The Ultimate Guide to Long-Term Storage of Dry Goods: Save Time, Money, and Ensure Freshness

Ever found yourself wishing you didn't have to frequent the supermarket so often? We get it! Most of us would rather be doing anything other than pushing a cart down aisle after aisle. The solution? Embrace the art of bulk buying!

Bulk Buying: The Lifesaver You Didn’t Know You Needed

Bulk buying is not only a time-saver, but it's also an incredible way to make meal planning and healthier eating a breeze. Additionally, the cost savings over time can be significant. But, as with everything, there's an art to it. Specifically, how do you store all that food so it remains fresh?

Essential Tips for Storing Dry Food Long Term

1. Create the Ideal Environment: Clean, Dry, Cool, and Dark

• Oxygen, light, humidity, and heat are the enemies of food preservation. Aim to keep foods in an environment between 50-70°F.
• Avoid storage near heat sources, like an oven, or direct light, like a window.

2. Embrace Airtight Containers

• Expose foods to as little oxygen as possible. Glass or Tupperware containers are excellent for frequently consumed items. For long-term storage, especially larger quantities, consider Mylar bags or pail containers.

3. Add an Extra Layer of Protection

• Oxygen absorbers create a nitrogen-rich environment, perfect for long-term food storage.
• A scoop of Diatomaceous Earth, a natural insecticide, can prevent pest infestations and potentially ward off mold.

4. Store Smartly and Practice FIFO (First In, First Out)

• Ensure you're consuming older items first, and rotate stock as you add new items to your pantry.

Shelf Life Insights for Common Dry Foods

Beans & Lentils:

• Beans: Fresh for up to 3 years in airtight containers; requires longer cooking after 2 years.
• Lentils: Fresh for up to 3 years in airtight containers.

Rice, Pasta & Flour:

• Rice: Brown rice lasts 6-8 months, while white rice can remain good for 3-5 years.
• Oats: Stay fresh up to 3 years in airtight containers.
• Flour: Remains fresh for 6-10 months in airtight containers.

Nuts, Seeds & Dried Fruit:

• Nuts: Range from 3 months (e.g., pecans) to up to 9 months in the pantry.
• Seeds: Chia lasts 2+ years, flax seeds 6-12 months, and sunflower seeds up to 3 months.
• Dried Fruit: Can last up to 1 year in the pantry when stored correctly.

Herbs, Spices, & Canned Goods:

• Herbs & Spices: Last between 1-3 years depending on the type and storage conditions.
• Canning: Varies based on acidity but can range from 12-18 months to 2-4 years for correctly canned items.