11 Items To Look For At An Amish Market

If you’re preparing for an emergency, a natural disaster, or simply aiming to live off the grid, it’s important to have supplies that work without power and know where to find them.

One group known for their skill in gathering and maintaining these kinds of supplies is the Amish.

The Amish live a very simple lifestyle, often without electricity or modern technology. Because of this, they’ve developed some unique skills and products that can come in handy during emergencies.

In this article, we’ll look at a few key supplies that could be useful to have on hand, many of which can be found at Amish stores. These items are typically high-quality and built to last.

Hand-Cranked Grain Mills

In an emergency, having access to food is critical.

If the power goes out, many modern appliances won’t work—even if you have a full stock of grains to live on.

This is where hand-cranked grain mills become invaluable. These manual machines let you grind grains into flour without electricity.

The Amish are known for their high-quality, hand-crafted grain mills, often made from durable materials like cast iron. These mills are essential for off-grid living but are also a great option for anyone who wants to make fresh flour at home.

Related: Cut Down On Your Bills In 2024 With These Amish Projects

Mason Jars

Mason jars are incredibly versatile supplies that serve multiple purposes. They’re great for canning, storing dry goods, or even as drinking glasses. Having a stash of mason jars in different sizes can be really beneficial for a homesteader.

They can hold food, water, and even small items like nails or nuts and bolts. While you can find them elsewhere, Amish stores often offer a wide selection of high-quality mason jars in various sizes and styles.

Oil Lamps

When the power goes out—or if you don’t have power to begin with—you’ll need a reliable light source.

Flashlights and candles can be useful, but each has its downsides. Flashlights rely on batteries, which can run out fast if you even have extras on hand. Candles, on the other hand, pose a fire risk.

Oil lamps offer a great alternative—they run on inexpensive, easy-to-store oil and can burn for hours on just one tank. Many Amish stores carry a range of oil lamps, from straightforward designs to more decorative styles, providing a safe and long-lasting light source.

Non-Electric Kitchen Tools

Without power, many modern kitchen tools become useless. However, the Amish have been living without electricity for years. Because of this, they’ve created and developed a variety of kitchen tools that are both functional and durable, requiring no power to operate.

Some examples include hand-cranked blenders, butter churns, apple peelers, mixers, nut roasters, coffee grinders, meat grinders, and juice presses. You can find these tools in nearly any Amish store, and they’re not just useful in emergencies; they’re also great for anyone wanting to embrace a more self-sufficient lifestyle while living off the grid.

Related: 25 Powerless Appliances for Your Homestead Kitchen

Wood Stoves

Eventually, you’ll need a way to heat your space, and doing so without electricity during colder months can be challenging. Gas-powered heaters are one option, but they require a steady supply of fuel, which might be hard to come by in an emergency or if you’re living off the grid for a while.

On the other hand, wood stoves can burn various materials like wood, paper, or cardboard, making them more versatile. They’re also much more efficient than open fires, which can quickly consume large amounts of fuel and pose safety risks, especially in high winds.

Wood stoves are great not only for heating but also for cooking. They can serve as both a cooking source and a heat source at the same time.

While finding quality wood stoves can be a challenge, Amish stores often have a nice selection to choose from, including both traditional and modern designs.

Horse-Drawn Carriages

While not strictly a homesteading supply, horse-drawn carriages can be incredibly useful in emergencies or when living off the grid.

They don’t require fuel to operate and can navigate areas that cars often can’t reach. Plus, carriages are great for transporting supplies or people when necessary.

If you plan to live off the grid for an extended period, considering a horse-drawn carriage could be a smart way to help you move heavy items.

Water Gear

Water is the most essential resource people need every day, even when they’re not living off the grid. However, without electricity, it can be challenging to ensure a continuous supply of water.

That’s where a hand-operated pump comes in handy. You can find a high-quality water pump at an Amish store, allowing you to access water for showers, laundry, cooking, and drinking. It will also help keep your garden thriving.

These hand-operated water pumps can be connected to an existing well. Be sure to pick up any necessary pipes or fittings for the installation, and have containers ready for storing and transporting water.

Related: How To Make A Water Pump In Your Backyard

Quilts

Having a wood stove is definitely helpful for staying warm, but it might not always be sufficient, especially if you’re low on fuel. That’s why it’s good to have an alternative.

While blankets can be useful, they don’t always provide the best warmth. Quilts, however, are often designed with warmth in mind, prioritizing function as well as aesthetics. The Amish community is particularly skilled at making quilts that are both cozy and beautiful.

Sewing Machine

While sewing might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re thinking about homesteading, having some skills in that area can be really useful, especially if you find yourself off the grid for an extended period. You might need to repair torn clothing or even create additional shelter.

But how do you use a typical sewing machine without power? You can’t.

Fortunately, the Amish have been sewing for years without electricity. They usually make their own clothing and repair it as needed, rather than buying new clothes, using either a foot-pedal sewing machine or hand-sewing techniques.

If you’re looking to get started, Amish stores often have all the supplies you need to sew without electricity.

Non-Electric Tools

When you’re living off-grid, you’ll likely encounter many situations where you’ll need to build or repair things, like your shelter, a fence for your livestock, or a chicken coop. In these instances, having the right tools is essential.

However, many modern tools rely on electricity or large batteries, which might not be available in off-grid settings.

The Amish have been building and repairing for generations without power, so they offer a wide range of tools that don’t rely on electricity. These tools are crafted to last, ensuring durability and functionality. At Amish stores, you’ll find high-quality options that are perfect for your off-grid needs.

Food

We can’t discuss surviving off the grid with Amish goods without mentioning food. Many folks wouldn’t want to miss out on the chance to enjoy some delicious Amish meals or treats.

However, since we’re focusing on homesteading and survival, let’s look at some key food items that the Amish excel in for survival situations.

Canned Goods: While you can find canned goods in any grocery store, the Amish produce quality items designed to last off the grid, just like their other products. They’ve been doing this for decades, and their food reflects that expertise.
Sorghum: Sweet sorghum, also known as sorghum molasses, is one of the best sweeteners to have on hand during emergencies. It’s grown in Amish communities across America and is packed with minerals. Some say you can survive for quite a while on just one tablespoon of sweet sorghum dissolved in a glass of water.
Dehydrated Foods: You can find dehydrated foods in various stores, but the quality from Amish stores is often superior. They take pride in providing products that are both nutritious and flavorful.
Preserved Meats: In the Amish community, livestock is often slaughtered during the winter months. Any meat that isn’t eaten right away is typically cured, smoked, canned, and cooked in the jar during the canning process. This method eliminates the need to cook or reheat it later, making it an excellent addition to any survival kit.

These are just a few ideas of what to look for at an Amish store. They usually offer a wide variety of items that are incredibly useful for living off the grid, all crafted to last.

So next time you pass by an Amish store, make sure to stop in and check it out!

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