How to Store Spaghetti

Having ample food available in an emergency is one way to stay prepared. Spaghetti, an excellent pasta for food storage, will remain edible for upwards of 30 years when packaged properly. Follow the steps below to learn how easy it is to have a supply of dry pasta ready when you need it most.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spaghetti
• Storage containers (food grade plastic buckets with gasketed lids, foil pouches, canning jars with lids)
• Dry ice (if buckets are used)
• Impulse pouch sealer (if foil pouches are used)
• Oxygen absorber packets

1. Prepare storage containers. Make sure all inner surfaces are clean and dry. If you are using canning jars or foil pouches, place one oxygen absorbing packet into each container. If using plastic buckets, place one ounce of dry ice per gallon capacity in the bottom of the bucket.

2. Fill containers with spaghetti. It may be necessary to break the pasta into smaller pieces to fit into your storage vessel. Fill foil pouches to 80% of volume. Fill jars to 95% volume. Fill buckets to within one inch of the top (on top of the dry ice).

3. Seal containers. For foil pouches, use an impulse heat sealer. Make sure the seal is tight. A second seal can be applied if desired. For jars, make sure the gasket on the lid is in good condition. Close the jar tightly. For plastic buckets, place the lid on top but do not completely close it until the dry ice has dissipated (sublimed). When the bottom of the bucket begins to feel warmer, place the lid on tightly. If it begins to bulge after a few minutes, open slightly to release the excess pressure.

4. Store containers. All food storage should be placed in a cool, dark, and dry location preferably off the floor and away from rodents. Rubbermaid or similar totes are excellent for storing foil pouches.

Tips & Warnings

• Oxygen absorber packets should be kept in a sealed container until they are ready to be used. Only remove as many as you will use in 20 to 30 minutes.
• Use caution when storing plastic buckets. Do not stack them more than three high as the weight can damage the lower containers.

[MI-Sandi]

on 12/16/2008 Good tip. You can never have too much food on hand. It is just a bummer if it goes bad before you have a chance to use it. So these tips are great! 5*