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Preppers are often known for stockpiling canned foods and other non-perishables in order to be prepared in case of an emergency situation. But when it comes to prepper foods that last for a long time fermented foods are another great option. These foods can last for years without any special preservation methods, making them perfect for long-term storage.
Before checking the top fermented foods that are good to include in your survival pantry, let’s learn more about the benefits fermented foods can offer in case of a survival situation.
What Are Fermented Foods?
Fermented foods are foods that have been altered by the process of fermentation. These foods usually contain lots of probiotics and minerals. Fermenting foods is a great way to extend the shelf life, add nutrients and preserve food that would not normally last for a long time. A top prepper food that lasts without refrigeration, fermented foods include kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, miso, and tempeh.
Fermented foods have been eaten across the world since ancient times. The process of fermentation is responsible for transforming carbohydrates into carbon dioxide and alcohol. For example, when cabbage is fermented, lactic acid and other enzymes break down the cabbage into smaller compounds. This process is also responsible for creating a rich source of probiotics.
Top book from a prepper geek – 126 Lost Superfoods that our ancestors used to survive wars and famine.
What Are The Benefits Of Fermented Foods?
- Better digestion: The probiotics found in fermented foods help to improve a person’s digestive system. These probiotics can also be helpful for people who have a hard time breaking down certain foods. If a person doesn’t have enough probiotics in their system, they will have a harder time breaking down food and may experience digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
- Immune system support: Fermented foods contain friendly bacteria that can help nourish the human digestive system. This, in turn, boosts the immune system and leads to increased resistance against infections and diseases.
- Improved nutrient absorption: Fermented foods also have Vitamin B, Vitamin C, and Vitamin A, as well as minerals like iron, magnesium, zinc, and potassium. These nutrients help to support a healthy immune system and digestive system.
- Improved energy levels: As nutrients are taken up by the body and vitamins are broken down and used, a person gets energy. If someone doesn’t get the right amount of vitamins and minerals, they might not get enough energy from the food they eat. This can lead to fatigue, difficulty focusing, and various mood disorders.
- Weight loss: Fermented foods are often loaded with probiotics, which are helpful for weight loss. When a person has a healthy gut, it can lead to better digestion and less bloating. This, in turn, can help someone lose weight.
- Better sleep: Some fermented foods contain high amounts of L-tryptophan, which is a chemical that has been linked to better sleep. Other fermented foods contain melatonin, which is a chemical that’s activated when the lights go out.
Knowing the power of probiotics and the qualities that make these special foods a must-have for any prepper’s pantry let’s have a look at the best fermented foods and learn more about these prepper foods that last for longer in your pantry.
Top Prepper Foods that Last – Sauerkraut
My top choice for this list of prepper foods that last, Sauerkraut is a fermented cabbage dish that’s often eaten as a side dish with meat. It’s a staple in German and Eastern European cuisine and is also eaten in Asia and the Americas. It’s made by mixing cabbage with salt and letting it sit for several months to ferment.
Sauerkraut is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, while also being low in calories. It’s been linked to health benefits such as fighting cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. It can be eaten as a side dish or even added to a meal for extra flavor.
Because it can be kept in the refrigerator for months and can last for years when it’s properly preserved this fermented vegetable is a top SHTF food to stockpile.
Watch the video below to make your own or you can check this Bavarian Sauerkraut from Amazon. It’s the only one I buy as it’s tastier and does not contain any odd ingredients.
Kefir
Kefir is a fermented milk product that contains beneficial bacteria. It’s been around for thousands of years, dating back to ancient times. It was originally made by leaving milk out in the desert, letting it ferment naturally. Today, this prepper food that lasts a long time it’s made using kefir grains — a combination of yeast and bacteria — that are added to milk.
Kefir can be made with cow’s milk or goat’s milk, or even a combination of both. It’s a great source of probiotics and contains high levels of Vitamin B12 which is essential to help you stay energized during strenuous and stressful times.
Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented tea drink that contains probiotics. It’s an ancient health drink that was discovered in 221 BCE. It was used by Chinese emperors as an elixir of life. It’s made by adding a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast to black tea. It’s similar to kimchi in that it’s often fermented for long periods of time and bottled for commercial sale.
Kombucha tends to be sold in bottles and has a vinegary taste thanks to the carbon dioxide produced during the fermentation process. If you want to add some healthy and tasty drinks as well to your list of prepper foods that last then give kombucha a try.
Fermented foods that last – Kimchi
Kimchi is a fermented Korean dish that’s packed with probiotics. It’s made by mixing cabbage with a variety of spices, including garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and fish sauce. It can also be made with other vegetables like carrots, daikon, onions, and radishes. It’s a great source of vitamins and minerals, while also being a low-calorie delicacy.
To mix things up in your pantry Kimchi is another great prepper food that can make a difference in case of an emergency situation that disturbs the food supply.
Top Prepper Foods That Last – Miso
Another favorite for my family in our prepper foods that last inventory, Miso is a fermented soybean paste that is a staple in East Asian cuisine. It’s flavored with salt and sometimes a variety of spices and herbs, including garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds. Miso is traditionally made with a specific type of soybean called shiro shoyu.
Miso is a healthy source of protein and is low in fat. It’s also rich in B vitamins and amino acids which are important nutrients to help maintain a sharp mind in times of crisis. It’s used as a soup base and can also be eaten on its own. Miso can last for several years when it’s properly preserved.
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Tempeh And Tofu
When it comes to prepper foods that last, tempeh and tofu are fermented soy products that are rich in probiotics and also help you curb cravings. They’re made by adding a culture of microbes to soybeans. Tempeh is a fermented cake made from soybeans, while tofu is a product made from boiling soy milk. They’re both great sources of protein, B vitamins, and amino acids.
They’re often used as an alternative to meat, as well as in vegetarian and vegan dishes. Tempeh and tofu both have a nutty flavor and are great to add variety to your food intake in survival situations. They can be kept in the refrigerator and last up to six months if properly preserved.
Conclusion
Fermented foods are another great choice when prepping for a food shortage and want to stockpile prepper foods that last for a long time without refrigeration. They can last a long time in your pantry if well preserved and they can be eaten on their own or as a side dish with many other foods you have stockpiled.
They are also a type of ancient survival food which in my opinion is always a good go-to food for preppers. My favorite fermented food must be Sauerkraut. My eastern European acquaintances are my best know-how sources when it comes to how to prepare and properly preserve fermented foods.
What about you? Which fermented foods are you going to include in your prepper’s pantry? If you want some more inspiration about fermented foods also check out my post on top Japanese foods for a healthy and long-lasting pantry.
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