Don't Let Spoilage Spoil a Bargain

From the Kansas City Star.

"Stockpiling can save you money if you know what to buy and can get it at the right price. But if you wind up not using the product before it expires, what's the point?

There are several ways to slow spoilage:

Canning: Canning is becoming hip again, especially among gardeners who get an abundance of food in a short period. Over the last few years, canning supply companies have upped their inventory, with many offering coupons.

Not all food should be canned, and it is important to follow the proper process to ensure safety. But if done correctly, home-canned products can last indefinitely. A great website is homecanning.com.

Vacuum sealers: These work by removing oxygen and creating a moisture barrier. Countertop food sealers retail for $65 to $100. Vacuum sealers can also be used to seal first aid kits, silverware, sheets and bedding

Food dehydrators: When dried properly, some foods will last more than a year. Food dehydrators retail for $65 to $250 and beyond.

Pickling: By adding a chemical - typically a saline-based liquid, olive oil, vinegar or even alcohol - the food is preserved."

You can even can meat, saving untold amounts of energy by unplugging your freezer, yet still having stored meat. As for the dehydrators mentioned above, they usually have to run overnight or for two days before you see any drying action--not a good use of energy, in my opinion. If you happen to live in a hot, dry climate, just put food outside on cleaned and stacked window screens, and let the sun do it in a matter of a couple of hours!