In order to save time and money, I like to buy foods in bulk. One of the items I like to buy in bulk is rice. I usually get it from Sams in either a 25 or 50 pound bag. Before I go any further, let me state that I have not done the proper research to know exactly which rice is the healthiest and best for my family. For now, this is just a budget-friendly option that I choose.
As you can imagine, this large of a bag takes my family a few months to go through (we use a lot of rice!). I usually bag it into gallon size bags and freeze it until I'm ready to use it. This time I decided to use my air-tight sealer and some half-gallon jars I had on hand. I kept one jar open for use and sealed another 7 jars. I dated the top and will store these in my pantry.
Again, I haven't done a ton of research on this option. I have seen that you can just simply seal them without any oxygen absorbers. This should keep the bugs and pests out and also help it remain fresh. However, for super long-term storage (like 10+ years), I think I'd prefer to add the oxygen absorbers for that extra bit of preservation.
Here are the supplies I used (other than the rice):
Vacuum Sealer - this is just a generic link. My sealer is so old it is no longer available. It is a Black & Decker brand. Just be sure the sealer you use has an way to hook up an external hose for jar sealing.
Oxygen Absorbers (optional)
There really isn't much to it. Just fill the jars with a little bit of head space. Attach the hose to the sealer, put the lid onto the jar, place the sealer firmly on top, and hit the seal button. Once the seal is completed, I have found it best to disconnect the hose first, then remove the top (what fits over the lid) off of the jar. Otherwise, the top seems to want to undo the seal and take the lid with it. This doesn't happen every time, but when I remove the hose first, it almost never happens.
Then, just remember to store the jars in a cool, dark place.
This post is where I got my information for getting started. It states to either air-tight seal or use the oxygen absorbers. It also gives tips on proper storage.
Happy Storing!
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Canning at home can seem like a daunting task, especially if you've never done it before or didn't grow up in a household where canning was a regular activity. The process requires a bit of courage and the right equipment to start preserving your own foods safely and effectively. From personal experience, the journey to mastering home canning can stem from necessity, such as the need to control dietary restrictions, and morph into a rewarding hobby that offers both satisfaction and a plethora of homemade goods.
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Lastly, proper storage and adherence to approved canning recipes are crucial to the success and safety of your canning endeavors. Canned goods should be kept in a dark, cool place like a pantry, and older items should be used first to maintain freshness. By utilizing only approved and tested recipes, you safeguard against the potential risks of foodborne illnesses, ensuring that your home-canned foods are not only delicious but safe to consume. This beginning guide underscores the importance of preparation, quality supplies, and following safety guidelines to embark on your own canning journey.
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Creating nutritious meals from scratch starts with a well-stocked pantry, focusing on several key categories. Grains and dried legumes, such as wheat, oats, and rice, offer a versatile base for various dishes, from baked goods to soups and main courses. Fats and oils, including high-quality olive oil, coconut oil, and butter, are essential for adding flavor and nutritional value. Natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, and molasses provide healthier alternatives to refined sugars, enhancing the flavor profile of homemade treats.
For those embarking on the journey of cooking and baking from scratch, maintaining a pantry filled with baking staples, meats and proteins, and a variety of fruits and vegetables is crucial. Ingredients such as baking powder, baking soda, yeast, and dried herbs and spices are indispensable. Seasonal fruits and vegetables enrich meals with optimal nutrition and flavor, while a stock of meats and proteins ensures a robust meal plan. Preserving these items allows for year-round enjoyment and convenience.
Incorporating convenience and comfort foods into the pantry ensures a balance between homemade meals and practicality for busy days. Canned goods, broth, and frozen vegetables simplify meal preparation without compromising quality. Meanwhile, stocking up on ingredients for comforting dishes like homemade soup, cookies, or bread provides nourishment and solace. A strategy of buying in bulk, preserving foods, and rotating stock ensures a pantry that supports healthy, homemade meals while minimizing waste.
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