Long Term Storage w/ Canning Jars

This is quick and easy way to store your food for the long term. A step-by-step guide with pictures.

PROS:
It is very easy to do, and children can also help in the process.
Limited amount of materials necessary to start with long term food storage.
Does not have to have additional protection from rodents.
Glass jars can be used for canning once the food is used.
Smaller portions to rotate into your everyday food.
The contents don't have to be transferred into another container when moved into the kitchen.
Allows you to buy small portions at a time.

CONS:
The glass jars are breakable.
Light is not prevented from degrading the nutritional value of the food. They can be stored in dark cellar or basement which takes care of that problem.
Not as portable as mylar bags.

So here we go....

Items needed:

Quart sized canning jars ( Buy American!!! )
Oxygen absorbers ( 300cc )
Half pint size jar for storage of unused oxygen absorbers
Food to be stored
Scissors (optional)
Packing Tape (optional)
Index cards (optional)
Sharpie & pen

 I save time by cutting the instructions from the package and putting them on index cards. I also cover the instructions with packing tape to seal them onto the card. You can just write on the index card if you wish.

I slide the index card so that it is visible from the outside. You can also write the type of grain on the top of the index card for easy reference. Today, I am storing Garbanzo beans and Lentils.

Fill to the top of the can, then shake to settle the contents, refill if necessary, then place an oxygen absorber into the canning jar.

Screw the lid onto the jar, and it should seal within an hour.

 The unused portions can be saved for later jars or used in the kitchen.

These are the lentils - same process.

The canning jars are sealed and waiting for the oxygen eaters to do their thing.

I put a small piece of invisible tape on the lid and notate the date with a Sharpie pen.

 

Here is the finished product ready to go back into the original box. I keep the original box so that they can be neatly stacked and moved if necessary. Additionly, if you live in an earthquake zone this might prevent some damage from the jars bouncing around during an earthquake.

TIP: Be sure to place those newly opened oxygen absorbers into the smallest canning jar that you have to keep them fresh. If you don't have any small canning jars, be sure to fill it up with rice/beans/lentils to displace the extra air within the jar.


I'll add the various pounds per product per quart jar as I expand our food storage.

My Planning and Foresight Amazon Store currently has Oxygen Absorbers and Mylar Bags for sale under the Recommended Section. Plus, any purchase made through my Amazon store supports this site with Gift Certificates. This allows me to do more book, gear, and item reviews for this blog. 

TO FILL A QUART JAR YOU NEED:

1.5 # Garbanzo Beans
1.75 # Lentils
1.33 # Black-eyed peas


Keep Right On Prepping - K