There are certain foods that are necessary for a healthy body that also store well.  This is what is needed with your survival paraphernalia. 

I can give you a long list of items, but that might be counterproductive.  It is unlikely a person can retain in memory a long list of individual items.  Be that as it may, I will name off specific items I find to be essential.  I will also name off items as examples.

Without question, Salt is a priority.  Not only for enhancing the flavors, but for other uses.  In the pioneer days, salt was an absolute necessity for preserving meats and fish.  I will later get into the process of how to salt meat to preserve it.  A wonderful property of salt is that it will store indefinitely. 

Even if a little amount of water should get to it, it will not damage the salt since salt is a crystalline.  The type I would recommend is Kosher salt.  It has no additives.  Salt is also a medicinal substance and a drying agent.

Another important item is baking soda.  I prefer calling it sodium bicarbonate.  Knowing the molecular structure helps me to realize certain chemical reactions it can have with certain foods and liquids.  By knowing the molecular structure,

I know that a little acid such as limon or vinegar produces converts sodium bicarbonate to that of baking powder.  Unlike baking powder, it remains unchanged during long periods of storage.  It is then ideal as an important survival commodity.

Sodium bicarbonate mixed with a dab of salt makes an excellent tooth powder for brushing one’s teeth.  Include a bit of sage as the ancient Egyptians did.  Sage is a disinfectant and a tooth whitener.  More chances than not, your medications for relieving insect bites are simply sodium bicarbonate. 

If for any reason you need to work with strong acids, such as hydrogen chloride acid (HCl), have Sodium bicarbonate close by.  It completely neutralizes the acid.  It would turn HCl into harmless water, salt, and carbon dioxide.  It is also good for eliminating sourness in foods such as rhubarb and certain greens found in the wild such as sardock.

Dried foods are best by far.  But keep them dry in sealed water proof bags.  Beans and rice are top on the list.  They not only provide much needed protein but also all of the required amino acids necessary for the body.

Frying medium is important for making some of the fabulous dishes of which Americans are fond.  We have become a nation of fried foods.  Clarified butter is naturally one of my favorites for flavor and results.  It does keep well without refrigeration.  However, lard is superior as a survival commodity.  Please do not get obstinate over this. 

Companies producing vegetable oils have strongly campaigned against lard giving it a bad reputation.  But all you need do is to read the labels.  More on this later.

Until next time, peace to all.