Far too many people who want to get prepared believe that it is all about bugout bags, MREs, and freeze-dried food. No – foods put back in freezers can play a valuable role in a food storage program and preparedness.
The discussion continues in the following video……
Great vid! I’m a big freezer guy. I have a large battery backed solar power system and use the 30 cu ft chest freezer for all the reasons you mentioned and some you didn’t including beating inflation. I just smoked a couple racks of ribs a week or so ago that cost at least than half what they are currently priced. I had another 27 cu ft freezer that I lost in the storm surge of Hurricane Ian and it broke my heart because I had probably 50 pounds of pompano fillets in it. Keep on keepin’ on folks!
Thanks CaptTurbo – As you pointed out – can’t believe I didn’t mention the ever wonder inflation as a reason to utilize a Freezer. Thanks for mentioning. Something you pointed out as well that I have never done is freezing prepared meals/leftovers/etc. I’ve always used freezers for prepackaged foods – largely raw.
my two freezers are packed and the will last for four days unopened if wrapped in blankets and sleeping bags ( we went through a unexpected trial run last year but it was an ice storm, cold ) long enough to get the two fish cookers and the two pressure canners (all american ) up and running if necessary. plenty of gas for the genny, hundreds of jars and i buy lids by the gross ( superb canning lids ) and 25 bottles of propane for the cookers if needed.
i need to try canning over a fire one day. it would be good to know how but i expect it to be a challenge to keep the temps steady.
canning is the best, most sure way to preserve food long term IMO.
Great stuff Geezer. I have been buying Superb lids as well. You def have a great set up. Thanks for sharing!
CaptTurbo,
Hurricane Ian? it seems that you and i are in the same neck of the woods. the gulf coast is great when the wind is not going round and round.
Katrina in 05 was our wake up call to prepping. we were totally unprepared other than our camping supplies. we camped in the house for a month.
good luck to ya!!
Geezer, CaptTurbo – and John Hancock – all of you are in the same area. I would be glad to try to connect everyone and you should meet for lunch. Networking is important and having like-minded folks to converse with is great!
We have 3 freezers and 2 refer/freezer combo’s. We buy meats and cheeses for our use and to “feed” our freeze drier, whenever a sale come along. This year we are putting in a solar backup for the freezers, plus we have a dual fuel generator, too. These, coupled with a “robust” pantry, saves us 30-40% off our food budget, and has for years.
Great job JP. I want to add another small freezer and we’ve discussed a freeze drier, but, it’s not in the budget right now. I’m planning to add a 400w(give or take) solar system on the roof of my survival shed along with an ample battery bank. Considering the small freezer there. We shall see.
John, great video. We have a 25 cf side by side refrigerator/freezer and a 5, 7, and 9 cf freezers in the shed which in the near future will have a solar back up system, Our well pump already has a solar back up system along with a propane back up generator and 2 100 gallon propane tanks
Sounds great JohnP. We have two generators right n ow – a smaller 2000w and another much larger and considering adding a 3rd. Redundancy. Propane is important for heat here. I’ve added 20=lb tanks and ujp to around 14 now plus 3 100 pounds tanks we get filled periodically.
I grew up with chest freezers in my parents’ and grandparents’ homes, and I’m all for them as long as you remember to not keep all your eggs in one basket.
I wish I’d had the chance to photograph my grandmother’s spotlessly-clean basement. Initially widowed with 2 babies at the start of the Depression, she was determined that hard times would never affect her family again. She had 2 chest freezers and a small root cellar that were always full, along with a long cellar wall stacked floor to ceiling with canned goods that she bought by the case. By the time I came along she’d eased up on the manual labor, but she still sewed, made her own soap, and had several cold frames and a small greenhouse. There was a large kitchen garden, and they also grew black cherries, apples, rhubarb, raspberries, strawberries, pears, and currants. She’s always been one of my heroes.
SingleMom – Thanks so much for sharing. Absolutely love your description of your grandmother’s spotlessly-clean basement. I never met my grandparents. I came along late ion my parents life – they were both 39 when I was born. How I wish for a traditional and simple existence.
That sounds wonderful. I think people in olden days had more smarts than this world we live in with so much technology.
You are so lucky to have this great family background.
Agree Jana. Today’s world has become overly complex and systemic. I wish for simple times…..traditional life.