We had difficult times with the Coronavirus crisis, and we are currently approaching the last days. Should we then stock up on food? The pandemic has affected the entire world, causing fear and concern in most of us. Worldwide, the chances of experiencing difficulties after all this are great. We need to be prepared and aware, since we know things can get worse really fast.
Thus, knowing this, it is to be expected that the prices of food and products of our daily life will increase considerably, accompanied by the lack of green vegetables and fruits due to production stoppage.
In the Bible, we find the example of Noah, who had to prepare to stay in the ark, and the example of Joseph, who had to prepare for seven years of scarcity.
What to do then?
The guidance we receive is to stock non-perishable foods that have a long shelf life. According to some sellers, prices will triple on the shelves from April to May, and the trend is that they will continue to rise.
How and what foods to stock?
Water
In case there is a supply cut without an expected return, we cannot risk running out of water. The ideal is to calculate 3 or 4 liters of water per day per person (water to hydrate and prepare food). You can also have a 20-liter reserve of water at home.
Canned foods
A good idea is to store canned foods like tuna, corn, peas, or pickled foods like quail eggs, olives, and cucumbers. They are ready-to-eat foods, do not require preparation and, in addition, satisfy hunger. Choose the versions that are easier to open.
Instant coffee
It is possible to consume soluble coffee at room temperature, dissolving it in water or in hot water. A quick, economical, and warm drink for the winter.
Grains
Beans and rice are a nutrient-rich combination. They are sources of B vitamins, protein, and minerals. In times of scarcity, they meet most of our nutritional needs. So they are foods that must be part of storage. Besides, cornmeal and popcorn.
Cereals
You can also make a stock of wheat flour, corn flour, soy, and oats. These foods can turn into a lot of things, like bread, pasta, and cookies.
Milk
It is a food of great need, mainly for families with children. You can choose to buy milk in boxes or powdered milk. In addition, you can also choose vegetable milks such as almond milk and soy.
Food storage time
If you want to store these foods for a longer period of time, such as more than a year, remember that with some foods you have to rotate and keep them updated every three months, for example, water and milk.
However, canned or preserved foods can be kept with the expiration date in mind for any changes.
Already, the grains can store them in clean and dry PET bottles. Place two cloves of garlic with the skin on the bottom of the bottle, add half the food, add two more cloves, and then fill to the edge and place the last two cloves. Tap the bottom of the bottle so that the food settles, and fill the remaining space with more of the food. The less air in the bottle, the better. Close tightly and label the date it was stored. To ensure that it is well sealed, you can melt a candle in the lid. Soy can be stored naturally.
Other efficient tips
Candles, matches, and lighters
In the event of a power outage, you will need these items. The lighter is most useful in case of moisture or if the matches get wet. Buy both, as the lighters can break.
Cleaning, hygiene, and other materials
You will need toilet paper, soap, shampoo, hair cream, toothpaste, dental floss, toothbrushes, and, mainly, sanitary water (very important for disinfecting surfaces and for purifying water).
First aid kit and medicines
For injuries, in case of fever and pain, you will need: thermometer, forceps, scissors, hydrogen peroxide, adhesive tape, micropore tape, gauze, cotton, painkiller, antipyretics, anti-inflammatories, antiallergic agents, remedies for nausea and vomiting, and other medicines for family use.
