Food is by far one of the most important resources we have. And the desperation for it will only heighten when SHTF.However, there’s a major problem with this. Unlike the rest of our survival gear, food is constantly needing replenishment.
Even more, it can also expire, and excess food often goes to waste.In good times, this doesn’t seem like a big deal. Just go to the grocery store and get more. However, in a major crisis, the grocery store shelves will be totally clear in a matter of hours. And, in situations like these, it’s likely all we’ll have left is the stockpile we’ve been building up (or haven’t).
With so much food waste going on already, it’s important to know how to use every piece of food you have to its absolute fullest. This will reduce waste, while increasing the food you and your family have to live off of.
Luckily, you can start preparing for this ahead of time. You’ll just need to discover…
6 Ways To Reuse Survival Food
Turn Overripe Bananas Into Delicious Bread
Too often we allow bananas to get overripe, and then throw them in the trash. Not only is this a huge waste, but it also eliminated the possibility to make something even more delicious – banana bread.
It doesn’t take much to make banana bread, either. Typically it only requires buttermilk, baking soda, flour, and sugar. And maybe butter and some nuts. Easy!
And, since banana bread lasts much longer than bananas, it’ll keep you full and focused as you head through the week’s activities.
Transform Meat Bones & Leftover Veggies Into Soup
Whether you raise chickens or hunt bigger game, you can make soup from the leftover meat and bones.
All you need to do is put the animal carcass into a large stockpot, and add veggies and cold water. Then boil the water, and then bring to a simmer for a solid 4 hours.
Remove the scraps, and cool the broth. You can now use this broth for soup, or for cooking rice in for an extra boost of flavor.
Make Croutons Out Of Stale Bread
Most people toss out their bread when it starts getting stale. However, this is a total waste – especially considering it’s so easy to make your own croutons.
Simply cut the bread into small squares. Drizzle them with olive oil, and sprinkle salt on top. Add any herbs you like, such as oregano or rosemary. Then bake them in an oven for 20 minutes at 350°F.
Reuse The Pumpkin
Most people only think to use pumpkins at Halloween (and then discard them after the holiday is over). However, there are many ways to reuse this delicious vegetable.
One of the methods is to make your own pumpkin pie. This is easier than many people think, and tons of recipes can be found online and in many cookbooks.
You can also bake the pumpkin seeds to make your very own tasty snack. This can be an ideal survival food, as they store easily, have a long shelf-life, and can keep you full in-between meals.
Simply remove the seeds from the pumpkin, and wash them thoroughly in clean water. Dry them with a cloth or towel, and place them in a bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil, and stir to coat. Place the seeds in a single layer on the baking sheet, and sprinkle them with salt. Bake the seeds at 400°F for about 20 minutes.
Another way to enjoy pumpkin seeds is by sautéing them in a pan over medium-low heat. Sauté for about 10 minutes, and cool completely.
You Can Do The Can-Can
Got extra veggies and fruit you can’t eat right away? Preserve them in cans, and extend their shelf-life.
Canning is a wonderful and beneficial process of preserving produce in glass jars with vinegar and water. The contents of the can are then boiled to kill off any bacteria hiding inside.
Make sure to do your research before attempting to can, since certain foods have specific requirements to keep them safe to eat for long periods of time.
Add To Your Compost Pile
Many foods can go into your compost pile, even if you can’t give them a different use. These leftover foods can help produce nutrient-rich soil your survival garden will love.
Here’s an informative video on the Do’s and Dont’s of making compost.
