Anybody have any good "Food Storage without Refrigeration" links?

-- a (a@a.a), January 23, 1999

Answers

No, a, sorry, but do you have ability to make a root cellar? Gets you part way there. Do you have the "classic" root cellaring book? We do (but not ready to hand here at computer). Let me know if you want title-author and I'll get it for you.

-- BigDog (BigDog@duffer.com), January 23, 1999.

Can't I just dig a hole in the ground underneath my house? Isn't that your basic root cellar?

-- a (a@a.a), January 23, 1999.

Well, sorta .... but like everything, there is an art to it (frost lines, construction materials so walls don't cave, rodent-proofing, which things keep best which is *very* important and the subject of generations of lore-experience .....)

Here is the book:

Root Cellaring Mike and Nancy Bubel Garden Way Publishing 1991

If you can't find Amazon, many used bookstores have it. Actual publisher is "Storey Communications, Inc., Pownal, VT 05261."

Highly recommended. That said, we will be doing a root cellar this summer (tho my wife has earlier experience), so I can't tell you much from hard knocks, others on NG can.

-- BigDog (BigDog@duffer.com), January 23, 1999.

Planning smart for your food supply

The Seven Major Mistakes in Food Storage

Emergency Water Storage

The Whys and Hows of Whole Grains and Foods

Dry Pack Your Own Foods For Long Term Storage

Search engines help. Try AltaVista, Excite, Yahoo, Google -- many others. For an extensive list see http://www.refdesk.com/newsrch.html

-- Tom Carey (tomcarey@mindspring.com), January 23, 1999.

Learn how to can using quart jars. Learn how to pickle. Learn how to make wine and vinegar. Learn cheesemaking. These along with a root cellar will fully utilize your orchard, garden, and barnyard animals. Get your infrastructure supplies now, not later.

-- Mitchell Barnes (spanda@inreach.com), January 23, 1999.

try the link below for extensive food and water storage info Food storage info



-- pete (peter@infinet.com), January 23, 1999.

No links but two quick tips, re the rootcellar- at least for tot I buy ours in 50# batches (last about 3 months) put them in barrell/trach can full of sand in basement (warm about 50 degrees) keep very nicely.

Will work for carrots too but not as long.

Second SALT- I salt and dry meat then vac seal in jars. You can also salt "cure" cheese then wax or vac. seal. A salted brine will keep butter pretty fairly and waterglass for eggs.

Dehydrate fruits and veges vac seal in bags.

EC

-- Erica Calkins (Jhnck1776@aol.com), January 23, 1999.

If you have room, bury you carrots (and other root crops) in some nice loose soil, seriously. Then cover with bails of hay, snug up adjoining bales firmly, extend at least width of a bale beyond your food, cover with tarp or plastic to keep dry and ease of access and harvest as needed. Works in upper midwest..

-- Organic Gardener (straw@bale.com), January 25, 1999.