Looking for survivalist mode suggestions

[eridani]

We are headed for a possibly really serious economic/ecological shitstorm. What are you all doing to prepare?

I've got a food dryer and canning equipment for starters, but I'm wondering about options for grain grinding, bread and pasta making and the like. Also, not sure how to plan for longer term storage--don't want weevily wheat and exploded cans and the like.

[sazemisery]

1. Some suggestions.

When the economy goes into a recession, the best thing individuals can do is to support your local economy. Become a Locavore. Neighbors and communities have to come together in times of economic crisis to create local sustainability.

I am fortunate that in Oklahoma we have a food co-op. Check out Local Harvest for farmer's markets and CSA's in your area. For inspiration read Animal, Vegetable Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver.

I freeze the bulk of my homegrown vegetables. The only canning I do are tomatoes and pickled okra 'cause Mrsazemisery likes them. I have a dehydrator that I use a lot also. If you have a KitchenAid stand mixer, you can buy the attachments to mill your grain and roll and cut your pasta. I own both and have used them a lot.

Here is the answer to your weevily problem.

[hippywife]

2. What sazemisery says.

We have begun doing many of these things. We haven't gone as far as even thinking about grinding our own grain or making our own pasta but we are gardening for ourselves and have joined the food co-op. And I second her rec for reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. Excellent inspiration for the whys and hows of becoming a locavore! :thumbsup:

We also plan on using our tornado 'fraidy hole this year as a root cellar. I wish it were closer to the house but it is what it is. I've never been down there in the almost 11 years I've lived here.

[Warpy]

3. If your wheat goes weevily

you can strain them out, along with most of the webs, with a fine mesh strainer. Been there done that, figured the heat would kill any bacterial bugs they'd brought along. Survived.

Canned goods are at the peak of flavor for only a year. However, they're safe to eat as long as they're not bulging or have an "off" odor. You can boil canned goods at a full boil for 5 minutes if you're just not sure, that will break down botulin toxin.

Some garden produce can be dried outdoors. Green beans can be turned to "leather britches beans" by stringing them along a length of string and tying them to a nail under a porch and allowing them to air dry. You can reconstitute them with water later on and they'll be edible, although I don't claim they're particularly good. Tomatoes can be dried between two screens, but tend to attract flying insects laying eggs. You'll need to preserve them in oil after they're dried to prevent the eggs from hatching.

Dried grains and dried beans are your best bet, all kept in jars with secure screw top lids. Then all you have to worry about is water. Spices should be whole if possible, instead of ground. You can grind them in mortar or molcajete. Keep them away from heat and light and they'll last a long time.

Powdered skim milk lasts a long time, as do powdered eggs. They're always handy to have around for baking, even if your family balks at eating them when they're reconstituted.

Above all, don't forget the stash of chocolate.

[hippywife]

4. Definitely!

Don't forget the chocolate! LOL

[eridani]

5. Very helpful

I've heard so much about KitchenAid in this group that I'm for real going to check it out this time.

[shireen]

6. you guys are scaring me ...

it can't get that bad, can it? Because if you're right, we're looking at famine and death by starvation of epic proportions. I don't think I'd want to live in a world like that, knowing so many people around me, people i care about, are suffering and dying, especially kids. I'd rather die with them. :cry:

[eridani]

7. It doesn't have to be that bad if we start inventing the next energy economy

That will inevitably involve trying to be reasonably comfortable and well-fed with much less throughput of raw materials and energy.

[wryter2000]

8. A pasta roller is worth the cost

There's nothing yummier for the $$$ than homemade pasta. Lidia B. loves pasta with olive oil or butter and sage leaves. A sage plant would cost about $1.99 at the garden center. I've had mine for 10 years. It grows like a weed. In general, herb plants can supply lots of flavor for the buck.

I've seen pasta rollers at Ross for $15, but that's hit and miss. You could probably find a good buy on Ebay.