Converting long-term storage of white rice
Posted by Spirited_Mammoth_269@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 7 comments
Hi guys - as far as my rice storage goes I have a decent about (about 70lbs or so) but for the last 2-3 yrs I've stored it in glass containers along with oxygen absorbers in dark and cool closets.
I've recently become interested in changing my storage to mylar bags inside of food grade buckets. We don't eat white rice enough in order to sustain the amount that we have - in other words it'll probably last us a lifetime and for the most part, I want to save it for a shtf scenario.
What I've done is bought 5 gallon buckets and 1 quart mylar bags in order to store all of this rice in. Am I missing anything? Thanks for any advice on dry food storage you can give!
iwannaddr2afi@reddit
You just need oxygen absorbers. Different foods and different volumes require different "sizes" of oxygen absorbers. For rice in a quart bag I use once 100cc oxygen absorber per bag, manually squeeze out excess air, and seal. The oxygen absorber only absorbs the oxygen in the package, not other gases, so it's not necessarily going to look "fully" vacuum sealed but you'll probably notice the mylar shrink up around the rice after some time passes.
I like 1qt bags for most staples. Easy to use up, easy to share, not too heavy. You're also smart to store the bags in a sturdy container to protect the mylar from bites, rips, and punctures.
You are on the right track!
roxannegrant@reddit
i do this and vacuum sealing as well!
Eredani@reddit
I use 5-gallon mylar bags in my 5-gallon food grade buckets... but multiple smaller bags should work.
I like the mylar bags from Wallaby but prefer the oxygen absorbers from Harvest Right. An impulse sealer works well for the 1-gallon bags but you will want an iron or hair straightener for the 5-gallon bags.
Pay close attention to oxygen absorber sizing. I usually double up on the O2 absorbers just in case. Also remember to remove as much air (headspace) from the bags before sealing.
Clearly label and date everything on the bags and buckets. Depending on the type of bucket, I recommend a rubber malet for getting the lid on and an opener for getting it off.
Also, rice is pretty cheap. Rather than move your old rice over I would be tempted to just buy a few new 25 or 50 pound bags. Consider some pinto beans as well.
Finally, make sure you have the water, fuel, knowledge and equipment to prepare rice and beans.
berty_antrim@reddit
What is your preferred way to cook rice if shtf? Ie over a wood stove, propane stove etc?
Eredani@reddit
Electric rice cooker because I'm stupid in the kitchen.
Using wood means an outdoor firepit for me which may not be safe or practical. We have a propane stove but fuel is finite and it may not be safe indoors. Also have a butane cooktop which is indoor safe but again, fuel is limited however much is stored.
Whereas a robust solar generator with a lot of solar panels can provide infinite power for lights and cooking even in an extendedemergency. For example: rice cooker, induction cooktop, crockpot, bread machine, air fryer and microwave oven.
Yougotsiked@reddit
5 gallon bucket (doesn’t have to be food grade if using Mylar bag. 35lbs of rice, Mylar bag, 2000cc O2 absorbers. Much more compact then jars.
Ra_a_@reddit
We buy from LDS “Provident Living online order form”
We don’t eat rice usually either