As we prepare ourselves to fight back the pandemic of Coronavirus, self-isolation or quarantine is what we are practising to protect ourselves and our families. We are stocking our kitchens with essentials that can last for a long time. It is a good idea to buy and store those foods in bulk that have a long shelf life and can help us make nutritious snacks and quick meals. Here are some foods that must be in your quarantine grocery shopping list.
(Also Read: How To Make Fruits And Vegetables Last Longer And Reduce Kitchen Waste)
Stock up on healthy foods that will last a long time.
6 Foods With Long Shelf Life That You Must Store
1. Dried And Canned Beans
Canned beans boast of a shelf life of more than five years. Beans can fulfil your nutrition need of fibre, plant-based proteins, magnesium, B vitamins, iron, zinc, manganese, copper and phosphorus.
2. Nut Butters
We all love peanut butter on our bread toast, right? But peanuts are not the only nuts that can be turned into luscious and delicious butter. You can make nut butter with many other common nuts that you love to eat raw or toasted - hazelnut, walnuts, cashews, Brazil nuts and more. All the butters made of nuts contains a high amount of proteins, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, antioxidants and other healthy plant compounds. Their shelf life depends on the type of nuts used and their packaging type.
3. Dried Fruits And Vegetables
It's a great idea to stack dried fruits as they can be stored in room temperature for up to a year. Even dried vegetables can keep well for around six months.
4. Canned Fish And Poultry
If you don't want to step out for your daily poultry shopping, pick canned fish and poultry, which usually have a shelf life of up to 5 years, even if not refrigerated.
5. Nuts And Seeds
You must pack different kinds of nuts and seeds that are full of nutrition and can make for great in-between-the-meals snacks if roasted. They can also be added to your desserts, breakfast cereals and smoothies.
6. Whole Grains
Barley, oats, rice etc. are essential whole grains that you must have during this quarantine period. They have a longer shelf life than carb-rich foods like bread, and can be converted into nutritious and filling meals.
(Also Read: 'The Quarantine Plan' By Rujuta Diwekar May Sort Out Your Weekly Diet Woes)
Be a smart shopper by including non-perishable foods like these in your shopping list lest you have to make frequent visits to the market.