Which foods are suitable for an emergency food supply?
Food supplies for emergency preparedness
Many people are currently wondering what measures could be taken in the event of a prolonged disruption in the supply of food in particular.
The specter of a blackout (a widespread power outage lasting for an extended period) has been looming for some time now. Even power companies openly admit that the probability of such an event is very high.
The now clearly noticeable climate change does not exactly inspire hope for the future. Threatening droughts in one part of the world and unprecedented floods in another could lead to crop failures with dramatic consequences at any time.
Finally, the recent horrific tragedy practically on our doorstep adds insult to injury.
The intention here is by no means to cause fear. Rather, it is a look at facts that worry many people. We believe it is better to accept circumstances, especially unpleasant ones, and ask oneself: "What can I do about this?"
Seedlings and sprouts as an important part of crisis preparedness
For emergency preparedness or in case of crisis, various organizations, groups, and individuals often suggest canned goods in a wide variety of forms. For basic calorie needs, this is certainly very practical due to their long shelf life. However, all these foods lack important nutrients and the freshness that many, especially health-conscious, people value. Clearly, in times of crisis, the supply chain for fresh food, including fruits and vegetables, is likely to collapse very quickly. Especially in winter, one cannot rely on one's own garden. Besides, many people in cities don't even have one.
Is there a way to grow your own fresh vegetables without much effort or time?
Nature offers us a solution in the form of long-lasting grains and seeds. Seeds from a wide variety of plants have the ability to be stored for many years. It has been reported that several thousand-year-old grains, still capable of germination, were found in Egyptian pyramids. If such grains are stored dry and protected from heat, they provide the conditions for growing your own sprouts and seedlings. The advantage of growing your own sprouts is the simplicity of the process. All you need are viable seeds, clean water, and a temperature of at least 15°C (59°F).
As soon as these three components come together, the dormant grains are essentially awakened. Stored enzymes initiate the life process within the grain. From the hard, somewhat inedible, yet nutrient-rich powerhouse, young vegetables begin to sprout. These sprouts and seedlings possess an extremely high density of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and more. Therefore, anyone who values a balanced diet should consume sprouts daily, not just during times of scarcity.
How does growing your own sprouts and seedlings work?
It's actually quite simple and requires little practice. The best way to start is with sprouting seeds, which almost always lead to success. These include, for example, mung beans, radishes, alfalfa, or even fenugreek or lentils. It's always best to use several different types of sprouting seeds and mixtures thereof, as this covers a broader spectrum of nutrients. Each type of sprouting seed has its own particular strengths, especially when it comes to vitamins and minerals.
The next step is to place the chosen sprouting seeds in a bowl of water, ideally overnight. The following morning, empty the now fully saturated seeds into a sieve and return them to the bowl. Cover with a plate if desired and allow to germinate at room temperature for approximately two days. Rinse the seeds with water and through a sieve each morning and evening to prevent them from drying out. Once the sprout is about 2-4 mm long, these fresh, nutrient-rich wonders are ready to eat.
To make sprouting even easier, PepUpLife offers numerous conveniences such as ready-filled sprouting bags with various varieties or sprouting jars with sieve lids and matching seeds.
Conclusion:
Sprouts and seedlings are excellent as a true food source, even in times of crisis and hardship. Their long shelf life and simple production, requiring no electricity, underscore this. This ensures that fresh, nutritious vegetables are always available, no matter the season.
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