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The Well Stocked Pantry
Thanks to so many scientific discoveries and modern transportation our seasons seem to merge together. We now can have fresh fruits and vegetables all year round but at what price. Many think that it is just the travel time but that is just a part of the problem. The way our society has evolved has taken us away from the hunter-gatherer that we once were. Many will say what is wrong with that - but if you think about it reaping, sewing and storing gave us a connection to mother earth and each other. People use to mark the changing of the seasons with parties and festivals. These festivals not only were a connection to Mother Nature but each other. Instead of hours playing video games or TV our forefathers would gather and tell stories and pass down knowledge of how to survive, prosper and be happy. It was a time when people cared about each other. Maybe that is why there is such a movement back to gardening, farmers markets and the old ways. This is not to say that it is not wonderful to have so many modern connivances such as a lawn mower or tractor, a big freezer, washers and dryers, computers and many of those “As seen on TV” items. But for the most part I love to do as much as I can for my self.
If you want to buy your pantry goods or make your pantry goods is up to you but in this section we will show you how to stock a useful pantry and how to how long it will store.
Storing your food properly and under the best condition possible will extend its life to its maximum potential. Some foods can be stored at room temperature and some must be refrigerated. Freezing can be used to extend the life of many products. To get the most out of the storage areas, certain conditions must be maintained.
Shelf Storage - Shelf storage should be in a cool, dry area. Many food items should also be kept out of direct light. The temperature should be keep at 70° F or below. To read about refrigerated or frozen food storage Click Here
Stock Your 21st Century Pantry
Storage Chart - Pantry Items
To Store on the Shelf: All items need to be stored in an airtight container. If the items have not been opened, they can be stored in their original contaners, otherwise a clear, clean container with a airtight cover should be used. A clear container will allow you to see what the container contains. Pantry items should be stored in a dry enviornment, away from direct sunlight. Storage times below are for whether the item is unopened or opened. If there is a difference between unopened and opend, it is indicated. |
Food Item |
Shelf Storage |
Baking Powder |
18 months - unopened
6 months - opened |
Baby Food |
12 months - unopened |
Baking Soda |
2 years - unopened
6 months - opened |
Bouillon Cubes or Granules |
2 years
Keep dry and covered. |
Biscuit Mix |
12 to 18 months |
Bread |
3 to 5 days |
Bread Crumbs |
6 months |
Brownie Mix |
1 year |
Cake Mixes |
1 year |
Candy - Commercially Made |
1 year |
Canned Fruit and Vegetables |
1 year |
Catsup, Chili Sauce |
12 months unopened |
Cereal |
6 to 12 months - unopened
2 to 3 months - opened |
Chili Powder |
2 years |
Chocolate, Semi-sweet |
1 to 2 years |
Chocolate, Syrup |
2 years
Refrigerate after opening |
Chocolate, Unsweetened |
18 months |
Cocoa |
Indefinitely - unopened
1 year - opened |
Coconut |
1 year - unopened |
Coffee, Ground |
2 years - unopened
2 weeks - opened |
Coffee, Instant |
1 year - unopened
2 weeks - opened |
Coffee Creamer, Powder |
6 months |
Cornmeal |
1 year |
Cornstarch |
18 months |
Crackers |
6 months |
Extracts |
6 months |
Fish, Canned |
12 to 18 months |
Flour |
6 to 8 months |
Formula (Infant) |
12 to 18 months - unopened
2 weeks - opened |
Gelatin / Pudding |
12 to 18 months |
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