One thing that I think we all take for granted these days is the ubiquity of food preservation technology. Whatever you bring in, whatever is left over, toss it in the fridge or in the freezer, and forget about it until it’s time to eat. But food preservation was a very different thing prior to … Read more
Honey is an amazing food. Aside from the fact that bees make it, it can last virtually forever under the right conditions without spoiling. It’s true! Well-known accounts talk about honey being retrieved from an ancient Egyptian tomb as well as somewhere in the country of Georgia, that was still edible, if crystallized. So, aside … Read more
One of the things you start to notice after you do more and more of your own cooking, is just how inferior so many of our store-bought goods are. The major revelation for me was trying spices I had grown and processed myself. There’s just no going back… And while I haven’t grown my own … Read more
I don’t know about you, but I use entirely too much garlic when I’m in the kitchen. I can’t get enough of the stuff! Fresh garlic, of course, but it’s garlic powder that I reach for from time to time. And even better, it’s my own garlic powder that I’ve made at home! I didn’t … Read more
Powdered milk is a fixture in most kitchens. It’s used in all sorts of baked goods and other dishes, as a shelf-stable substitute for liquid milk and also as an emergency preparedness ration. It is easy to prepare without electricity, nutritious, and it doesn’t taste too bad once you get used to it. There’s a … Read more
Lard is a once-popular cooking ingredient that has been around for centuries. But with so many things, it has fallen out of favor today in place of “modern” industrialized oils and other trickery. Many of us, your author included, can remember our parents and grandparents keeping a big jar or crock of lard handy around … Read more
Are you interested in learning how to make a rack for sun-drying produce? If so, you’re in the right place. But first, why bother sun drying at all? Dehydrating food like fruits and vegetables to save for later use is one of the oldest and simplest ways of preserving food. It allows you to save … Read more
Pemmican is a Native American survival dish that has been around for centuries. Used as a long-lasting, high-calorie food suitable for long journeys afield or in storage, pemmican is made of dried meat and rendered animal fat, and sometimes with other ingredients like berries or herbs. Pemmican often served as a sort of survival ration … Read more
Do you want to know how to store meat without electricity? It is actually a lot easier than you may think. There are a number of methods that you can use. In this article, we will discuss 14 different ways to improve the shelf of your meat without relying on electricity. From the simple to … Read more
There is a lot of debate over whether sugar goes bad in heat. Some people say that it does, and others say that it doesn’t. So, what’s the truth? You can bake with sugar and there aren’t any problems, but what about leaving it at a lower temperature for longer? Does sugar go bad in … Read more
Root cellars might be old fashioned, but they still work wonderfully for storing food and other goods. This is because they maintain a generally constant, cool temperature and constant humidity level, both helping the gods kept in them to last longer than they would otherwise. This simple but highly effective method of preservation has been … Read more
Beef jerky is a popular, tasty treat that’s perfect for anywhere and everywhere. Depending on whether you buy it at your local butcher or make it yourself, you want it to last. So, here’s the question: how long does beef jerky last? Store-bought beef jerky will last anywhere between 9 months and 2 years if … Read more
Native Americans’ lives back in the day were hard, as they focused much of their energy to find and preserve food. They grew various crops, and were able to forage for natural growing plants that were good to eat. They were also prolific hunters. Despite their ability to supply food, it was hard to have … Read more
Ramen… 2-minute noodles, instant noodles, whatever you call them, this is one heck of a foodstuff! This is quite possibly a hiker’s best friend, while out on the trails because it’s lightweight, it doesn’t take up much space in your pack, and it’s easy to prepare. Additionally, it’s great for household meals and snacks – … Read more
I’ve always liked biltong, it’s one of South Africa’s favorite snacks; it’s easy to get as most butchers have it in stock and it equally easy to make. I’ve made some myself many times, and it’s one of my favorite foods to make. Now, beef jerky is the American equivalent, and many people think they’re … Read more
Preserving onions is not usually high on the top of a homesteading garden “to do” list simply because they keep so long with extra effort and processing. When bushel after bushel of tomatoes, peppers, green beans, and other garden staples must be canned or dehydrated, onions often get lost in the shuffle… and ultimately go … Read more