Canning or freeze-drying.

Whatchagot?

I do both, but am always interested in others' ideas.

My wife and I canned for a few years but got out of it. I came close to buying a freeze dryer a few years ago, watched all the youtube vids and thought it was really cool. When I really thought about it I couldn't see spending that much money on a machine to put food up that lasts 30 years at my age. We just keep the pantry stocked and I always have wheat berries and oat groats on hand.

I have been wanting to buy a freeze dry machine for a while but have not yet. I keep telling the spousal unit that with only 2 of us, we can freeze dry leftovers and not have any waste.

Canning chicken, beef, salsa, and tomatoes. Cost, space, noise, and effort of freeze dryers seemed too high.

My wife cans about 20-25 jars of various foods every 3 months or so. We rotate out the oldest jars and consume as part of other meals.

For freeze dried we purchase in bulk and store. Don't forget to label purchase dates with a sharpie on your package(s).

I purchased one of these units two years ago and also purchased a 50 pack of oxygen absorbers packs and a 50 pack of the desiccant packs

https://masongenie.com/pages/b...L_eQ4SfdKQVU62dAsGP5


I then purchased quart and half gallon Mason Jars (as funds allowed) and started a five month process of purchasing various items and sealing in the Mason Jars using one or two each of the absorbers and desiccant packs. I now have enough rice, various types of beans, oatmeal, flour, sugar, salt, spices, coffee, evaporated milk, chocolate, corn meal, pasta, powered eggs, grits, Yeast packs, koolaid packs, dry dog food, dry soup mixes, and five gallon water bottles to last us 3 months. I also have a 21,000 gallon in ground swimming pool and several portable pumps that I can use if needed. I am sure I forgot something but I created my list from several internet sites related to long term food storage for emergency situations. Now to focus on the medical side - First Aid Kits and prescription medications.

If I have missed anything that is considered a MUST HAVE ITEM, please do not hesitate to post it here. I continue to learn so much from this new forum room.

As of last month I have not had any Mason Jars lose their seal using the item mentioned above. I DO screw on a seal ring on every Mason Jar even though some videos will say you do not have to do this but they come with the jars so why not use them.

Edited for my bad spelling and poor grammar.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: sigarmsp226,

226 - thanks for the Birthday gift idea for the Misses next month.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Graniteguy,