I see a lot of these prepping foods that are sold have a 25 year shelf life . Just what is added , or how are they prepared to be able to last that long ?
As was mentioned, freeze dried food in durable containers such as #10 cans will last 25 years easily, if kept below 70 degrees F and not stored where it can compromise the integrity of the can, such as water damage. With vacuum pouches, a lot less. I have had foil pouches last only a few years, some about 8 years with no issues. They could last longer if kept in a sealed container and in cold temperatures. Foods with water inside, like an MRE can last a surprisingly long time, too. Again, it all comes down to how well it is stored, but keep in mind that not everything will stand up to the tests of time. A great channel on YouTube for MRE sampling is Kiwi Dude if you want more information. An MRE (USA type) is really just vacuum sealed, and there aren't a ton of additives, but this can vary. MRE's from all over the world can include canned goods, freeze dried foods, and a wide assortment of snacks that can last a very long time (decades), but in most of these, there's bound to be one or two items that go bad. As with any food item, the longer it sits, the less nutrition it may have, even if it is edible. Worth noting, especially when starving.
In the late 50's - early 60's we mostly ate US Army C rations in the OD green cans dated 1945 on our camping trips, which seemed to be about every weekend. I remember them being pretty good, especially the beanie weenies. Dad would rehydrate the cigs that came with the meals with some apple peels and smoke them. He quit buying them at the Army Navy store after the price jumped from 3c a can to a nickel, as he said they weren't worth it at the new price. Canned stuff is considered good until the can's ends swell up, then it's a crapshoot to eat what's in them, as it can kill you.
Thanks for the replies , now a second question , what is a good affordable vacuum packing system I could pick up to use at home ?
Flooded Nitrogen, or CO2, Packing is cheaper, more reliable, and easy to do, and saves the cost of the O2 Packs.....
Just interested in trying to preserve meats like jerky and dried meats for longer periods . If this is feasible . I looked into the nitrogen / Co2 . Interesting . Not sure if its affordable for home use . I'll have to look into it a little more . Anyone here use these methods at home ? Will the vacum sealers extend meats/jerky life without the nitrogen/Co2 injection ?
The cost in Nitrogen/ CO2 Flooding is in the Tank& Regulator... If you invest in those, then the Gas is Dirt Cheap.... I use an old Medical O2 Tank and Regulator, and then just go get it filled, before I go to pack my stuff. The Gas Guy in town, is a Buddy, and he does ALL the Industrial Gasses, as well as the Welding & Medical Gases...
Most preppers are using Mylar bag with an Oxygen absorber, that eliminates the O2 which is the problem. Nobody uses a Nitrogen purge anymore, you can vacuum down the regular bags that come with the seal a meal or they make mylar bags that can be used with that sealer, most people just squeeze out as much air as possible and use and iron or hair curling iron to seal. There should be a thread here somewhere that details how it is done, I have a commercial impulse sealer, about $100.00 for it. When you use the O2 absorber it will shrink down. Rancher
OK, thanks . More questions here . Is the plastic used in these vac machines a special type of plastic ? Does it come in a roll were you can roll it out and just double it over and vacuum and seal it ?
I have found no option but to buy seal a meal bags. There are generics you can buy on line. And, if you don't have safe water to cook or rehydrate food, you won't need the food long.
@BTPost is correct nitrogen flush gives the longest storage. However if you don't choose the nitrogen route yiu can get a vacuum pump than you can use in normal jars for around $50 Pump and Seal food saver vacuum sealer is better than Tilia FoodSaver This is a really good thread on this topic. Vacuum sealers... | Page 2 | Survival Monkey Forums It's always a good idea on any topic on this site to look at the tagged threads at the bottom for related topics. The tags that the mods keep adding to threads are getting really good for finding info
