods, stockpiling, survival

(NaturalNews) As the stability of both the nation and the world becomes increasingly more precarious and uncertain, stocking up on long-term food supplies that will keep you and your family nourished in the event of a major supply chain disruption is more important than ever. To help make sure you are prepared for the unknown, here are seven affordable, nutrient-dense foods that are worth stocking up on for long-term survival:

1) Raw almonds, almond butter. Though they are somewhat difficult to find since the Almond Board of California decided in 2007 to mandate that all domestic almonds be pasteurized, seeking out truly raw almonds for long-term storage is a good bet for survival. When vacuum-sealed in dry form, almonds can be stored for many months in the refrigerator or freezer, providing you with instant access to one of the best plant-based sources of protein, healthy fats, and immune-boosting nutrients.

Almond butter is an excellent long-term survival food as well, as vacuum-sealed jars of almond butter can last on the shelf for nine months or even longer, and for up to three months after being opened. The Gourmet Survivalist has created a very helpful page on long-term storage options for both almonds and almond butter.

2) Brown rice. When most people think of long-term storage foods, the quintessential beans and rice probably come to mind, as both of these foods last an incredibly long time when stored dry. Though it will not last as long as white rice, brown rice is a complete food that will provide real nourishment in the event that the food supply becomes disrupted. When stored in dry-sealed containers, brown rice stays fresh for around five years, and potentially even longer, without going rancid, which is why storable superfood companies like StorableOrganics.com include it in their kits.

3) Chia, hemp, and other "superfood" seeds. An absolutely essential food category you will want to keep handy in anticipation of social upheaval are superfood seeds. Chia, hemp, and various other varieties of superfood seeds will last several years on the shelf without going rancid. Chia seeds in particular are an excellent survival food, as they are loaded with complete protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and a host of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. And even more impressive is the fact that chia seeds can very easily be added to water or other liquids to almost instantly maximize their nutrient bioavailability. Organic chia seed is available at the Natural News Store.

4) Fresh, unwashed farm eggs. It may come as a surprise to some to see eggs on this list, but fresh, unwashed eggs obtained directly from a farm or from backyard chickens possess a unique outer coating that will actually keep them fresh for up to a year when stored in the refrigerator. This outer coating, known as a bloom, will even protect eggs from spoilage and contamination for up to three months when stored at room temperature, which means rotating a steady supply of fresh eggs and always having new ones on hand is a great way to ensure access to eggs in the event of food shortages.

5) Carrots. Carrots are somewhat similar, in that they can be stored somewhat long-term when unwashed and covered with sand or mulch, which act as a type of earth-based "bloom." According to Sweetwater Organic Farm, carrots stored in this manner in dark, cool, and well-ventilated areas will last for up to five or six months, ensuring the availability of fresh, nutrient-dense produce no matter how limited the food supply becomes on a societal scale. Carrots can also be stored in the freezer for up to a year when peeled, cut, and blanched.

6) Apples. Like carrots, apples can be stored for many months as well, if properly prepared. Tart, thick-skinned, unwashed apple varieties can last for many months when wrapped individually in newspaper and stored in cardboard boxes. Apples, as well as a host of other fruits, can also be cut up, dried, and vacuum-sealed for long-term storage.

7) Quinoa. The grain-like superfood food quinoa, which contains a roughly 14 percent protein content, will serve you and your family well in the event of an emergency. Easily reconstituted with water, quinoa in dried form will last an astounding 25 years or more, which makes it an excellent long-term storage food. And since it is considered a complete food, bearing all the essential amino acids and an impressive fatty acid profile, quinoa is a near-perfect survival food for providing both sustenance and balanced nutrition, even when other food options have run dry.