Preparing with Canned Foods - Goshen Prepping

Introduction

• Canned food as a top prepping item.
  • Inexpensive and convenient.
  • Long shelf life if properly stored (not below freezing, not above 85°F).

Top 5 Recommended Canned Food Categories

1. Canned Meat

• Corned Beef Hash: Contains meat and potatoes.
• Spam: Not personally recommended but popular.
• Canned Chicken: Good protein, can be eaten directly or with rice/pasta.
• Canned Turkey: Similar to chicken but more expensive.
• Canned Tuna: Long-lasting, nutritious but may become mushy over time.
• Sardines: Highly nutritious despite appearance.
• General Point: High protein content, essential for survival.

2. Canned Vegetables

• Equally nutritious as fresh produce.
• Examples:
  • Green beans (French cut or regular).
  • Whole kernel corn.
  • Sweet peas.
  • Can be eaten directly or used to complement meals.

3. Canned Potatoes

• Considered their own category, not vegetables.
• Good for keto or low-carb diets.
• Versatile: can be used for potato salad, mashed potatoes, etc.

4. Canned Beans

• Nutritionally dense and high in protein.
• Examples:
  • Baked beans
  • Chili beans (vegetarian options available)
  • Kidney beans (light and dark)
  • Black beans
• Beans toughen over time but remain nutritious.

5. Canned Soups and Chilies

• Convenient, especially when unwell.
• Examples: Amy's chili, Campbell's soups
• Long-lasting and flavorful, good for adding variety.

Canned Foods to Be Cautious About

1. Canned Fruit

• Acidic nature can lead to metallic taste over time.
• Still edible but flavor degrades.
• Example: Peaches, Pineapple, Jellied Cranberry Sauce.

2. Canned Tomatoes

• Similar issues due to acidity.
• Examples: Tomato paste, Diced tomatoes, Tomato soup.
• May taste metallic but remain edible.

3. Canned Evaporated Milk

• Shorter shelf life compared to other canned goods.
• Signs of spoilage: Chunky texture and foul smell.
• Better alternative: powdered milk.

Conclusion

• Canned food is an essential prepping item due to its longevity and nutrition.
• Focus on canned meats, vegetables, potatoes, beans, soups, and chilies.
• Be cautious with canned fruits, tomatoes, and evaporated milk for long-term storage.
• Suggestions and comments are encouraged for further food items.