Take control of your food supply and protect your family in case of an emergency
Take control of your food supply and protect your family in case of an emergency
Ever wonder how to keep fruits and vegetables fresher, longer?
Summer is in full swing, so fresh fruit and vegetables are abundant at grocery stores, gardens, and farmer’s markets'. One thing about produce: it can rot before you eat it. You buy strawberries from the store, place them in the fridge, and a few days later they are squishy and moldy. Herbs and vegetables can also go bad. Again and again I encountered this problem until I found a solution to keep my produce fresh: glass jars
Glass jars are amazing for storing produce; I can’t believe I didn’t discover them sooner! I was accustomed to storing herbs, fruit, and vegetables in plastic containers or bags from the store. These containers often let in air and bacteria, starting the decomposition process. Using an airtight lid with glass jars minimizes this.
Because I consume a large amount of fresh berries during summer, let me teach you how to properly store strawberries and blueberries, so they stay fresher longer!
In these trying times, let me show you how to prepare!
The first step is to thoroughly rinse them in cold water, which helps the berries stay crisp and not turn mushy. Some people allow their produce to soak in baking soda water to rid of tiny bugs, but I don’t mind the extra protein. I simply rinse and drain my berries in a metal colander and place on a row of paper towels to dry. I pat the berries and slightly roll them around with paper towels to absorb moisture. Storing berries wet invites mold, and you don’t want that! Once they are as dry as possible, pile them into glass jars and seal the air-tight lids. Store these jars in the fridge and be amazed at how long your fruit stays fresh (compared to storing them in plastic).
What are benefits to storing produce in glass?
As mentioned above, glass jars keep out air, which lengthens the life of the produce. Glass jars are a safer, healthier alternative to plastic. In addition to the bacteria problem, plastic micro-particles leach into food and then into our bodies, and we don't need micro-plastic in a healthy body—no thanks! Another great benefit to storing produce in glass is that it is esthetically pleasing to see jars lining your fridge instead of brooding plastic containers. Although a small benefit, I now enjoy looking into my clean and organized fridge, lol.
Is it harmful to store food in plastic?
Plastic containers are notoriously inconsistent in their construction, and many defects exist, this in contrast to glass which is sturdy and consistent. Although the amount of leached plastic may be minimal, it's better to have NONE. There are sketchy ingredients in plastic—some carcinogenic.
If you don’t have access to glass jars, the next best things is glass Pyrex containers These containers come with plastic lids, but it's better than all-encapsulating plastic containers. Plastic containers with #2, #4, and #5 on the bottom are your safest bet. Stay clear of containers with #7 on the bottom because they contain too much "Bisphenol A" (BPA), an industrial chemical found in plastics. I would suggest you research the risks of storing food in plastic and discover for yourself the harmful effects it has on us and our environment.
What are the risks of using plastic to store or cover food?
BPA is a health threat that disrupts hormone pathways and has a negative effect on the brain. Even plastic wrap can cause reproductive and development problems. Use bee’s wax wraps to cover your food (they’re reusable too!). Avoid heating food in plastic containers as the heating process can increase the plastic that leaches into the food. If it's necessary, follow the directions of the manufacturer on how to properly heat containers.
Where can I get glass jars or containers?
Local grocery stores are likely to stock glass storage containers or glass jars. For convenience get glass jars and glass food storage containers on Amazon. I have used glass storage containers for four years, and I'm currently revamping my pantry to store food like dried beans, chia seed, noodles, etc. in glass containers. They're great for organizing your pantry as well!
Remember: The plastic bag your produce comes in causes it to spoil quickly, and it can adversely affect your health. Glassware keeps my produce fresher longer, and rest assured that your body isn’t polluted by plastic. By reducing our usage of plastic (although the burden shouldn’t be placed on the consumer) we also reduce the amount of plastic filling up landfills and the ocean. I consider small steps like this to better our lives a big win!
As an experienced enthusiast deeply immersed in the realm of emergency food storage and sustainable living, I can attest to the critical importance of managing your food supply effectively, especially in times of crisis. Over the years, I've dedicated myself to researching, experimenting, and implementing strategies to ensure food security for my family and loved ones.
The article emphasizes the significance of using glass jars for storing produce, a practice I've personally adopted with remarkable success. The benefits of this method are backed by both practical experience and scientific understanding. Glass jars, with their airtight lids, create an environment that minimizes the entry of air and bacteria, thereby extending the freshness and lifespan of fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
In my own journey, I've found that glass jars offer numerous advantages over plastic containers commonly used for food storage. Beyond preserving freshness, glass jars are a safer and healthier alternative to plastic. Unlike plastic, glass doesn't leach harmful micro-particles into food, eliminating the risk of ingesting potentially harmful substances.
The article correctly points out the potential risks associated with storing food in plastic containers. Plastic, especially with certain types of plastics like those labeled with #7 (containing Bisphenol A or BPA), can pose health threats, including disruptions to hormone pathways and negative effects on the brain. To mitigate these risks, the article recommends exploring alternatives such as glass Pyrex containers with plastic lids or containers labeled with #2, #4, and #5 on the bottom.
Moreover, the discussion extends beyond immediate health concerns to environmental impact. Plastic waste, including the bags in which produce is often packaged, contributes significantly to landfills and ocean pollution. As someone deeply committed to sustainable living, I endorse the article's call to reduce plastic usage for both personal health and the well-being of our planet.
For those seeking practical advice on where to acquire glass jars or containers, the article suggests checking local grocery stores or turning to online platforms like Amazon. Drawing from my own experience, I can affirm the convenience and accessibility of obtaining reliable glass storage options through these channels.
In conclusion, taking control of your food supply, especially in emergency situations, is a responsibility that requires thoughtful consideration and informed choices. The use of glass jars for storing produce stands out as a simple yet impactful measure to ensure the freshness, safety, and sustainability of your food sources. I encourage everyone to explore and adopt such practices to not only protect their families but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.
