Our third preparedness challenge in May is to buy spices and flavorings for food storage and every day cooking. Many spices and flavorings come from overseas and could be difficult to get during storms, famine, and other disasters. Did you know over 80% of the world’s vanilla is grown in Madagascar? It takes 3 – 5 years for the vanilla orchid to produce. In 2017, a cyclone destroyed one third of the vanilla crop and prices skyrocketed. So, keep your shelves prepared with spices and flavorings.
“The prophecies about the last days are unequivocal, and there is great wisdom in preparing for the future whether it be for possible famine, disaster, financial depression, or any other unforeseen adverse circumstance.”
Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé, March 2, 2018
STOCK UP ON SPICES AND FLAVORINGS
- Take an inventory of the spices and flavorings you have at home.
- Each month I suggest a few spices to buy. This month gather onion powder, onion salt, mustard powder and Montreal Seasoning if you like to barbecue.
- Buy large containers of those spices you use most often, and small containers of the ones you use less.
- Winco sells spices in bulk dispensers to refill your own containers.
- Most spices have a 2 to 3-year or 3 to 4 year-shelf life for potency.
- Vanilla extract has an indefinite shelf life, but for best flavoring use within 5 years. Almond extract has about a 3 to 4-year shelf life. Check StillTasty.com for more extract information.
LONG-TERM DEHYDRATED ONIONS
- The Latter-Day Saint Home Storage Centers sell a 2.1 lb. can with a 30-year shelf life of dehydrated onions for $10.00 (2025). A one-year adult onion supply is 1 #10 can.
- I love fresh onions, but I use dehydrated onions in my spaghetti sauce, soups, or casseroles.
- Re-hydrate by adding “one part dehydrated onions to four parts hot water. Drain off excess water after 15 minutes.”
I hope you buy the spices and flavorings you need this month. You CAN do it!
Stock up your way!
Valerie Albrechtsen
The Food Storage Organizer
Purchase my food storage and emergency preparedness items in my Etsy shop.
