what food to start collecting

[Tyler]

Couldn't have said it better Gettingreadymama about replacing it just took 4 cans out last week to rotate, but not replacing them though (moving in 18 months half way around the world)

 

[Brent S]

Check into couponing sites that specialize in your area. You'll find some stores are more "coupon-friendly" than others, meaning their coupon policies may allow you to double-up, etc.

For example, say there is a $.50 manufacturer coupon for a bag of beans, and a $1.00 store coupon for the same brand of beans. A coupon friendly store will let you use both, so you'd save $1.50 on that bag of beans. Of course, if you get 10 bags of beans, you now just saved $10.50. (assuming they allow you to use multiples, etc.). So, that's what I mean by coupon-friendly store. For an average couponer, expect to spend about an hour to two before a big grocery trip. More extreme couponers spend hours readying for the trip, but of course, save much more.

We typically shave about 45%-65% on average off our bill with coupons....depending on the deals and coupons. So not doing them is like throwing money out the window.

Wow, I'm going to have to look into coupons! As far as what foods to save, I read a great saying a long time ago, "buy what you eat and eat what you buy". None of the preps are going to do you any good if they expire and get thrown away. I just threw away a whole tray of canned condensed milk, somehow it missed getting looked at for quite a while. The point here is I don't know why I bought it to begin with as I've never used it before. Also it's really important to rotate. I have six months plus of stored food but my focus has been on producing it and learning to preserve it myself. I'm kind of playing at being a farmer and all, but it's somewhat serious play as I want to work out the bugs of how to grow veggies, fruits and animals while I don't have to do it for survival. I haven't looked into it yet but there's a co-op locally here that will can your fruits and vegetables for you. This spring and summer I'll find out how cost effective it is. Wish you all the luck in the world, and hope we never need to use these preps.

 

[jimLE]

i wonder if a coop would teach a person how to can foods

 

[getnready]

Welcome Richy Rich. Prepping is a learn as you go process and you can get lots of advise. The key is to taylor to you and your family! A good rule of thumb is to buy extra each shopping trip of the things you are use to eating and using. If your whole family likes canned tuna and you have coupons or its on sale then its worth the purchase. But of course if no one in your family will eat tuna, you are wasting your money! Beans and rice store well long term, and you may never eat them unless as a last resort so be wise. More important to store immediately and always priority is WATER! Oh, dont forget TP. Good luck

 

[Gazrok]

I haven't looked into it yet but there's a co-op locally here that will can your fruits and vegetables for you. This spring and summer I'll find out how cost effective it is.

Usually, not bad, and you can do a LOT more at one time, than you could with just a home pressure cooker. Not as cheap as doing with your own, but still cost effective for most of them.

 

[Tyler]

I wish I could grow my own fruit here but I won't be able to till I get back. Even when I do it will only be apples and maybe pears if I'm lucky

 

[Gettingreadymama]

Couldn't have said it better Gettingreadymama about replacing it just took 4 cans out last week to rotate, but not replacing them though (moving in 18 months half way around the world)

Where are you moving to? I wish you luck and suggest that you put so money away to get what you need once you get to your new location! If you are cutting down on what you are buying due to moving then take the cash you would have spent and save for the FIRST shopping trip once you move! Also, think about the items that you are moving with and try to put items and canned or package foods, and any other prep items inside!!

 

[Brent S]

I'm guessing you are in the military Tyler? I wish I had gone overseas while in the army but stayed stateside, mostly at fort 'lost in the woods'. Where are you moving?

 

[Brent S]

I wish I could grow my own fruit here but I won't be able to till I get back. Even when I do it will only be apples and maybe pears if I'm lucky

I think peaches do well in cold also, but are pretty high maintenance compared to apples.

 

[Tyler]

I'm moving back to Canada can't wait. I have 1000 bucks for preps when I get back for food and guns. Civilian but parents are military. I'll be moving to ottawa (fingers crossed) and going to school to become a paramedic (if I get accepted) Most of my gear is packed away into a few backpacks currently and will be all in the same box.

 

[jimLE]

thats great to hear..i wish the best for ya

 

[Gettingreadymama]

I think peaches do well in cold also, but are pretty high maintenance compared to apples.

You may want to try vine fruit! Strawberries, goji fruit, and black caps!! You can find the seeds at many sites!
This way you have other fruit that grows faster than trees. NOT to discount them!! They are also great for drying and canning!!

 

[Gettingreadymama]

I'm moving back to Canada can't wait. I have 1000 bucks for preps when I get back for food and guns. Civilian but parents are military. I'll be moving to ottawa (fingers crossed) and going to school to become a paramedic (if I get accepted) Most of my gear is packed away into a few backpacks currently and will be all in the same box.

That is great that you are going to study to become a paramedic! And stay positive you WILL get in! I am an older Military BRAT myself! That gift gives you a great in site on what you need to live with and live without!!

 

[Brent S]

I'm moving back to Canada can't wait. I have 1000 bucks for preps when I get back for food and guns. Civilian but parents are military. I'll be moving to ottawa (fingers crossed) and going to school to become a paramedic (if I get accepted) Most of my gear is packed away into a few backpacks currently and will be all in the same box.

I was an emt a long time ago, it's exciting and rewarding work. Where is Ottawa? I'm thinking western canada?

 

[Tyler]

I was an emt a long time ago, it's exciting and rewarding work. Where is Ottawa? I'm thinking western canada?

Capital of Canada. More central Canada I think. I'm looking into becoming a Critical care paramedic and joining the red cross for 6 months of the year and 6 months in an ambulance.

 

[herman]

how do i prepare the beans that i store and what type of beans im new to prepping

 

[Brent S]

Capital of Canada. More central Canada I think. I'm looking into becoming a Critical care paramedic and joining the red cross for 6 months of the year and 6 months in an ambulance.

It's an exciting career, and one that's rewarding. You can sleep at night knowing you've done some good in the world. And the skills you learn will be with you for the rest of your life. It may even help you save the life of your own child one day in an emergency. I'm glad you're looking at the paramedic, when I was in it being an emt would get you a job, but from what I've heard you need more than that to get hired now.

 

[Brent S]

how do i prepare the beans that i store and what type of beans im new to prepping

What are you wanting to store them for, seed stock of food? If storming for food I like using quart mason jars. I heated the beans on low heat in the oven for 30 min or so (to kill any buggies). Them I put them in the clean dry jars and drop in an oxygen absorber and tighten the lid. As the oxygen is absorbed it vacuums out the air and sucks down the lid to seal and 'pop'. I like the quart size as it's a good amount to use. Storing in 5 gal. Buckets is less work but once you open it then you have a limited time to eat 5gal of beans.

 

[Shenandoah]

how do i prepare the beans that i store and what type of beans im new to prepping

Hey Herman-
A couple years ago I put together what I call my Food Storage Map, designed for the folks that are just starting to think about prepping and food storage. It is a simple week #1 thru week #4, here is what you should purchase. As a health care provider, my considerations were finding shelf-stable foods that were nutritious, and appropriate for long-term storage. Originally built around a budget of $50-$65 dollars a month, the investment will cost you bit more now due to inflation. But...that being said I will gladly email you a copy of my simple Map. Let me know if you are interested.

Blessings,
Shenandoah

 

[herman]

Wh

What are you wanting to store them for, seed stock of food? If storming for food I like using quart mason jars. I heated the beans on low heat in the oven for 30 min or so (to kill any buggies). Them I put them in the clean dry jars and drop in an oxygen absorber and tighten the lid. As the oxygen is absorbed it vacuums out the air and sucks down the lid to seal and 'pop'. I like the quart size as it's a good amount to use. Storing in 5 gal. Buckets is less work but once you open it then you have a limited time to eat 5gal of beans.

what I meant was how to I cook the beans

 

[Shenandoah]

Wh

what I meant was how to I cook the beans

Dried beans are easy... wash them good, put them in a pot and cover them with water and let them sit overnight. Then I put them in fresh water and simmer them with some onion, pepper, and whatever meat you have (bacon, ham, etc.) Simmer them until they are soft. My family always liked "soup beans" meaning, once soft, I mashed the beans with a potato masher and voila...Soup Beans! Served up with biscuits or cornbread and you have a stellar meal, straight from your food storage!

Blessings,
Shenandoah

 

[joe macmilan]

I like to cook my beans with pork liver and pigsfeet.

Menudo is some really good stuff!

 

[herman]

Thx for all the advice for cooking I'm glad I have joined the forum

 

[Tyler]

For beans I make soups and chilli. For the soup you let them sit over night in water and then you cook the soup on a low temperature for hours and the chilli is basically the same.

 

[joe macmilan]

chili mmmmmmm

and cornbread. Don't forget the cornbread.

 

[joe macmilan]

ok, i've got a joke. What do you get when you take four pounds of beans one pound of cabbage and three preppers in a saferoom?



CHINESE FIRE DRILL!

 

[Brent S]

chili mmmmmmm

and cornbread. Don't forget the cornbread.

Got to be sweet cornbread though.

 

[Overlord]

how do i prepare the beans that i store and what type of beans im new to prepping

Practically any dried bean is good.

There are a lot of beans that are good to eat. Kidney Beans, Mung Beans, Pinto, Garbanzos, Soy, etc. It would really depend on what you like to eat.

For Kidney beans, I like to mix them with rice when I cook the rice. (I soak the beans overnight then add them to the rice when I cook them).

Garbanzos, I make them into a spread like Hummus. Mung Beans can be grown into sprouts for a good Moyashi salad.

Good luck and welcome to the world of prepping!

 

[Myrrph]

cooking really depends on the type of beans. I use green beans, lentils, barley, peanuts mixed with a bit of small chilli peppers and meat of choice.

sometimes i don't even add meat. but I add Garbanzos and/or kidney beans and stew them. with a bit of salt, you can eat as is or with rice.

 

[Overlord]

cooking really depends on the type of beans. I use green beans, lentils, barley, peanuts mixed with a bit of small chilli peppers and meat of choice.

sometimes i don't even add meat. but I add Garbanzos and/or kidney beans and stew them. with a bit of salt, you can eat as is or with rice.

maybe add a bit of dried sweet and spicy small fish to your peanuts... with onions, cucumbers, spicy vinegar.... yummmy!