Of course, you won’t be turning a filet mignon into powder and expecting it to become a steak dinner later—that’s just not how it works. But powdered foods can boost meals, provide a steady stock of healthy options, and last longer than storing them in their original form.

As a bonus, powdered foods take up much less space on your shelf or in the fridge.

Here, I’ll share which foods work well as powders, how to store them, and the best ways to use them when you’re ready.

How to Turn Foods Into Powder Form

Using a dehydrator is probably the easiest way to turn many of the foods mentioned into powder. But don’t worry if you don’t have one—there’s no need to rush out and buy one just to give it a try. A regular oven works too.

Keep in mind, the process and timing can vary depending on the food. Some items might not fully turn into powder and may stay in a dehydrated state, like certain fruits. The best way to figure it out is by experimenting and learning as you go.

Foods that Can be Turned into Powder

You’d be surprised at how many foods can turn into powder. At first, I thought it would mostly be meat, but I was wrong. As I dug deeper, I found recipes for some foods. For others, I know they can be powdered, but I haven’t figured out the exact method yet.

Powdered foods include greens, vegetables, milk, meats, poultry, mushrooms, and eggs. Some other foods—like peanut butter, yogurt, honey, chia seeds, nuts, and even crickets—can also be powdered. However, I don’t have recipes for all of them.

When trying this, choose foods with as little sugar as possible. Fruits, for instance, are tricky. Although they can be dehydrated and stored that way, their high sugar content often makes them gummy during the powdering process. Personally, I’d stick with dehydration for fruits.

Now, let’s go over how to turn a few of these into powder.

Greens

Greens are a fantastic addition to any diet, especially for homesteaders, offering a nutrient-packed boost to salads, soups, sandwiches, and more. While fresh greens don’t last long, dehydrating and powdering them extends their shelf life.

You can dehydrate a variety of greens, such as kale, spinach, collard greens, beet greens, broccoli leaves, cauliflower leaves, carrot tops, parsnip tops, celery leaves, mustard greens, turnip greens, Swiss chard, lettuce, pumpkin leaves, radish greens, parsley, cilantro, basil, mint, rosemary, chives, oregano, sage, thyme, lemongrass, chervil, and even weeds.

Related: You Will Never Run Out Of Medicine If You Grow This

To begin, preheat your dehydrator to 95-115°F (a bit higher for greens, lower for herbs). Soak the leaves in a vegetable wash (2 parts water, 1 part vinegar, and 2 tbsp lemon juice) for 5-10 minutes to clean them, then remove the stems and veins.

This step helps with even drying, and you can compost or dehydrate the stems separately. Dry the leaves as much as possible using paper towels or a salad spinner. You can spread them in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they’re not stacked. The drying process takes 4-8 hours. Also, once the leaves crumble easily, they’re ready to be blended into powder. Just pulse briefly in the blender, being careful not to overdo it, as they can turn to mush.

Using the Oven

If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can use your oven instead. Follow the same preparation steps, then preheat the oven to its lowest setting. Place the leaves on cooling racks and set them in the oven. It might sound odd, but leave the oven door slightly open to keep the temperature low and help air circulate to release the moisture.

Keep an eye on the leaves, but they should be fully dried in about 2-3 hours.

Vegetables

The process for turning vegetables into powder can vary, but they all require a dehydrator or oven. For onions and garlic, slice them and place them on a dehydrator tray or cooling rack, just like with greens. Be careful, though, as slices of garlic and onion might fall through the cooling rack, so it’s a good idea to line it with tin foil first.

Other vegetables, like carrots, asparagus, beans, tomatoes, and zucchini, should be blanched before slicing and dehydrating. This is just a small list; really, most vegetables can be turned into powder.

Powdered vegetables are great for boosting the flavor of soups, smoothies, or any meal. They also add extra nutrients to your daily diet.

Meat and Poultry

For turning meat and poultry into powder, I recommend using the oven. However, a dehydrator can also work. Here’s how you can do it with the oven: Preheat it to 200°F. Start by processing the meat or poultry in a food processor until you finely mince it, similar to ground beef or poultry.

Next, heat some oil in a skillet and cook the minced meat for 20-25 minutes, or until all moisture has evaporated. Then, spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake it for 2-6 hours, stirring every 30 minutes, until it’s completely dried. The time may vary depending on the type of meat and your oven, so keep an eye on it.

Related: How To Dry-Cure Meat At Home

Once it’s dried and cooled, pulse it in a blender until it turns into a fine powder.

If you’re using a dehydrator, first cook the meat, then slice it thinly. After that, place the slices on the dehydrator trays and follow the drying time for your specific model. Once done, pulse the slices in a blender until powdered.

You can add this meat powder to soups, stews, casseroles, or just about any meal to boost protein and flavor.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are known for their health benefits, including reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol, and boosting the immune system. Plus, they taste great!

If you’re new to foraging for mushrooms, make sure to do your research first, as some can be harmful, though most varieties are safe to eat. Once you’ve found some safe mushrooms, you can turn them into powder by following these simple steps:

Start by washing the mushrooms thoroughly with water and a scrub brush or sponge. Then, slice them into thin pieces, no thicker than ¼ inch. Place the slices on the dehydrator trays and set the timer according to your dehydrator’s guidelines.

Related: How To Grow Food From Sawdust Blocks

After the slices are dehydrated and cooled, pulse them in a blender until they turn into powder. Just be careful not to over-pulse.

Storing Powdered Foods

The post 50 Powdered Foods That Last Forever first appeared on Self Sufficient Projects.

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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The post 11 Items To Look For At An Amish Market first appeared on Self Sufficient Projects.

In addition to the many recipes you can use beans and rice in, there’s my dog. Every once in a while, he needs to go on a very strict diet for his digestive system, and that includes mostly rice. Unfortunately, he hit one of those times in the last couple weeks, and sure enough rice was the latest shortage in the stores in my area.

So in this article, I will be letting you know a very simple way to dry can rice and beans to last you for at least 20 years on the shelf. And as soon as the shortage is over, I will be doing a much larger batch than I currently am able to do for this demonstration and article.

Sure, you could store the beans and rice in plastic storage bins. But that won’t prevent bugs and larvae from getting in eventually. In fact, when you open the bags and boxes of beans and rice before dry canning, inspect them thoroughly. However, this process will kill off unseen bugs or larvae that you might miss.

Related: 20 Foods That Can Last 20 Years

Supplies for Dry Canning Beans and Rice

Not only is the process quite simple, but the supply list is quite short. Here is what you will need or want:

• Dry Beans – any type of dry beans, or a variety
• Rice – any type of rice will work
• Canning Jars and lids – whatever size you prefer
• Funnel – not necessary, but might make it easier
• Oven.

I need instant white rice for my dog, so that’s what we typically purchase. But it could be long grain, brown, flavored, instant or long cook. It doesn’t matter, any type can be dry canned.

For the beans, I love all beans, but I’m using pinto beans for this demonstration. I will also do this with black beans, and split peas in the future, because I use both quite often. You could also do some jars of mixed beans for bean soups.

It’s also good to know too, that both rice and beans can be purchased in bulk. So, if you want dozens of jars of each, no problem. Just know that if you are in an area similar to mine right now, you might have to wait until the shortages are over, before you can do large batches.

Step 1

Place the jars into a pot with about 1” of water and a splash of vinegar for a steam bath (about 15 minutes), to sterilize them. Let them steam for about 15 minutes, with the cover on the pot.

Step 2

Thoroughly dry the jars by first wiping them with a clean cloth, then placing them in the oven at 220° until they are thoroughly dry (about 30 minutes). Let the jars cool down completely before the next step.

Step 3

Fill the jars with the rice or beans, with about ¾ air space at the top. Make sure that the rice and beans are not wet or moist at all. If there is any moisture, it will start to cook in the next step, which defeats the entire purpose of dry canning. It will also wipe out the main perk of all the work, because it will not result in a good shelf life.

Step 4

Place the jars (without lids) in the oven at 220° for about 60-90 minutes, depending on the size of the jars. The larger the jar, the longer the time.

You can place the lids in a small pan and then place the pan in the oven for the last 15 minutes, which will sterilize them, as well as heat them up for a good seal.

Step 5

Pull the jars out of the oven, one at a time if you have a large batch. Wipe the rim of the jar to make sure you don’t have any debri on it, that could prevent an appropriate seal from taking hold.

Step 6

Tighten the lids securely, and place the jars aside. Wait for the popping to begin! The seals will start to pop, but if they have not popped (center of lid’s dome pops down) then you don’t have a seal. You should start the process again, if they have not sealed after 12 hours.

Now that the beans and rice have been dry canned, you can store the unopened jars for at least 20 years. Some people swear that they have had success for up to 30 years.

Other items you could dry can include the following: dry pasta, dry oats, dry flour, dry spices, baking soda, baking powder.

You can even dry-can some baking mixes, as long as they don’t contain any nuts, shortening, oils, or brown sugar.

This article first appeared on AskAPrepper.

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The post How to Dry Can Beans and Rice for 20+ Years Shelf Life first appeared on Self Sufficient Projects.