(Storage for less than 5 years)
Short-term storage methods for dry foods (10% or less moisture) limit oxygen exposure and protect from moisture and insects. There are three kinds of containers that can be used:
- Glass canning jars
- PETE bottles
- HDPE plastic buckets
All three kinds of containers should be stored in a relatively cool, dry, and dark environment for the longest shelf life.
Glass canning jars are filled with dry food and placed in a warm oven for a specified time according to the size. New, clean canning lids and rings are tightly screwed onto the hot jars and the jars are allowed to cool. The lid seals to the hot jar, keeping out insects and additional air and moisture. This method can be used to store foods not recommended for dry packing (packing with oxygen absorbing packets) such as brown rice, seeds, nuts, cocoa powder, and moist dried fruit. If there is concern for heating the food to be stored, lids can be heated in hot water, dried, and placed on a room temperature jar and the ring screwed on tightly. (See “Dry-Heat Processing”)
Clean, dry plastic PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles are filled with dry food, an oxygen absorbing packet is added, the mouth edge wiped clean, and the lid screwed on tightly and taped down with masking or packing tape. PETE bottles that have previously held liquids are the best to use because they have the correct kind of lid. The inside of the lid must feel rubbery and not hard so that an airtight seal can be obtained. PETE bottles can be identified by the embossed recycling symbol on the bottom of the bottle. There will be a “1” inside a triangle and either “PET” or “PETE” next to it. PETE is virtually oxygen impermeable and will protect from moisture and insects. PETE bottles should be stored away from light and protected from rodents. They can often be stored in a small amount of space and are convenient to keep in the pantry or cupboard because the contents can be easily seen and the bottle is easy to handle. (See “Dry Packing in PETE Bottles”)
Food grade HDPE (high density polyethylene) plastic buckets are a convenient way to store dry food in its original packaging and to store bulk dry food that is used often. The atmosphere of the bucket does not need to be changed for short-term storage.
Foods that are used within 5 years can be kept in their original packaging and stored in HDPE buckets with an airtight lid. Storing this way affords additional protection to the food, makes it easier to assess how much is in the bucket, and allows for easier removal of usable amounts. If insect infestation from the purchase source is a possible problem, packages can be placed inside zipper lock bags to keep possible insects from spreading to all packages in the bucket. Examples of foods that can be stored this way are pasta, dry beans, flour, and sugar in 5-pound packages and smaller.
Bulk foods that are used often can also be stored in HDPE buckets without special treatment. Use a good gasketed lid or gamma seal lid (a 2-piece lid with a removable inner portion) on the bucket. Examples of food that can be stored this way are bulk flour, powdered milk, oatmeal, and other foods that are used at least once a week.