Yes, we could eat, at least what I could grow. Things may get a bit bland and I want to be prepared. If I had only the simplest things to eat - I want them to at least have a little flavor! That can make a huge difference.
Powders can last for years if kept dry and cool. There are so many things that can be purchased or made into powders that will last far longer than canned or frozen.
We all think of the basics such as milk, eggs, cocoa, flour, sugar - but there is so much more
Here are some of my must have powders:
Milk, buttermilk
Eggs
Butter
Yeast ( I keep a lot in the freezer)
Seasonings - vanilla, fruit, spices, cream of tartar
Tomatoes
Cheese
Peanut butter
Protein powder - could really help a lot!
Cocoa
Meat flavorings
Flavored gelatin
Corn starch
Baking powder and baking soda
Gravy mixes
Flavored drink mixes (mix with water)
Flaked or powdered potatoes
Corn meal
Flour, sugar
Honey, molasses
Vinegar
MISC. - citric acid, powdered aspirin, powdered bleach
Onion, garlic, nutritional yeast, horseradish, butter, peanut butter and Kool-Aid flavors
There are many items that you can purchase that have been powdered. I like the site of Spices Etc., they offer all kinds of things, from peppers to vinegar. I have also purchased many items at Amish stores and at health food stores.
I do not yet have honey, molasses or vinegar powders - but they are on my TO BUY list in the first quarter of this year.
I make many powders. You can dehydrate just about anything (has to be really dry), then powder it. Fruits and veggie powders can be added to smoothies, soups, or casseroles for flavor and for extra vitamins.
I dehydrate the outer leaves of cabbage and then powder. I dehydrate the big tough okra and powder for natural soup thickener. Onion, garlic, potatoes, tomatoes (skins), broccoli, fruit peels, citrus zest, etc. can been done - there really is no limit. I figure anything that gets powdered isn't being wasted - and may help us at some point in the future.
It is also a great way to get veggies into those who don't want to eat them!
In the past I have ground dried beans (not cooked) with the coffee grinder. Keep them on hand for any easy 'refried' type bean. Easy to make with water and high in protein.
Everyone needs to step out of their comfort zone and try getting some powders. They may help season up things in the future, give you needed calories to function, and they may even help keep you healthy.
I know a lot of people talk the SHTF days - but it is inevitable that it will happen at some point. Maybe not in our lifetime, but maybe in the younger generations.
I know the Lord is watching over me, but He also expects me to do what I can to stay safe and healthy.
We all need to teach others. Teach the young ones what can be done. If we all do some of these things - we won't starve!
I know I can make drinks or smoothies that contain vitamins and minerals, I could eat biscuits and gravy, make some simple things taste a little better, bake a little, and eat whatever I could grow.
Our lives may depend on it someday.
*(could also use to barter)
What do you keep in powdered form? Are you prepared?
Hopefully I gave you a few useful ideas today.
Great idea Cheryl. It always is good to be prepared no matter what may happen. God wants us to help ourselves too! It seems like Powdered milk has the shortest shelf life ...can you keep it longer than it says?
ReplyDeleteYes, it can be kept longer. I keep mine either in the basement or the freezer. Once it gets close to the best by date I put it in the freezer. I have heard it is fine for a couple years past date - if kept cool and dry. Non-fat will last even longer.
DeleteIt always pays to be prepared.
Cheryl, Would you have a list of amounts of those items for two people? I know we all have different tastes but that would give a starting point. Thanks. Nancy
ReplyDeleteNancy no I don't. I may have to do some research on that. I just keep a container or so of everything. I use before it gets too old and replace.
DeleteI'll see what I can find out - but I know it depends on usage and taste too.
Good advice. I do like to keep a store but storage is a problem here in the UK. Very few people have a basement and mostly our kitchens are small. I now keep some long life milk as powdered has become so expensive. Your words reminded me of Proverbs 6 verses 6 to 8 about the ant gathering its food in the summer.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to keep a lot with no basement - you just have t look at other storage spots. faux floors in closets, under stairways, over doors, behind doors, under furniture, boxes of goods covered to look like couch tables, etc.
DeleteI think there are many things that are easily available in the U.S. and not other places. Cheaper too. I think a lot in Europe are getting more into this prep thing because of how unstable governments have become. All over the world!
I love that verse. Yes, it is kind of like that for me.
We should all be so prepared. Nature is so smart!
I used to always keep powdered milk on hand, but the prices for it have gotten out of control. It's actually much cheaper for me to freeze gallons of milk and use that than buying dried milk. Disappointing, because it was nice having dry milk on hand.
ReplyDeleteIt is pretty pricey. Once in a while I find it in the clearance aisle. Have you tried shelf stable milk? I like the whole milk - not the 1% or 2%. We always have some of that on hand. If I am running low - I throw a shelf stable into the frig to get cold.
DeleteAlso If you have Dollar Tree stores - check there as well - I have seen packets of dry milk for $1. Just a small version - but nice to have on hand. That is where I get my shelf stable as well.
Good luck
I buy the shelf stable milk and soy milk at Dollar Tree. It usually lasts a year. I use it for baking.
DeleteWow this is very good Cheryl. How true. Long lasting and they pack a punch of flavour and goodness. Also they are usually small and take up no room in the pantry! This is really wonderful and Im sharing it as it is so wise! xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. If things get really bad - it would just be heavenly to have something that has a great and fun taste. Nutritional value and protein would be ever important as well.
DeleteI use some of these regularly - but also try to keep them back for emergencies as well.
Thanks again.
Great ideas! I'm especially interested to see the horseradish powder. I had no idea that this existed. I buy the prepared horseradish in the jar, but don't use it often, so end up throwing part of it away. I'm going to check out Spices, Etc.
ReplyDeleteThe powder is nice because it doesn't go bad. Like you we use it very seldom, but the stuff in the jar is usually pretty old when I get around to it. It is something that hubs really likes mixed with mayo for certain things.
DeleteThe powder takes very little and that jar will last us a lifetime!
You will be amazed at all the things you find at Spices, Etc.
Great ideas. I have a few of the things you list all the time. But I have never heard of dried butter before; (I must be living under a rock) anyway how do you go about using the dried butter?
ReplyDeleteIt is great to add to anything that you need a buttery taste in. Sprinkle on top of hot rolls or bread. Sprinkle over fish or poultry and nice to sprinkle over baked potatoes or rice. Popcorn too!
DeleteI know people who have mixed with a tiny bit of oil to make spread.
I like it just for the extra flavor - same with peanut butter powder. If you don't have the real thing on hand this works great. Shelf stable and lasts for ages. A little bit will do ya!
I do keep some dried items to have in case of an emergency such as eggs and milk. I always keep powered Gateraid for when we get sick. We don't drink it otherwise. I used yeast, cocoa and corn regularly so I have a bunch of that in my stockpile. I have used my tomato skins and dried them and made a powder with them. Then I add some of it to soups.
ReplyDeleteGod going. That is what I do with tomato skins as well. They add a great extra pop of flavor when needed.
DeleteI have a recipe for Gatoraid using Kool-Aid, sugar and a bit of salt - so never have bought the real thing.
It is great to be ready for anything.
Could I please have the homemade Gateraid recipe? I always have Kool-aid, sugar and salt on hand so I might use it when this container of Gateraid is done.
DeleteGreat post Cheryl! I just used the last of my powder milk to make cream of chicken soup mix...it's really handy to make a quick sauce or add to soups. I use brown gravy mix bought in bulk at costco for any beef sauces or stews. It's really cheap at costco under $5 for a big container that lasts forever. I also dry spinach when the fresh is getting a little old I dry it and powderize it to put into soups, spaghetti sause, meat loaf etc. My husband gets more vegetables in his food than he knows lol ...have a great week!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Powdered milk is great for soup mixes, and drink mixes. I get brown gravy mix as from Sam's. It really gives extra flavor to soups and stews.
DeleteLove that you are sneaking those greens in!
have a good one.
My Half Acre Homestead Youtube channel did a video on making powdered eggs that caught my eye. It's such a great idea. I'll have to read up on it, I didn't even know you could do that with beans. Thanks for the info, CHeryl.
ReplyDeleteI have seen folks talk about dehydrating scrambled eggs and then powder them. I think I may have to try it sometime.
Deleteyep, it makes for an easy way to make refried or just add in soups.
You are so welcome!
I had no idea that there were powdered versions of half that stuff. I've been looking for citric acid in the canning areas but can't find any. Any suggestions where?
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing all that.
Glad that you got info you didn't know. I found citric acid at Menards of all places. They have a lot of canning stuff and odd ball items.
DeleteI am sure it could probably ordered online as well.
You are welcome.