When packaging your own food for storage, one of the most important (if not the most important) decisions you can make is in what you will use to store your food. Here, we take a look at a handful of the most popular options.
Mylar Pouches
Mylar pouches are made by laminating food grade plastic and aluminum. This provides protection from light and heat, and the lining in the inside of the pouch ensures that any stored foodstuff doesn’t come into contact with the aluminum. While the mylar pouches are both moisture and insect resistant, they are not rodent proof. In addition, the pouches are not 100% airtight, and allow for a small amount of oxygen transfer over a long period of time. Pouches can be stored inside plastic buckets for protection against rodents, and provide greater moisture, oxygen, and light protection than the bucket would on its own. In addition, mylar pouches can be reused more easily than plastic containers, and can be repurposed in a variety of ways.
Food-grade Plastic Buckets
When using a plastic bucket for food storage, ensure it has working gasket seals, has never been used to store non-food items, and is manufactured out of high-quality, food-grade plastic. Plastic buckets can also be used to store items like bags of other foods. Plastic buckets are available in a variety of sizes, including one, three, and five gallons. They provide relatively robust rodent protection, can protect stored items from moisture, and also provide an additional (though not complete) barrier to light. Plastic buckets are inexpensive and can be used to store large amounts of dry foods (rice, beans, flour, dry milk, etc.) in long-term storage. They do allow for some amount of oxygen exchange over a long period of time.
Glass Jars
Glass jars are a classic for a reason. These re-usable containers are just as suitable for storing dry goods as they are foods with higher moisture content. They come in a variety of sizes, and jars and lids are readily available. If cared for properly, glass jars can be used and reused for many years. Unlike many plastics, glass does not harbor bacteria, and glass won’t leach chemicals into the stored food over time. Bear in mind that glass is fragile, and will need to be stored appropriately. Also, glass containers must be protected from light, as light exposure will decrease the quality of stored food.
Your Fellow Patriot
Steven Bryant
