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Nick A – Page 8 – Homesteader Depot

Homesteader Depot

Author: Nick A

  • 8 Simple Ways Baking Soda is the Forgotten All-Purpose Tool

    8 Simple Ways Baking Soda is the Forgotten All-Purpose Tool

     

    You can go through just about any kitchen in the world and find a box of baking soda. It’s one of the most widely used ingredients for cooking, cleaning, and even various beauty regimens. While the standard teaspoon required for baking is why most people have it, there are plenty of other uses for baking soda that you may not have thought of before. See what you can do with it besides make a cake.

     

    Cleaning without Harsh Chemicals

    The last time you cleaned your oven, there was probably some chemical used that gave you a hard time breathing. It some instances, that kind of product can even cause health issues for the people that come in contact with it. When you use baking soda in your oven, you won’t have to worry about.

    Sprinkle the soda on the bottom of the range and add some water to form a paste. Let it sit for a few hours. Go back with a cloth and the grease and burnt food is going to wipe right off.

    White Teeth

    Check your box of store-bought toothpaste. There’s almost certainly going to be baking soda listed on there as an ingredient. Save the money and make your own toothpaste with baking soda. It’s not too abrasive, and your teeth will shine brightly.

    Get rid of yellow and discolored teeth – GUARANTEED! Find out more here>>>

    Get Rid of Heartburn

    Heartburn and indigestion can be extremely uncomfortable. Instead of popping an antacid or some over-the-counter medication, it can be cleared away naturally. A ¼ teaspoon of the baking soda mixed in a glass of water does the trick for most cases.

     

    Face Exfoliation

    Sometimes you need to scrub away the impurities on your face, and generally, an expensive facial scrub is what you pick up at the drug store. You have an incredibly capable facial scrub already at home. Mix some baking soda and water and scrub it over the face for around fifteen seconds and you’ll be totally exfoliated. The baking soda is very alkaline though, so do not use this in your everyday routine. Once in a while is perfectly fine.

    Releasing Toxins

    Soaking in a warm bath with the right ingredients is the perfect way to release toxins from your body. Baking soda is one of those ingredients that aids in the removal of harsh elements. Just dump about a half of a cup or so in your water before getting in. It’s also an excellent way to relieve pain and damage from sunburn.

     

    All-Purpose Cleaner

    There are sprays, wipes, and other cleaners for just about every different kind of spill or stain you could have in your home. Instead of buying all of those expensive treatments for cleaning, make one from baking soda. Mix it with borax and salt, and you have the ideal scouring powder for stubborn stains on bathtubs, floors, and more.

    Personal Odor Protection

    Studies have shown that there are some reasonably dangerous ingredients used to make the deodorant that you use to keep yourself from smelling and sweating excessively. Instead of putting that poison on your body, you can make a safe and natural version to use. Combined with coconut oil and Shea butter, baking soda can be very useful.

    Check out one of the most effect (yet non-toxic) cleaners I have ever used…All Natural Enzymatic>>>

     

    Shiny Hair

    Using a lot of styling products in your hair can result in a build-up forming that makes the hair look dull and lifeless. Vinegar works well to revive it, but baking soda does an even better job according to some. Just shake a little bit in with the shampoo that you usually use and scrub away. All that stuff will wash away when you rinse your soap out.

  • 10 Simple Money Saving Tips Everyone Should Follow

    10 Simple Money Saving Tips Everyone Should Follow

    I remember seeing a news report on T.V. several years ago featuring people who are addicted to “coupons” shopping.  I was fascinated by some of the techniques these people had developed to get products for practically nothing.

    As I was watching though, and later when I was looking at the coupon mailers we regularly get, I was struck by the fact that so many things that companies and merchants often offer coupons for, my family don’t use.  Or at least, don’t use a large amount of regularly.

    As I was watching, I realized I didn’t see the point of buying five tubes of toothpaste for less than the cost of one 4-5 times a year.  I don’t know about you, but we don’t use nearly that much toothpaste in a 12 month period.  So, instead of saving money, I would have spent money I didn’t need to instead, and I’d have to find a place to store 20-25 tubes of toothpaste.

    So, the question you should ask yourself is this, “would I normally buy this product if I didn’t have a coupon?”

    If the answer is a quick and definitive “No” then consider this, does your coupon shopping habits actually save you money, or only entice you to buy things you don’t need?

    Other Ways to Save Money

    If your primary purpose for coupon shopping is to save money, consider some of these other ways to accomplish this without risking papercuts.

    Go Generic

    Check to see if there are decent generic brands of the products you normally buy.  Many stores now carry their own in-house brands of things like canned soups, bread, and even organic veggies.  Check the day to day prices of these items to see how they compare to name brands.  If you take them home and your family likes them, Great!  You’ll automatically save money for that item each time you buy it.

    Shop the Sales

    Healthier items are more likely to go on sale than have a coupon.  Just be sure that you are only buying items you use.  You don’t want to get caught up in the same habits in sales that you do in coupons.

    Only Shop When You Have a List – Then Stick to It

    It’s very easy to get side-tracked by sale signs and in-store coupons as you peruse the aisles.  With a list, you know exactly what you will need.  Stick to it, and you have less of a chance to buy a bunch of items you don’t need.

    Eat Healthier

    Choosing water, homemade iced tea, and homebrewed coffee instead of sodas, packaged juices and carry out coffee drinks will not only help you feel better but be better for your wallet.

    Cook Foods and Snacks from Scratch

    The cost of ingredients is often much lower in total than buying prepackaged, processed versions.   This includes items like most meals, bread, snacks, pizza and more.

    Avoid Dining Out

    Eating out can be very expensive, even at most fast food places.  If you are really in the mood for a cheeseburger and fries, make your own with ground beef and potatoes.  Even if you buy the buns, you’ll still be able to feed your whole family for much less than a trip through the drive-thru would be.

    Pack Your Work Lunch

    The average dining out lunch is $10.  The same amount could give you lunch supplies for a week.

    Related Article: “Frugal Foods for the Homesteader on a Budget”

    Imbibe Less

    Alcohol is pricey, and even discount wines and beer can add up.

    Quit Smoking

    Not just for your health, also for your wallet. Calculate how much you spend a month on cigarettes.  You will probably be surprised.  Then, figure out how else you could use that money.

    You Don’t Have to Give Up Coupons Altogether

    Thanks to the digital age, the resources for both paper coupons and digital coupons have grown, and it’s easy to get caught up in coupon and Groupon fever.

    As you sift and sort through all the great bargains out there, just remember, you’re only saving money if you are purchasing something you’d normally buy without a coupon.

     

  • 4 Completely Natural Ways to Rid Your Property of Mice

    4 Completely Natural Ways to Rid Your Property of Mice

     

    Mice can be the bane of the homestead pantry, and feed shed, and garden, and…well, you get the idea.

    One thing that is important to understand is you will never have only one.  You may see only one, but there where there is one there is the potential for dozens more.  With a very short breeding cycle, mice can overrun a food source in a matter of weeks if left to their own devices.

    For many of us, the first reaction to the idea of mice is to go out and buy some chemical bait that will get rid of the problem as quickly as possible.

    However, especially if you are living in the country, on a homestead, or even just in the suburbs and have a cat, you’ll want to avoid this initial instinct.

    Poisoned mice can also poison the natural predators that eat them. That could be any bird of prey included in the local wildlife like hawks and owls.  It could also be a danger to the family cat. Instead, consider one of the options listed below.

     

    Repel them with Aromatherapy

    Mice don’t like the smell of peppermint or mothballs.  Even if you don’t have any signs of mice yet, a good preventative measure after filling any holes or crevices they can get in with is to lay out peppermint leaves or spray peppermint essential oil in all the areas they are likely to try to gain access.  You can also soak cotton balls in the essential oil for a stronger and longer lasting odor.

    Place mothballs in the areas they may try to gain access to as well as scatter them around the outside of any building you want to prevent them from going into.

     

    Free-Range Chickens

    Chickens are very good at pest control, sometimes even better than cats are.  If you are able to let your chickens run free-range outside the areas you want to keep mice out of, they will provide a natural and deadly “barrier” for your home or garden.

    Would you like to build anything you want out of wood without expensive tools or a large woodshop?  It’s fun and easy — Check it out here>>>

    Good Old-Fashioned Snap Traps

    Not just the fodder of classic animated TV characters, snap traps are an easy and inexpensive method for clearing out your new “neighbors” and protecting your pantry.

    Bait the traps with peanut butter, place them in areas mice will be but will be out of the way of children’s fingers and set them. Check regularly to see if you’ve caught something and dispose of immediately, so you don’t end up with the smell of a decomposing body.

     

    The 5 Gallon Bucket and Water Method

    Take a spare brown paper grocery bag or heavy-duty paper and cut out a circle cover that is 2-3 inches wider in diameter than your five-gallon bucket, then use a utility knife or Exacto knife to cut 2 slits in the center of the paper in the form of an X.  Fill the five-gallon bucket approximately half-way with water.  Lay the paper over the top of the bucket and tape it securely into place by folding down the overlapping paper.

    Spread a few dabs of peanut butter in the center area of the cover and place the bucket in an area the mice can reach it. When they move across the paper cover toward the peanut butter, they will fall through the X in the middle and drown.

     

    Happy Hunting!

    There you have it, from essential oils and free eggs there are ways to keep mice from overrunning your property that won’t run the risk of polluting the environment or leave you with unwanted casualties.

    The EZ Battery Reconditioning™ course is the easy to follow, step-by-step system to recondition all kinds of old batteries with just simple supplies you probably already have in your home.  Get more information here>>>

  • 4 Things Baby Chicks Need for Healthy Living

    4 Things Baby Chicks Need for Healthy Living

     

    Baby chicks.  Fuzzy and cute, warm and cuddly, they are adorable beyond words.  Sometimes called the “gateway drug” to adding animals to a homestead, the chickens these chicks grow into can add any number of benefits to your property, from pest control to fresh eggs to a Sunday Roast.

    If you are contemplating joining the thousands of people across the world to raise their own chickens for meat and eggs, here are some things you will need to be prepared with.

     

    A Brooder

    Brooder is a fancy way of saying container.  When you first receive your chicks, they will be too small to turn loose into the chicken coop.  Just as a baby needs a bassinet then a cradle before they grow into a standard bed, chicks need a smaller space so they won’t get caught in small places around the coop area you don’t even know exist.  It also keeps them better protected during colder weather.

    If you plan to have chicks around every year, you may consider getting one of the fancier brooders available on the market, but just about anything will work.  I remember one year when my parents helped out one of the local farmers in our town by taking in a several dozen chicks after one of their temperature regulated brooders broke.

    Other containers that work well are the smaller galvanized tubs or feeding troughs, and large plastic storage chests.  These are both easy to keep clean and can be used year after year then stored easily when not in use.

    Whether or not you need a cover on your brooder depends on its proximity to predators.  This doesn’t just mean coyotes or birds of prey.  If you have any cats on the property either domestic or feral, they can be a big threat.

    A simple wire mesh stretched over a frame and secured on the top will solve your problem without blocking ventilation.

     

    A Way to Stay Warm

    Initially, chicks must be kept in an environment that is 95-100o F.  This range goes down as they grow and produce more body heat themselves.

    The easiest way to provide a heat source for your chicks is with a heat lamp.  If you decide to go this route, though, be very careful.  Heat lamps can become a fire hazard very quickly.

    A safer but more expensive option is a heating plate.  If you are starting with a small number, this may be a good choice.  If you have a larger number of chicks you need to keep warm, the costs may become more expensive, but you will have less stress knowing you’ve gone with a safer method.

    A Water Source

    This may seem like a no-brainer since just about every living thing on our planet relies on water for survival, but we’re going to discuss it anyway.

    For your chicks’ safety and your peace of mind, it’s a good idea to invest in a specialized waterer instead of an open container of water in the habitat.  Open containers provide an easy way for your new babies to drown themselves.

    Most feed stores have waterers available to fit your needs.  To help your chicks become familiar with their surroundings more quickly, consider dipping their beaks into the waterer as you place them into the brooder, so they know where the water source is.

    Suggested Article:  “Why Chickens are Your Best Friend on the Homestead”

     

    A Food Source

    New chicks have very specialized nutritional needs at the beginning of their life.  There are some homemade starter chick feeds going around the internet, but the easier way to make sure your kids are getting exactly what they need, pick up some chick starter feed at your local supply store.

    Once they’ve gotten bigger, you’ll switch them to egg layer feed or meat bird feed, so there is no need to put a lot of extra effort in at the beginning.

    A feeder will help a little in keeping the food in one place, but keep in mind, chicks are messy, and there will be spills to contend with.

     

    Chicken Keeping Answers — Your one-stop chicken raising resource. Get info here>>>

     

  • Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals with These 6 Homemade Cleaners

    Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals with These 6 Homemade Cleaners

     

    House cleaning can be a drag, but house cleaning while wearing a gas mask is just wrong.  So, why does it seem like so many of the available cleaners on the market today practically require a full haz-mat suite?

    If you are tired of dreading housework because of the inevitable headaches and respiratory problems that can be experienced by cleaners, consider instead mixing up your own with any or all of the options below.

    Full Strength White Vinegar

    Use this wonder product straight from the bottle to remove calcium and other hard water deposits from your shower, sink, counters and more.  Apply and let it soak in. Rinse and repeat until all build-up is gone.

    Clean clogged showerheads by pouring vinegar into a plastic bag and securing it around the head with a rubber band or tape.  You’ll want to let it soak for at least 2 hours depending on the amount of build-up, or, put in place before bed and let it sit overnight.

    Rinse afterward and buff up the fixture to bring back its shine.

    Soften clothes and remove detergent residue in your washer by adding 1 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle instead of fabric softener.

    Or, instead of even using laundry detergent with the new powerful laundry magnets.  If you’ve never heard of them you can check them out by clicking this link…water liberty laundry magnets>>>

    White Vinegar and Water

    The mild acidity of white vinegar tackles hard water build-up, soap scum, and dirt while still being gentle enough to mix with water and clean hardwood flooring.

    Begin your cleaning day by mixing this super easy cleaning. In a spray bottle mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Then get spraying.

    Use this same recipe to get the odors out of furniture, carpets and even walls.  White vinegar is a natural deodorizer that absorbs odors instead of covering them up.

    It’s a great way to freshen up a musty room or get rid of the stale smell of cigarette smoke from furniture, floors, and walls without harming paint or finishes.

    Go Lemon Fresh

    If you need a general cleaner for light work, use lemon juice instead of vinegar.  Additionally, you can use the outer peeling to polish porcelain, then put all the leftovers from the peeling to the pulp down your garbage disposal to clean and sanitize it while sharpening the blades.

    [Brand New] Clean your entire home spotless and “eliminate odors” all without breathing in toxic fumes or leaving any hazardous chemical residues behind.  Find Out More Here >>>

    Baking Soda Cleanser

    Instead of investing in harsh scrubbing powders, try baking soda. Sprinkle it onto a damp rag or sponge to clean out your bathtub’s soap scum rings or tackle baked on food on your kitchen range.

    For harder jobs, mix the soda with some water to make a paste.  Apply it to the problem area and let it sit for 15 minutes.  Scrub, rinse and repeat until the area is spotless.

    Rubbing Alcohol

    Rubbing alcohol is a great base ingredient to create your own window and glass cleaner. Do try it out, mix 1 cup of rubbing alcohol with 1 cup water and a tablespoon of white vinegar.

    Use this concoction on any shiny finish like mirrors, chrome, ceramic tile and, of course, windows.

    Ammonia

    Ammonia’s alkaline composition makes it an even stronger all-purpose cleaner or window cleaner.  Try one of these recipes when you have a tougher job ahead of you.

    All-Purpose Cleaner

    • 2 Cups Water
    • 1 Tablespoon Clear Non-suds Ammonia
    • 1 Tablespoon Dishwashing Liquid

    Glass Cleaner

    • 1 Cup Rubbing Alcohol
    • 1 Cup Water
    • 1 Tablespoon Clear Non-suds Ammonia

    A Clean House is A Happy House

    As you can see, with just a few basic ingredients and some decent spray bottles, you can have a whole arsenal to battle dirt and grime throughout your whole home without the use of harsh chemicals or expensive products.

    STOP wasting thousands of dollars on paper towels and start using this alternative. Learn More>>>

  • Is Grass Fed Beef Really Better Than the Alternative?

    Is Grass Fed Beef Really Better Than the Alternative?

    As people work to become more health conscious, we are taking a closer look at the foods we eat regularly.  And, while some have chosen to avoid animal products altogether, others have instead made an effort to find healthier versions of the product they already know and love.

    Take beef, for example.  Most of us know from grocery shopping that it’s now possible to buy items like ground beef with different levels of fat in them.  And, you would think that when spending the extra money per pound on 93% lean beef that, that is hormone/additive free you’d be getting as healthy an option as possible.

    You may find it surprising then that you can do better.

    How?  By sourcing your beef from grass-fed cows instead of grain fed cows.

    But wait, isn’t grain a healthy food too? Well, yes, it is.  However, in a cow’s diet, it has more in common with a bag of potato chips than a leafy green salad.  The purpose of adding grain to a cows feed to fatten them up.  Not bulk them up with lean muscle but add fat so they weigh more and can be sold for more money.

    Grass-fed cows are much leaner, not because they are undernourished, but because they don’t build up excess fat. Beef from grass-fed cows is shown to be lower in saturated fat, calories, and total fat while being higher in vitamins and healthy fats.

    Additionally, since the cattle are allowed to graze in open fields more than those who get crowded into feedlots, there is little to no need to give them antibiotics.

    Finally, another side effect of some cheaper grain feeds it its ability to allow E. coli bacteria to breed much easier in the cows’ stomachs.

    Still not convinced?  Take a look at some more advantages grass-fed beef, and farming has:

    • Lower Omega 6-fats (These are linked to heart disease)
    • Higher Omega 3 fats (good for your brain)
    • Higher CLA levels which help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer
    • Higher vitamin C and E levels
    • Better quality of life for cattle (Less stress)
    • Higher quality of Dairy products
    • Pastures provide reduced flooding and soil erosion versus grain fields
    • Self-fertilizing of pastures provides a more nutritious and more sustainable food source without costing extra money.
    • Reduces the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to produce unsustainable corn and soy feed.

    Disadvantages of Grass Fed Beef

    Like organic produce, especially when the movement was just getting off the ground, it may be difficult initially to find a local supplier.  The lack of farms producing grass-fed beef also tends to make it more expensive for now.  But, if you are in a position to take advantage of this healthy and more sustainable beef source, the advantages definitely outweigh the disadvantages.

    It Just Tastes Better!

    One last advantage to mention that anyone who’s made the switch will tell you, grass-fed beef has a much better taste to it.  Of course, the best way to find out is to try it and see.

    Where to Buy Grass Fed Beef

    If you have a locally owned butcher shop or similar, you may be able to find it there.  Whole Foods stores also carry it, but it tends to be more expensive.  Buying from Whole Foods initially would give you an opportunity to assess the differences yourself before looking too hard in your area for a supplier.

    Two resources online that provide information about where to buy grass fed beef are:

    • Eat Wild at www.eatwild.com
    • US Wellness Meats: 100% Grass-Fed Beef https://grasslandbeef.com/

    Once you’ve made the switch, its time to fire up the grill and cook up the best burger or steak you’ve ever had.

    [Bonus] This strange method will make your food last for 2 years without refrigeration.  Learn More>>>

  • 3 Surprising Ways to Reuse Old Electrical Cords and Cables

    3 Surprising Ways to Reuse Old Electrical Cords and Cables

     

    Since the dawn of cable TV, the number of electrical type cording we have around the house has expanded almost exponentially.  What started with coaxial and extension cords now include shorted out or plain outdated AV connectors, HDMI wiring, and USB cords in about every shape, size, and color.

    If you are anything like my family, you have at least one box filled with outdated wiring, some of which is so old you probably have no idea what ancient piece of tech you’ve since gotten rid of it used to go to. The first idea we usually have is to toss them in the trash.  Next time you are ready to purge your collection, stop and consider one of these options instead.

    1.     Sell Them

    Does this sound familiar?  You’ve upgraded your camera/laptop/computer/monitor/etc. and now you have a collection of accessory cords that still work perfectly, but you have absolutely no use for.

    Believe it or not, there are techies out there who may want them.  They may need a replacement cord for an item they refuse to part with, they may be “frankensteining” their own unique machine and need just the spare cord you want to part with.

    If you’ve managed to keep track of the specs of some of your cords and the stuff they went to originally, you can sell these cords online or at your next garage sale and make a little extra cash on something you would otherwise toss aside.

    Bring batteries back to life with this simple battery reconditioning resource…never buy batteries again!  Learn More Here >>>

    2.     Recycle Them

    It probably won’t shock you to hear that electronic cords and cables are not biodegradable.  Fortunately, recycling is getting easier.  Even if your local curbside service doesn’t take them, you can do a search for electronic recycling in your area.  Best Buy has a recycling program for electronics.  The policy changes occasionally so check with your local store to see what they currently take, how much at once and if there are any fees.

    Suggested Article:  5 Creative Ways to Reuse Old Cans

    3.     Upcycle Them

    One of the things most of these cords have in common is copper. Copper is not only a good conductor; it looks good all by itself.

    Copper wire has many distinctive properties that have made it a go to wire for projects.  The wires flexibility is matched by its versatility.

    Although some wire crafting projects require special tools, plus time and years of practice, others are relatively easy and can be accomplished with just a few basic tools from your toolbox and time to have fun. Using copper wiring for a project adds an additional level of aesthetic that will enhance the finished product even more.

    You can “harvest” the copper wire from cables for homemade jewelry and other craft projects.  Collect your copper by using wire snips to cut it out of the PVC covering and dielectric spacers.

    Depending on the type of cord you are cutting open, you can end up with different gauges by using not only the main wiring but by unbraiding the thinner wire that makes up the protective guard.

    One of the easiest copper wire projects you can do it creating ire Word Art. The process is simple.

    • Use MS Word or a similar program to type your word in the font you want to copy and then select the font size you want the project to be.
    • Print out your final design on paper to use as a guide.
    • Using wire snips, needle nose pliers and regular pliers, bend the wire to create the shape of the letters, checking your design by laying the wire on the printout.

    Try this: Trick to Recondition and Reuse Old Batteries>>>

  • 9 Practical Emergency Foods And How to Store Them

    9 Practical Emergency Foods And How to Store Them

     

    Long term food storage is a good idea in many, many circumstances.  There are several basic food types that you should consider stocking up on that will last for years if needed.

     

    Beans

    Dried beans of every variety are super cheap and even easier to store.  Store them in a dark, dry and cool place for best results.

     

    Coffee and Tea

    Most of us consider ourselves in an emergency situation if we run out of coffee.  So, try to imagine going through an actual emergency without it…OH…THE HORROR!!!

    Just make sure you keep it in the right forms so it can last the longest.  Whole bean coffee stored in an air-tight container will last the longest.  This means you will also want to invest in a manual coffee grinder, in case the power goes out.  Of course, if all else fails, stick the beans you want to grind into a paper or plastic bag and start hammering.

    Tea is usually sold in sealed containers, so they store nicely until opened.  Then keep them in a cool, dark and dry place to avoid them becoming stale before you have the chance to brew them up.

     

    Fats

    The human body requires a certain level of fat intake to function properly.  We also use it to cook and bake, making it a staple of any person’s pantry.

    Butter, lard, olive oil, coconut oil and more can be stored for extended periods of time.  Butter can also be frozen if you have some in surplus.

    Additionally, coconut oil can also be used as a moisturizer and for a whole bunch of other functions including:

    • Body Moisturizer
    • Cuticle Softener
    • Face and Eye night cream
    • Facial Cleanser
    • Hair Conditioner
    • Lice Treatments
    • Shaving Cream
    • And soooooo much more.

    Store your all your non-animal fat sources at room temperature and away from heat and excessive light. Butter can also be stored at room temperature for easy spreading.

    Honey

    Honey never goes bad and is one of nature’s miracle foods.  Store honey out of direct sunlight.  Sometimes older honey may crystallize or harden.  If this happens, you just need to place the container its stored in, into hot water until it “melts” back into its thick syrup-like consistency.

     

    Oatmeal

    Oatmeal is inexpensive and can be used a number of ways including ground up to use as a flour substitute. Just keep it in a dry place.

     

    Rice

    When it comes to really long-term storage, white rice is the best option.  While not as nutritionally packed as brown rice, it contains less oil so it won’t become rancid.  Rice is a good item to have to make meals stretch a little further and then when paired with other foods, can add a variety of flavor and texture to your meal planning. Keep rice in an airtight container for freshness and to keep out the bugs.

    Suggested Article: 5 Simple Methods to Preserve Food

     

    Salt

    Salt can be used as a seasoning and a way to preserve food.  It’s also difficult to come by if the stores run out and it can’t exactly be grown in your garden. To keep salt safely stored and prevent its clumping together into one giant mass, store it in a sealed container, in a dry area.

     

    Sugar

    Essential for canning and baking, sugar is another one of those products that is hard to get if the stores run out.  Make sure it is stored in an airtight container to keep out pests, and placed in a cool, dry place.

     

    Wheat Berries

    Contrary to many other long-term storage food lists, flour isn’t the most idea.  While it can last for many months or even a year if stored perfectly, it can go rancid before you use it all, plus it can attract pests.

    Alternatively, wheat berries and other types of grain can be stored for several years.  Then, you can either grind them into flour or soak them to use as hot cereal. Two types to consider are hard white wheat and spelt. They should be stored in a cool, dry location.

    The Medicine Chest — how to deal with a disaster using alternative medicine. Check it out here>>>