List of Pantry Foods
Every household should have a well-stocked pantry, full of nutritious, satisfying foods. Stocking your pantry can be inexpensive if you choose foods for their value and shelf life. It’s easy to take advantage of sales by buying multiples of the basics, since these products are frequently marked down. Sale pricing also makes buying healthier versions of staples more affordable. These foods not only enable you to whip up last-minute meals from supplies you have on hand; they also ensure that your household has access to good food during unexpected weather emergencies and power outages. Does this Spark an idea?
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Cooking Basics
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Keep vegetable or olive oil on hand for cooking. Although somewhat more expensive, olive oil is a great option due to its flavor and heart-healthy properties. According to Mayo Clinic nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D., extra virgin olive oil is especially beneficial due to its higher concentration of antioxidants called polyphenols.
White, wheat, soy, and other flour varieties are essential baking ingredients and thickeners, and will last 1 year in the pantry. Storing in the refrigerator or freezer doubles flour's life span.
Staples
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Pasta is reasonably priced, has a shelf life of 3 years if sealed in an airtight container, makes a great last-minute dinner, and is loved by nearly everyone. Garlic and onions, admired by health guru Dr. Andrew Weil for their immune-system enhancing and antibiotic properties, are great to have on hand to mix with tomato paste and water for a quick, easy pasta sauce. Stocking vegetable or meat broth, canned vegetables, and beans ensures that you will always have the ingredients for a quick, healthy, hearty dinnertime soup. Low-sodium and organic versions are available, and vacuum-packed, resealable containers make for convenient alternatives to cans. Stewed or diced tomatoes add flavor, and can be used in a number of other dishes as well.
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Preparedness
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Powdered milk and eggs can be mid-recipe lifesavers, are cheaper than their whole food counterparts, and make good substitutes when you are unable to leave the house during a snowstorm or other weather emergency. Peanut butter is inexpensive, versatile, and nutritious, and does not require cooking, making it a great option when the power goes out. Canned or vacuum-packed tuna and meats are essential for the same reasons in meat-eating households. Tuna can be kept for 3-5 years, and canned meat for 2-5 years.
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References
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