Real Facts Dry Foods vs Canned Our New Norm

Hello Friends,

It's been a while. There has been so much happening within the past few months. Never in my wildest imagination did I expect to see America in state it's in. Covid-19 has swooped down and taken many lives. It shut down our country with stay in shelter orders. Food and product limitations. Face mask requirements for any daily outing. Home schooling. Loss of jobs and business's. It has many homeless or struggling. Those touched by Covid-19 may struggle with new health conditions. 

The world around us suffers from the same. Many countries have experienced catastrophic weather events that has decimated crops. Countries are trying to outbid one another for what crops are available. Our economy is in a downward spiral. We have a tin shortage (canned food). We have a food shortage that most Americans want to continue to deny. We have a medicine shortage because China is a main supplier. The USA is dependent on so many other countries for goods/foods/equipment/machinery/services. 

What can we do? PREPARE Here is an article I felt needed to be repeated that I wrote on last year:

Real Facts Dry Foods vs Canned in a Emergency

Dry Goods vs Canned Friend or Foe

When looking at emergency situations and events there are several things to consider.

 #1 You need Water!!!!! You cannot survive without water.
Now, that water is out of the way. Lets dive in.

                                         Dry Goods
Pro's                                                    
-They can last a long time if properly stored                    
-They can give you energy and nutrition you will need                  
-You can store alot without to much for spoilage
-You can buy them now at a reasonable price.  
-You can trade for other goods              
Con's
-You need water hydrate 
-They need time to hydrate
-They need time to cook
-They may need Spices
-You will use more of your cooking heat source to cook
wood,propane, or gas
-You may suffer food fatigue 
-You can't eat it raw

                                      Canned Goods

Cons: Canned goods have a shorter life span compared to dry goods. If not used within a reasonable amount of time they can be comprised (look below Can Safety). You need a can opener.

Pros:
 Most canned goods need no water. If your stressed out and can't get yourself together. Canned goods will be your friend. They can provide a quick way to eat and not use alot of your heat sources. Some canned foods can be consumed with no heat. Canned goods provide a different flavors that may help in a high stress situation and provide a form or normalcy. 


Having a variety of canned goods is important. Now, remember canned goods with high acidity have a shorter shelf life (tomato sauce, canned fruits, pasta sauces).

You will need to consider your families likes and needs. We have canned soups (various), beans, chicken, spam, corned beef hash etc.. 
I like to have foods that are pre-seasoned (canned) so that's less step to think about. 





                                          Can Food Safety!
All cans have a best by date here in the USA. These are a date provided by the food manufacturer to guarantee taste and nutritional value. Canned foods last well past their best by dates. I have consumed canned goods 2 years past the best by date. They were just fine. Remember to rotate your supply of food using the oldest first.

Important:
If your can is Bulging               Throw it Away!
If your can doesn't sit evenly   Throw it Away!
If your can is rusting                Throw it Away!
If the can is leaking                  Throw it Away!
If the air tight seal is gone        Throw it Away!

If your can has none of these possible issues open it look at it and smell it does it pass your visual, smell and taste test. Then your good to go.

Tip: in a Emergency situation use and keep all fluids that maybe normally drained from your cans to use for preparation of meals to lesson the use of your limited water.

My Personal Opinion: I feel its important to have both dry and canned goods as they both serve a purpose in different situations and life needs.