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Are you a prepper? Do you have a stockpile of food and supplies to last you in case of an emergency? If not, you should start thinking about it! One item that you should definitely include in your pantry is cornmeal. Cornmeal can be used for many things – from making cornbread to thickening soups. But how do you store it long term? In this article, I will discuss how to store cornmeal long term so that you can rest assured knowing that you will always have some on hand in an emergency.
Key Takeaways
- How to store cornmeal long term (Recommended Methods)
- How long cornmeal will last depends on the storage method.
- How to tell if cornmeal has gone bad
- How to kill bugs’ eggs in cornmeal
In A Nutshell
- Cornmeal has a shelf life of one year when stored properly.
- For long term storage, choose bolted cornmeal over self-rising or unbolted cornmeal.
- Store cornmeal in a cool, dry place for best results.
- Check cornmeal for signs of spoilage before use.
- Freezing cornmeal will kill any eggs that may be present.
- Cornmeal is a staple in many kitchens and has a long shelf life. However, like all food items, it does have an expiration date.
Recommended Cornmeal Storage Methods
Dry, cool, and dark place:
The simplest way to store cornmeal long-term is in a dry, cool, and dark place. A root cellar or basement is ideal. If you don’t have either of those things, any closet or cupboard that meets those criteria will work just fine. Just keep it away from any appliances that generate heat, like a water heater or furnace.
Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers:
For an even longer shelf life, you can store your cornmeal in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. This method is often used by preppers and survivalists to store bulk grains long-term. Simply place your cornmeal in a mylar bag, add an oxygen absorber, and seal the bag. Then store it in a dry, cool, and dark place. When stored properly, cornmeal can last up to 10 years in mylar bags with oxygen-absorbing capability.
Mason jars
Another option for long-term cornmeal storage is to use Mason jars. This is a good option if you only have a small amount of cornmeal to store, or if you want to access it without having to open a larger container. Simply place your cornmeal in a Mason jar, seal it tightly, and store it in a dry, cool, and dark place. It will last for about a year, easily.
- Vacuum Seal
Another option for storing cornmeal long-term is to vacuum seal it in mason jars. This method, also known as dry canning, will keep your cornmeal fresh for years. Simply place your cornmeal in a mason jar, vacuum seal the lid on, and store it in a cool, dark place. With this method, expect your cornmeal to last for at least three to five years.
- Dry Canning
You can also take the dry canning approach. This method is similar to vacuum sealing, but you don’t need a special machine. Just place your cornmeal in a mason jar, screw the lid on tightly, and then process the jars in a pressure canner. This will remove all the air from the jar and create an airtight seal. Store your jars in a cool, dark place.
Freezer:
Another option for storing cornmeal long-term is in the freezer. This is a good option if you don’t have a lot of space, as you can stack the bags of cornmeal in the freezer. Just label them with the date, so you know how long they’ve been there. Frozen cornmeal will last for several years.
How Long Can Properly Stored Cornmeal Last?
When stored in an airtight container and placed in a cool, dry location, cornmeal can last for up to one year. However, if you live in a warm climate or do not have access to a cool, dry storage area, your cornmeal will still last several months – though it may lose some of its flavor over time.
For preppers, having a supply of cornmeal on hand is essential. Not only is it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes, but it also has a long shelf life – making it perfect for emergency situations.
- Dry location: 1 year
- Mylar bags: up to 10 years
- Mason jars: 1 year
- Freezer: Several years
Why Cornmeal Is An Excellent Food To Stock Up For Emergencies?
There are many reasons why cornmeal is an excellent food to stock up for emergencies. It has a long shelf life, is nutritious, and can be used in many different ways.
Cornmeal is a good source of carbohydrates and protein and contains some vitamins and minerals. In addition, it is relatively easy to store cornmeal long term, as it does not require special storage conditions.
Cornmeal can be used in many different ways, such as making bread, pancakes, porridge, or added to soups and stews. It is a versatile food that can be used in many different recipes.
We recommend checking out our article about storing grits long term.
Popcorn vs. Cornmeal for Long Term Food Storage: Which is Better?
When it comes to long-term food storage, you want to choose foods that will last a long time and be versatile. Two great options are popcorn and cornmeal. But which is better?
Popcorn lasts a very long time. You can ground it to make flour or use it as a snack. It’s also more versatile than cornmeal. However, it needs to be processed to avoid diseases like botulism.
Cornmeal has a shelf life of one year in its original packaging. This is because it comes already ground and enriched with vitamins. However, it’s not as versatile as popcorn.
Another factor to consider is how long you plan on storing it. Cornmeal has a shelf life of up to 1 year, while popcorn has a shelf life of only 2 – 4 weeks. This is due to the fact that cornmeal is milled and has no hulls or kernels. On the other hand, Popcorn has hulls and kernels that can break down over time.
So, which is better for long-term food storage? It depends on your needs. If you want a food that will last a long time and be versatile, popcorn is a better choice. If you want food that is easy to store and use, cornmeal is a better choice.
What Kind Of Cornmeal Should You Avoid For Long-Term Storage?
There are three main types of cornmeal: self-rising, unbolted, and bolted. Self-rising cornmeal has leavening agents added to it, unbolted cornmeal does not, and bolted cornmeal has been sifted to remove the germ and bran.
For long-term storage, you want to avoid self-rising cornmeal because the leavening agents will lose their potency over time. You also want to avoid unbolted cornmeal because the germ and bran can cause the meal to go rancid more quickly.
The best type of cornmeal for long-term storage is bolted cornmeal. The process of removing the germ and bran also removes moisture, which helps to keep the meal from going bad. And because there are no leavening agents in bolted cornmeal, it will last longer than self-rising cornmeal.
To store your cornmeal long-term, you’ll want to keep it in a cool, dry place. An airtight container is also a good idea, as it will keep out pests and moisture. When stored properly, cornmeal can last for years.
Can You Use Cornmeal After The Expiration Date?
Cornmeal is a staple in many kitchens and has a long shelf life. However, like all food items, it does have an expiration date. Most cornmeal will last about one to two years after the “best by” or “use by” date on the package.
So, how can you tell if your cornmeal has gone bad? The best way is to look for signs of mold or other spoilage. If you see any mold on the cornmeal, throw it out immediately. Mold can cause serious health problems if ingested.
If the cornmeal looks and smells fine, but is past the expiration date, it is probably still safe to use. However, it may not be as fresh as it once was. The flavors may have faded, and the texture may not be as good as it once was.
If you are unsure whether or not your cornmeal is still good, it is always better to err on the side of caution and throw it out. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food spoilage.
How To Kill Bugs’ Eggs In Your Cornmeal?
To kill bugs’ eggs in your cornmeal, put the cornmeal in a sealed container and place it in the freezer for at least 48 hours. This will kill any eggs that may be present in the cornmeal. You can then store the cornmeal in a cool, dry place for long-term storage. Be sure to check the cornmeal periodically for signs of spoilage, and discard it if it shows any signs of mold or other contamination.
Tips For Prepping With Cornmeal
- Cornmeal can be used as a flour substitute in many recipes.
- Cornmeal can be used to make cornbread, muffins, pancakes, and other quick breads.
- Cornmeal can also be used as a coating for fried foods.
- Add some flavor to your cornmeal by adding spices or cheese before cooking.
- Try using cornmeal in place of breadcrumbs in a recipe.
Conclusion
Cornmeal is a versatile food that can be used in many different recipes. It has a long shelf life and can be stored for years if kept in a cool, dry place. When prepping with cornmeal, check for signs of spoilage and discard it if it shows any signs of mold or other contamination. With a bit of creativity and the knowledge of how to store cornmeal long term, you can use cornmeal in many different ways to add flavor and texture to your meals.
