In the realm of long-term food storage, grains like whole corn and whole wheat stand out as essential staples. These grains offer a unique combination of nutritional value, affordability, and shelf-life, making them indispensable for anyone preparing for emergencies or simply seeking a more self-reliant lifestyle. When paired with other staples like beans and rice, whole corn and whole wheat create a robust foundation for long-term food security, ensuring not just survival but also a touch of comfort during challenging times.
Why Grains Matter: More Than Just Calories
Grains provide more than just calories – they offer versatility and essential nutrients that other foods may lack. While beans and rice are excellent starting points for a basic food storage plan, they don’t provide a complete dietary profile. Adding whole wheat and corn introduces vital nutrients, improves variety, and enhances the overall balance of a survival diet. These grains are also excellent comfort foods, which can be a morale booster during difficult times.
Types of Wheat and Corn for Storage
When it comes to wheat, hard red winter wheat berries are the gold standard for long-term storage. These berries are perfect for baking bread and other leavened goods, making them highly practical for anyone who enjoys cooking from scratch. For corn, dried feed corn is an ideal choice. It’s affordable, widely available, and incredibly versatile. While deer corn is an option, it’s often lower quality and may contain debris, so it’s best to invest in a cleaner, higher-grade product.
The Importance of a Grain Mill
Whole grains like wheat and corn require processing to be edible and usable in recipes. A good grain mill is a vital tool for turning these grains into flour or cornmeal. High-quality mills, such as those from reputable manufacturers, can last for generations, making them a worthwhile investment. Grinding grains at home also allows for better control over texture and freshness, ensuring the best possible results in cooking and baking.
Storage Solutions for Maximum Shelf Life
Proper storage is key to preserving the freshness and nutritional value of whole grains. Using five-gallon buckets, Mylar bags, and oxygen absorbers is a tried-and-true method for keeping grains safe from moisture, pests, and oxidation. Grains stored this way can last for decades, making them one of the most reliable options for long-term food storage. Freezing grains before sealing them can also eliminate any potential pest eggs, adding an extra layer of protection.
Meeting Caloric Needs with Grains
For those engaged in heavy physical activity, such as farming or building, a diet providing around 3,000 calories per day is essential to maintain energy and body mass. A well-rounded food storage plan with whole wheat, corn, beans, and rice can easily meet this requirement. Storing approximately 750 pounds of these staples per person per year is a practical guideline for achieving caloric adequacy while ensuring a variety of meals.
Baking and Cooking with Whole Wheat
Learning how to use whole wheat effectively is an essential skill for anyone relying on long-term food storage. Whole wheat flour, which retains the nutrient-rich wheat germ, is ideal for baking bread, tortillas, and even unleavened options like flatbreads. Developing skills in making sourdough and other leavened goods without commercial yeast can add versatility and creativity to your meals.
Unlocking Nutrients in Corn
Corn is a nutritional powerhouse, but its full potential is only unlocked through a process called nixtamalization. This traditional technique involves soaking and cooking corn in an alkaline solution, which enhances its nutritional profile and makes it easier to digest. While most corn products on the market aren’t nixtamalized, learning this skill can significantly boost the health benefits of corn in your diet. Plus, it’s the first step in creating delicious homemade tortillas!
The Versatility of Pasta and Flour
While whole grains offer unparalleled shelf life, storing some processed options like pasta and flour can add convenience and variety to your food supply. Whole wheat pasta is a great addition to storage plans, offering a faster cooking alternative with plenty of versatility. While pasta and flour don’t last as long as unprocessed grains, they can still be stored for several years when kept in airtight containers.
Beyond Grains: Complementary Staples
Grains pair well with other long-term storage items like sugar, honey, dried milk, and baking powder. These ingredients not only enhance the functionality of wheat and corn but also expand your culinary options. For example, honey can act as a natural sweetener, while dried milk can be used to make cream-based dishes. Combining these ingredients with your stored grains opens up a world of possibilities for creating satisfying meals.
Practice Makes Perfect
Storing grains is only part of the equation; learning how to use them effectively is equally important. Practice grinding wheat into flour, baking bread, and making corn-based dishes like cornbread or tortillas. Experimenting with recipes now ensures that you’ll be confident and capable when it matters most. Plus, it’s a fun way to connect with the heritage of traditional cooking.
Comfort and Security in Every Grain
The true value of whole corn and whole wheat lies not just in their practicality but in the comfort they provide. Whether it’s the smell of freshly baked bread or the satisfaction of a hearty tortilla, these grains offer more than sustenance – they offer a sense of normalcy and warmth. In uncertain times, that sense of comfort can be just as vital as the calories they provide.
Building Resilience Through Grains
Whole corn and whole wheat are cornerstones of any long-term food storage plan. Affordable, nutritious, and versatile, these grains are the ultimate survival must-haves. By learning how to store, process, and cook with them, you can build a food supply that not only sustains you but also nourishes your spirit. Whether you’re preparing for an emergency or simply striving for greater self-reliance, these grains are the foundation of a resilient lifestyle.
Mark grew up in the heart of Texas, where tornadoes and extreme weather were a part of life. His early experiences sparked a fascination with emergency preparedness and homesteading. A father of three, Mark is dedicated to teaching families how to be self-sufficient, with a focus on food storage, DIY projects, and energy independence. His writing empowers everyday people to take small steps toward greater self-reliance without feeling overwhelmed.