Best DIY Tips for Long-Term Food Storage?

[MeadowWhisperer]

Been tinkering around with food storage lately, really trying to dig into the best DIY methods for long-term preservation. I've seen a lot of conflicting advice online, everything from vacuum sealing and mylar bags to canning and dehydrating. It's clear that each method comes with its own set of pros and cons depending upon the type food in question.

In your own experiences, which methods have proven the most reliable, practical, and cost-efficient for different types of food? We're talking grains, proteins, fruits, and veggies here, and yes, even

 

[BlueHarborTea]

Canning's been my go-to for fruits and veggies - nothing beats the taste of home-canned tomatoes in the middle of winter. Grains, I'd say, keep well in sealed mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. Been doing it for years with no complaints. Still experimenting with proteins though, haven’t found the sweet spot yet. You guys got any good tips for meats?

 

[CeruleanScribe]

I've seen a lot of conflicting advice online, everything from vacuum sealing and mylar bags to canning and dehydrating.

Vacuum sealing and mylar bags definitely have their place for certain foods, don't disregard them too quickly, MeadowWhisperer. They work great for grains, like BlueHarborTea mentioned, and for dry goods like beans and pasta too. Canning, on the other hand, is perfect for preserving the flavors of your garden bounty. I hear you on the protein front though - it's a tricky one! Have you tried smoking or curing? It's an old-school approach, but sometimes, the historical method gets the job done best!