Prepare for Winter Eating with Food Storage

Introduction

Preparing for winter eating with food storage is a crucial step in ensuring that you and your family have enough sustenance to make it through the cold months without having to rely heavily on grocery stores. By stocking up on the right amount of food per person from your garden, in root cellar, and pantry, you can have a bountiful supply of fresh produce, preserved meats, vegetables, fruits, dairy alternatives, grains, and legumes. In this article, we will guide you on how to calculate the amount of food you need and explore various food storage techniques to help you maintain a well-rounded diet during the winter season.

Calculating the Amount of Food Needed

When it comes to food storage, it is essential to determine how much food you need per person to sustain you throughout the winter months. The exact amount may vary depending on individual dietary requirements, but a general guideline is to aim for an average of 1.5-2 pounds of food per day per person.

Here is a simple food storage calculator:

https://notscaredalwaysprepared.com/survival-food-calorie-calculator/

From autumn harvest time through the first produce in spring, you should plan to have enough food to last for several months. Consider the following categories when calculating your food storage needs:

Garden Produce

If you have a garden, it can be a valuable source of fresh produce during the winter. Plan to harvest and store vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, onions, and winter squash. These can be stored in a cool, dark place like a root cellar to extend their shelf life. Apples and nuts also store well.

Ensure that you have enough space in your root cellar to store the desired quantity of vegetables. On average, you may need around 100-150 pounds of root vegetables per person for a winter season.

Canned and Preserved Meats

Meat is an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients. Canning or smoking meats can help preserve them for long periods without refrigeration. Aim to store around 20-30 pounds of dried, canned, or home-smoked meat per person for the winter.

Canned Vegetables

Aside from fresh garden produce, it is important to have a variety of vegetables available for a balanced diet. Canning vegetables like tomatoes, green beans, beets, and corn can provide you with nutritious options throughout the winter. Plan to store around 50-75 pounds of canned vegetables per person.

Canned and Root Cellared Fruits

Don't forget to include fruits in your food storage plan. Canning or root cellaring fruits like apples, pears, and berries can add a touch of sweetness to your winter meals. Aim for around 25-40 pounds of canned or root cellared fruits per person.

Preserved Dairy, Alternatives, and Eggs

When it comes to dairy and eggs, it's essential to have alternatives that don't require refrigeration. Consider preserving dairy alternatives like powdered and canned milk, powdered or water glassed eggs, and shelf-stable waxed cheeses. Aim for around 10-15 pounds of preserved dairy alternatives and eggs per person.

Dried Rice and Grains

Rice and grains are staple foods that can provide energy and sustenance during the winter months. Make sure to have an adequate supply of dried rice and various grains, including gluten-free options if needed. On average, plan to store around 50-75 pounds of dried rice and grains per person.

Beans and Lentils

Beans and lentils are excellent sources of protein and can be stored for long periods. Include a variety of beans and lentils in your food storage plan, aiming for around 20-30 pounds per person.

Additional Considerations

In addition to the above food storage options, there are a few other factors to consider for a well-rounded winter food supply:

Sprouting and Growing Microgreens

Consider sprouting seeds and growing microgreens indoors to supplement your winter meals with fresh greens. These can be grown easily and provide a nutrient-rich addition to your stored food.

Butchering Fresh Chicken

If you have access to fresh chickens, consider butchering them during the winter. This will provide you with a source of fresh meat and ensure that you have a variety of poultry options available.

Creating Fermented Foods for Vitamin C

Fermented foods, such as sauerkraut and kimchi, are not only delicious but also rich in vitamin C. Including these foods in your food storage plan can help ensure that you have an adequate intake of this essential nutrient during the winter.

Comfort Items

Don't forget to include some fun food items for entertainment or favorites for comforting people. These include your favorite potato chips, saltine crackers for upset stomachs, chocolate chips for making cookies, store bought olives, and canned mango. These items can brighten up someone's day and make them feel better! They are worth having in your storage.

Conclusion

Preparing for winter eating with food storage requires careful planning and consideration. By calculating the amount of food needed per person and exploring various food storage techniques, you can ensure that you have a well-rounded and nutritious diet throughout the cold months. Whether it's stocking up on garden produce, preserved meats, vegetables, fruits, dairy alternatives, grains, or legumes, a well-prepared food storage plan will help you make it through winter without having to rely heavily on grocery stores. Start planning and stocking up now to ensure a successful and satisfying winter eating experience!