Prepare: For the love of Sardines

Preppers love to talk about canned meat. I think preppers keep Hormel in business with the purchase of Spam, Vienna Sausages, and canned tamales (yuck). Canned meat is a hedge fund against a meatless dystopian future. Canned meats augment the survival garden and stacks of bagged rice and wheat.

But canned meats have a problem. Most are full of fat and cholesterol. You might as well spread some crisco or lard on a piece of bread.

But all is not lost. Preppers not only stock canned meat, they also include canned fish. While the tuna gets most of the credit, there are plenty of canned fish alternatives out there. And for today, we can show our love for the lowly sardine.

Sardines have been canned and sold for years. A tiny fish, sardines are found throughout the world's oceans and once were considered a delicacy. As modern fishing improved and simultaneously, canning, the sardine became a staple in the working man's lunch.

Here's what better - sardines are good for you. They are packed with miracle nutrient Omega-3. People pay $20.00 for a bottle of Omega-3 capsules when they can get the same effect from a can of sardines. And there's protein and sulphor and lots of other nutrients. Fats? Sure, but they are healthy fats, not cholesterol laden gunk.

Here's another. Sardines are lightweight. You can pack a half dozen cans in a bag and not even notice them. And sardines come in those cool cans which are square rather than round.

Here's the kicker. Sardines last a lonnng time. A can may last as long as ten years and there are actually collectors of old sardines out there who enjoy the flavor of an older can over a newer sardine.

Sardines are packed with energy. They are a favorite of backpackers and hikers because of their light weight, longevity and nutrient content.

Sadly, the last sardine cannery in the US may be closing soon. There is hope it will stay open, but if not, our sardines, like so many other things, may come from overseas. It's not the same.

But the ride was great. Here's praise for the ultimate prepper food - the sardine.

SHTF: Canned goods

Canned food has taken a bad rap over the past 20 or so years. For instance, the other day I was speaking with a family friend and I commented jokingly, "Make sure you get plenty of canned goods.." or something.

The woman of the family turned to me and laughed, "I don't think we even have any canned food at home..". The husband said, "Sure it's in the bomb shelter!" and we all laughed.

When people where I live have canned food, it is in the form of the following, (2) cans some flavor of Campbell Soup, (1) can of pumpkin pie filling leftover from 1998, (1) can of chicken stock from same time period and (1) lonely can of SlimFast.

Which is a shame because canned food is a great value and should be in your home regardless of you preparedness mindset. A can of soup is a meal for a child on a cold day waiting up to two years (!) for you to enjoy it. Amazing. What's more is canned food is a surprising value as that same can of soup may only run you a buck or less depending upon the type.

Canned food sales happen frequently at your local supermarket. We received a flier from the local super with prices at 10 for $10 and a further 20% off when spending more than $25. Basically, we could get 100 cans of soup, ravioli and other ready to eat foods for $80.00 - that's a bargain and could be the beginning a home preparedness food plan.

Now, what sorts of canned goods should you stock up on?

First, you want canned foods you actually eat. That can of Vegall will probably sit on the shelf until the next apocalypse if you don't eat lima beans.

Next, consider canned foods which might be eaten cold or only partially heated. What will you do if the power is out ahd a can of Sterno is your only heating element?

Finally, if at all possible, consider the healthiest choices when possible. Those canned tamales may be filling, but they also are about as good for you as eating a spoonful of Crisco.

After making your canned food purchasing decision, determine where to put all of that food. Many in the preparedness community have sturdy canned food storage racks or canned food storage systems which not only hold the food, but help keep track of "what's new and what's oldest". Type "canned food storage rack" or "canned food storage" into Google and see what's available out there.

Further, store canned food in multiple locations in your home if need be. We keep food stored under the counters in the bathroom and in a closet near the kitchen. Space can be found in nearly every home no matter how cluttered.

Remember, canned food is your friend whether you are into preparedness or not. It is a healthy and convenient food source for nearly every budget and no, you do not need a bomb shelter to have some on hand.