Preparedness Resources

Kellene’s Blogs:

Kellene is passionate about providing expert preparedness information and is the mind behind the Preparedness Pro blog.  In addition, she also writes for several other blogs:

  • Women of Caliber addresses firearms and physical self defense primarily for women; and addresses Second Amendment issues.
  • LDS Freedom is created for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on issues regarding the U.S. Constitution that through such education we may “be united in upholding and defending the Constitution of the United States.” (David O. McKay)
  • Kellene addresses the U.S. Constitution, public policies and politics worldwide
  • Freedom Intelligence is your online news source for in-depth undiluted truth regarding the state of our nation.

Please subscribe to Kellene’s blogs and come back often!

Resources:

Below is a list of resource websites for your convenience.  Please note that Preparedness Pro is not affiliated with any of these sites, nor does it posting them here on our site state that Preparedness Pro advocates anything found on their sites.  If you should find that any site listed below contains content not conducive to family values or if you would like to submit your website for approval on this list, please email [email protected].

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106 Comments

Teresa · April 22, 2009 at 12:08 pm

Thanks for the kind comment on my blog. I’ve enjoyed reading your blog. You’ve got some great information out there!

Teresa · April 22, 2009 at 12:08 pm

Thanks for the kind comment on my blog. I’ve enjoyed reading your blog. You’ve got some great information out there!

Bret · June 29, 2009 at 6:27 pm

I wanted to commend you on a top-notch blog and content with Preparedness Pro. I enjoy it immensely and hope you’ll keep up with the good work.

I’ve added it to my favorites on my blogroll on gypsycompass.com

Best wishes!
Bret

Bret · June 29, 2009 at 6:27 pm

I wanted to commend you on a top-notch blog and content with Preparedness Pro. I enjoy it immensely and hope you’ll keep up with the good work.

I’ve added it to my favorites on my blogroll on gypsycompass.com

Best wishes!
Bret

Laura · August 2, 2009 at 1:24 pm

Kellene, I recently started reading Preparedness Pro, mostly, from your site. Sadly, I am still in the thinking/planning stage of organizing and filling my cupboard. I saw the Food Challenge yesterday. The “Double Dog Dare” was a nice touch. I decided to give it a go and spoke to my family to inlist all the help that I can get. This will be a good test for us, since I have not bought anything in quantity beyond my normal stocks.

The biggest challenge will be things that I might normally have more on hand but didn’t, like fruit and milk. These would be the hard things to get in an outage anyway, so it is an appropriate exercise.

By the end of two weeks I will have identified things that we don’t need to keep in the cupboard and made a good list of things that I will buy to fill those shelves more effectively.

We will see how the kids (2, 4, and 8) fair when our single gallon of milk is gone. I might normally have three or four gallons of milk in the frige and find myself on day 2 with only one. Of course it would expire before the two weeks was up anyway.

I would not have expected to be so excited about finding three shelf stable milk boxes left over from school lunches. We are likely to be using the small supply of canned, dry and soy milk in the cupboard sooner than later to get us by, but everyone is on board. It should be fun.

Laura · August 2, 2009 at 1:24 pm

Kellene, I recently started reading Preparedness Pro, mostly, from your site. Sadly, I am still in the thinking/planning stage of organizing and filling my cupboard. I saw the Food Challenge yesterday. The “Double Dog Dare” was a nice touch. I decided to give it a go and spoke to my family to inlist all the help that I can get. This will be a good test for us, since I have not bought anything in quantity beyond my normal stocks.

The biggest challenge will be things that I might normally have more on hand but didn’t, like fruit and milk. These would be the hard things to get in an outage anyway, so it is an appropriate exercise.

By the end of two weeks I will have identified things that we don’t need to keep in the cupboard and made a good list of things that I will buy to fill those shelves more effectively.

We will see how the kids (2, 4, and 8) fair when our single gallon of milk is gone. I might normally have three or four gallons of milk in the frige and find myself on day 2 with only one. Of course it would expire before the two weeks was up anyway.

I would not have expected to be so excited about finding three shelf stable milk boxes left over from school lunches. We are likely to be using the small supply of canned, dry and soy milk in the cupboard sooner than later to get us by, but everyone is on board. It should be fun.

Lillian · August 16, 2009 at 12:10 am

Search did not bring up anything on storing nuts and seeds. I did see not to buy seeds in cans, which I already did, but now I need to know if I can open them and they will still be good. They were canned in April of 09, so not too long ago. Are they still alive at this point?

What about nuts, they go rancid if you don’t freeze them.

Can you freeze seeds or does that “kill” them too?

What kind of shelf life do they have? Can you store them in buckets without the mylar bags and dump them in other buckets to aerate them?

Thanks,

Lillian

Lillian · August 16, 2009 at 12:10 am

Search did not bring up anything on storing nuts and seeds. I did see not to buy seeds in cans, which I already did, but now I need to know if I can open them and they will still be good. They were canned in April of 09, so not too long ago. Are they still alive at this point?

What about nuts, they go rancid if you don’t freeze them.

Can you freeze seeds or does that “kill” them too?

What kind of shelf life do they have? Can you store them in buckets without the mylar bags and dump them in other buckets to aerate them?

Thanks,

Lillian

Kellene · August 16, 2009 at 6:00 pm

hmmm… Ok. Let me try to help. You SHOULD open your canned seeds periodically to air them out. I’ve successfully planted seeds this year that were from 1986. If you’re in doubt, try to use a regular emery board and file a smidgen of the seed to give it a head start when you plant them. So long as you areate them about every 8 to 12 weeks, you should be fine making due with what you’ve already invested in. If I were you, I’d make my rounds in about 3 weeks or so and start buying up the seeds that the nurseries will be selling at 70% off.

I store my nuts in sealed Mason jars. (I used the Foodsaver jar attachment to do so) They last for YEARS this way…thank goodness, cause I cringed when I had to throw them out…all that money going down the drain.
I would not freeze seeds.
S

Kellene · August 16, 2009 at 6:00 pm

hmmm… Ok. Let me try to help. You SHOULD open your canned seeds periodically to air them out. I’ve successfully planted seeds this year that were from 1986. If you’re in doubt, try to use a regular emery board and file a smidgen of the seed to give it a head start when you plant them. So long as you areate them about every 8 to 12 weeks, you should be fine making due with what you’ve already invested in. If I were you, I’d make my rounds in about 3 weeks or so and start buying up the seeds that the nurseries will be selling at 70% off.

I store my nuts in sealed Mason jars. (I used the Foodsaver jar attachment to do so) They last for YEARS this way…thank goodness, cause I cringed when I had to throw them out…all that money going down the drain.
I would not freeze seeds.
S

Russell and Kathy O'Meal · September 4, 2009 at 6:56 pm

Several years ago, I attended a series of workshops given by Suzanne Ashworth, author of ‘Seed to Seed”. She is considered a foremost authority in seed collecting preserving and so on. She has some really great ideas in her book. p. 29, 2002 edition…”Seeds of all species can be stored for many years with almost no loss of germination and only minimal loss of vigor, when dried to about 8% seed moisture, sealed into an airtight container and frozen.” To me it seems to be common sense that if the seeds were of greater moisture content they would be destroyed. I checked with Geneva Experimental Station of Cornell UNiversity and (at least) the horiculurist i spoke with agreed with her analysis.

I use mesh screened homemade boxes over my 4 squares to keep my heirloom lines pure (and introduce insects as needed or do the pollinating myself. I learned most of this from Dr. Ashworth…she is a genius in this.

I am really happy with my seeds stored this way. I just got the best arugula from seeds in a freezer since 1961.

We grow all of our own produce year round now. I wish I could send you all some pictures of our set up. It works so well and we put so little money into it.
We are trying to get some time so BYU TV can come and shoot this for Living Essentials so everyone can see it.

It is so cool to make up decorative 12 inch cubes we put on grow racks in the winter, in cold frames, under unheated greenhouses, or attached back into square foot gardens.

This way I use the same soil base year round with no interuption. Mel Barth. SFG, being so so smart made this possible by reintroducing an age old way to garden with a twist.

I really like being able to grab a cube of lettuce mixes and put it in the center of my dining room table, so everyone can cut fresh what they want for a meal. We just keep rotating in our ready to eat produce.

Also we can take these to curbside for others to cut fresh salads. I leave handouts for everyone so they can do this for themselves. These also make the nicest gifts to get others started. As you can tell, I am so in love with my gardens. I do some aeroponic gardening in the middle of the winter, but mostly it is all straight from the soil.

I visited Eliot Coleman’s farm in Maine and also bought all of his books. He teaches year round gardening with no extra heat needed. I have learned so much from him and his wife over the years. He has a movable green house now, but it is pricey. So we built our own using discarded tires..

So this helps us to grow citrus trees, figs, and some other tropical sorts in the zone 5 areas. I am lucky to be so close to Cornell UNiveristy where I can pick the brains of so many experts and do not consider myself expert. I only know we sure do enjoy a huge amount of constant fresh produce….can’t remember when I last shopped for this in a store???

    Linda97386 · October 23, 2012 at 6:33 pm

    Kathy, I just came upon your post from 2009 and I’d love to hear more about your planted cubes you are/were using for lettuce. Where did you get the idea and have you expanded your uses? Thanks! Linda

Russell and Kathy O'Meal · September 4, 2009 at 6:56 pm

Several years ago, I attended a series of workshops given by Suzanne Ashworth, author of ‘Seed to Seed”. She is considered a foremost authority in seed collecting preserving and so on. She has some really great ideas in her book. p. 29, 2002 edition…”Seeds of all species can be stored for many years with almost no loss of germination and only minimal loss of vigor, when dried to about 8% seed moisture, sealed into an airtight container and frozen.” To me it seems to be common sense that if the seeds were of greater moisture content they would be destroyed. I checked with Geneva Experimental Station of Cornell UNiversity and (at least) the horiculurist i spoke with agreed with her analysis.

I use mesh screened homemade boxes over my 4 squares to keep my heirloom lines pure (and introduce insects as needed or do the pollinating myself. I learned most of this from Dr. Ashworth…she is a genius in this.

I am really happy with my seeds stored this way. I just got the best arugula from seeds in a freezer since 1961.

We grow all of our own produce year round now. I wish I could send you all some pictures of our set up. It works so well and we put so little money into it.
We are trying to get some time so BYU TV can come and shoot this for Living Essentials so everyone can see it.

It is so cool to make up decorative 12 inch cubes we put on grow racks in the winter, in cold frames, under unheated greenhouses, or attached back into square foot gardens.

This way I use the same soil base year round with no interuption. Mel Barth. SFG, being so so smart made this possible by reintroducing an age old way to garden with a twist.

I really like being able to grab a cube of lettuce mixes and put it in the center of my dining room table, so everyone can cut fresh what they want for a meal. We just keep rotating in our ready to eat produce.

Also we can take these to curbside for others to cut fresh salads. I leave handouts for everyone so they can do this for themselves. These also make the nicest gifts to get others started. As you can tell, I am so in love with my gardens. I do some aeroponic gardening in the middle of the winter, but mostly it is all straight from the soil.

I visited Eliot Coleman’s farm in Maine and also bought all of his books. He teaches year round gardening with no extra heat needed. I have learned so much from him and his wife over the years. He has a movable green house now, but it is pricey. So we built our own using discarded tires..

So this helps us to grow citrus trees, figs, and some other tropical sorts in the zone 5 areas. I am lucky to be so close to Cornell UNiveristy where I can pick the brains of so many experts and do not consider myself expert. I only know we sure do enjoy a huge amount of constant fresh produce….can’t remember when I last shopped for this in a store???

    Linda97386 · October 23, 2012 at 6:33 pm

    Kathy, I just came upon your post from 2009 and I’d love to hear more about your planted cubes you are/were using for lettuce. Where did you get the idea and have you expanded your uses? Thanks! Linda

Bernie W............. · September 18, 2009 at 3:16 pm

Ok, now I’m starting to get worried. You have a great site, kind of like lets see, Women of Caliber. If you want to exchange links please let me know i would be glad to.It must be in the air in Utah, or maybe its the water, could you send me some? Thanks, Bernie………………SBL

Bernie W............. · September 18, 2009 at 3:16 pm

Ok, now I’m starting to get worried. You have a great site, kind of like lets see, Women of Caliber. If you want to exchange links please let me know i would be glad to.It must be in the air in Utah, or maybe its the water, could you send me some? Thanks, Bernie………………SBL

Gail VW · October 2, 2009 at 12:45 am

Thanks for your comments on my blog. It is good to know there are people who read it once in a while. I actually do read Cassandra Barney’s blog regularly. I guess I just thought it was okay for her to have a combined blog since she is an established artist. But, I guess it can be okay for me too. By the way, I think we could survive 2 weeks in summer with the garden for fresh tomatoes etc. but it would still be really hard not to have what we want.

Gail VW · October 2, 2009 at 12:45 am

Thanks for your comments on my blog. It is good to know there are people who read it once in a while. I actually do read Cassandra Barney’s blog regularly. I guess I just thought it was okay for her to have a combined blog since she is an established artist. But, I guess it can be okay for me too. By the way, I think we could survive 2 weeks in summer with the garden for fresh tomatoes etc. but it would still be really hard not to have what we want.

Barb B · October 7, 2009 at 3:26 am

I enjoyed your blog. I really believe we need to love to live… and prepare just in case. As a woman I like to blog, comment politically, prep AND keep a beautiful home… We need more women preppers to speak out… there is more than just guns and being negative!

Barb B · October 7, 2009 at 3:26 am

I enjoyed your blog. I really believe we need to love to live… and prepare just in case. As a woman I like to blog, comment politically, prep AND keep a beautiful home… We need more women preppers to speak out… there is more than just guns and being negative!

sdowns · November 3, 2009 at 12:35 am

Ran across your website … some good stuff!!! Question regardng Faraday cages. I have a portable home generator on a 2-wheel rubber tire cart. I've built a plywood enclosure (2'x3'x4') to keep dust off when in the garage (it sits on a concrete floor), and protect it from rain when in use outside. What's the best way to convert or retrofit that to also serve as a Faraday cage??? … aluminum, brass, or copper mesh attached to the outside of the plywood box, extending down to the ground and with a ground wire to water pipe or separate ground rod? Any suggestions will be GREATLY appreciated.

    preparednesspro · November 3, 2009 at 12:48 am

    Copper mesh is my preferred method. Then use a separate ground rod.

sdowns · November 3, 2009 at 12:35 am

Ran across your website … some good stuff!!! Question regardng Faraday cages. I have a portable home generator on a 2-wheel rubber tire cart. I've built a plywood enclosure (2'x3'x4') to keep dust off when in the garage (it sits on a concrete floor), and protect it from rain when in use outside. What's the best way to convert or retrofit that to also serve as a Faraday cage??? … aluminum, brass, or copper mesh attached to the outside of the plywood box, extending down to the ground and with a ground wire to water pipe or separate ground rod? Any suggestions will be GREATLY appreciated.

    preparednesspro · November 3, 2009 at 12:48 am

    Copper mesh is my preferred method. Then use a separate ground rod.

Nancy Merrell · January 19, 2010 at 11:53 pm

Our family has just found out that two of our Grandchildren, one 4 and one 10, have Celiac. My daughter, their mother, was trying so digentely trying to get her food storage up to snuff and now is thrown into a tail spin because she doesn’t know what to store for these two let alone what to fix for them to eat on a day to day basis. Yes, I know, once she gets their daily food needs figured out then she’ll know what to store. So many things have barley, wheat and rye ingredients in them, even some lip moisturizers. UGGGG. Do you know of any blogs on this subject or where she can go to find out information? Any help will be appreciated. I have so enjoyed learning from your information and am in the process of waxing cheese! Love the way you write and encourage us all to do better. Keep it up and thanks a ton.

    Kellene · January 20, 2010 at 2:03 am

    Nancy, have your daughter look into quinoa, millet, and amaranth. These are good alternatives for those who suffer from Celiac disease. The wheat is still uselful to your grandaughters though when sprouted, but only if they do not have severe Celiac. (consult a physician to determine their tolerance level) Sprouting a grain converts it from a gluten to a vegetable and compounds the nutritional value by 500-600%. Also, Blue Chip foods has won an award of recognition from a national organization that helps with Celiac disease as a result of many of their products which are ideal for gluten intolerant individuals. If you are in the Utah area, you can readily find these gluten-free products in the health food section of Macey’s Grocery Store or at the Blue Chip Outlet store in Salt Lake City. (The founder of the company has some close loved ones who struggle with Celiac disease as well.)

Nancy Merrell · January 19, 2010 at 11:53 pm

Our family has just found out that two of our Grandchildren, one 4 and one 10, have Celiac. My daughter, their mother, was trying so digentely trying to get her food storage up to snuff and now is thrown into a tail spin because she doesn’t know what to store for these two let alone what to fix for them to eat on a day to day basis. Yes, I know, once she gets their daily food needs figured out then she’ll know what to store. So many things have barley, wheat and rye ingredients in them, even some lip moisturizers. UGGGG. Do you know of any blogs on this subject or where she can go to find out information? Any help will be appreciated. I have so enjoyed learning from your information and am in the process of waxing cheese! Love the way you write and encourage us all to do better. Keep it up and thanks a ton.

    Kellene · January 20, 2010 at 2:03 am

    Nancy, have your daughter look into quinoa, millet, and amaranth. These are good alternatives for those who suffer from Celiac disease. The wheat is still uselful to your grandaughters though when sprouted, but only if they do not have severe Celiac. (consult a physician to determine their tolerance level) Sprouting a grain converts it from a gluten to a vegetable and compounds the nutritional value by 500-600%. Also, Blue Chip foods has won an award of recognition from a national organization that helps with Celiac disease as a result of many of their products which are ideal for gluten intolerant individuals. If you are in the Utah area, you can readily find these gluten-free products in the health food section of Macey’s Grocery Store or at the Blue Chip Outlet store in Salt Lake City. (The founder of the company has some close loved ones who struggle with Celiac disease as well.)

Donna · January 26, 2010 at 1:34 am

Kellene, I love the information here and have shared it with anyone who will listen. I am preparing to do eggs but wonder does it have to be the styrofoam container or does the cardboard type work as well? Does the hard paper container absorb the mineral oil? And, do I just dip the egg in mineral oil then place point down — it is not soaking in mineral oil, correct? Do I use an Easter egg dipper for dipping in the oil? Also, I just ordered cheese wax. Can’t wait to try it.

    Kellene · May 4, 2010 at 11:33 pm

    Both cardboard and styrofoam work well. If you’d like you can put plastic wrap in the cardboard or wax paper.
    Please read the article that specifically instructs you on egg preservation. I believe that all of the details are there. Best of luck to you!

      Pam Nesbitt · April 11, 2013 at 7:55 pm

      Kellene, my husband and I recently found your website. While going
      through pages of it I ran across a comment regarding plastic sheeting from Costco. Now I can’t find your recommendation. Could you please
      let me know what the mil of the product was. We have not found it on
      the Costco website and I want to follow up on the producdt.

      Pam

Donna · January 26, 2010 at 1:34 am

Kellene, I love the information here and have shared it with anyone who will listen. I am preparing to do eggs but wonder does it have to be the styrofoam container or does the cardboard type work as well? Does the hard paper container absorb the mineral oil? And, do I just dip the egg in mineral oil then place point down — it is not soaking in mineral oil, correct? Do I use an Easter egg dipper for dipping in the oil? Also, I just ordered cheese wax. Can’t wait to try it.

    Kellene · May 4, 2010 at 11:33 pm

    Both cardboard and styrofoam work well. If you’d like you can put plastic wrap in the cardboard or wax paper.
    Please read the article that specifically instructs you on egg preservation. I believe that all of the details are there. Best of luck to you!

      Pam Nesbitt · April 11, 2013 at 7:55 pm

      Kellene, my husband and I recently found your website. While going
      through pages of it I ran across a comment regarding plastic sheeting from Costco. Now I can’t find your recommendation. Could you please
      let me know what the mil of the product was. We have not found it on
      the Costco website and I want to follow up on the producdt.

      Pam

Donna · February 2, 2010 at 1:16 am

I WAXED MY CHEESE!! Hooray for me. Now. Do I dip my eggs in mineral oil and then put them in styrofoam cartons? Can they be cold from the refrigerator? Help! I’m doing that this week.

    Kellene · May 4, 2010 at 11:32 pm

    You don’t dip the eggs. You coat them with your hands in the mineral oil.
    Yes, the eggs can be room temperature or cold when you do this.

Donna · February 2, 2010 at 1:16 am

I WAXED MY CHEESE!! Hooray for me. Now. Do I dip my eggs in mineral oil and then put them in styrofoam cartons? Can they be cold from the refrigerator? Help! I’m doing that this week.

    Kellene · May 4, 2010 at 11:32 pm

    You don’t dip the eggs. You coat them with your hands in the mineral oil.
    Yes, the eggs can be room temperature or cold when you do this.

Michelle · May 4, 2010 at 9:58 pm

KB, I’ve just been directed to your website and have been poring over the materials today. I must say you’ve already convinced me to change directions on fruit and vegetable storage. My previous tack was to buy canned goods, but I’m switching to freeze-dried.

However, I have one question for you concerning your endorsement of the freeze-dried goods from Five Star Preparedness. I went to their site and signed up for their group buy info email. I was a little shocked to receive the PDF attachment from them stating that the fruit is grown in China, then cleaned and freeze-dried in the US.

Considering China’s poor track record for clean foods, I’m pretty turned off from ordering any of the freeze-dried items from Five Star. Your thoughts?

Thanks for the great site!

    Kellene · May 4, 2010 at 11:31 pm

    I can certainly appreciate your concerns on this matter. I too had to reconcile my traditional concerns with this fact. You may not be aware, but I’ve been hired as a consultant (marketing, sales, recipes, packaging, etc) for several different companies that distribute freeze-dried foods. I was quite surprised to discover that in actuality, the majority of freeze-dried produce comes from Asia. Unfortunately, very few companies actually share this information publicly. In fact, a great deal of the freeze-dried comes from Taiwan, Indonesia, and parts of China. The interesting fact is that our own nation could not support the produce production needed for the freeze-dried market popularity. I was actually pleased that Five Star presented this fact front and center.
    In conducting additional research specifically on the Five Star brand (which is my favorite, actually) I am comforted by several different facts.

    1) The produce is processed in the same manufacturing plant which Kellogg’s uses. This isn’t just some errant, street vendor that they are using to obtain their product from. While Taiwan itself may not have the standards that we are familiar with here in the U.S., their production contracts do outline and thus demand such standards. In other words, they are contractually required to provide the quality dictated by the company. “If you process our food, you have to follow our protocol.” In order to avoid massive litigation costs and high insurance rates, the manufacturer actually has a U.S. representative on site to oversee the quality and that the protocol is followed. They actually reside there, not visit, in order to ensure consistent quality.

    2) The freeze-drying process requires that the produce is thoroughly cleaned prior to the freeze-drying as many chemicals weigh more than water. If there are remnants of chemicals on the produce, the freeze-drying process would be compromised. This gives me great comfort and confidence in this particular product selection. The product is truly clean by nature of the technology used to produce the freeze-dried produce.

    3) I actually trust Five Star MORE because they are upfront about this issue. Many companies hide behind the extensive number of hands that the product passes through by the time it gets to you. As such, they are legally able to claim that their product is from somewhere other than its true, area of origination. I’d rather be given the opportunity to make an informed decision.

    4) I also have a great deal of respect that Five Star has hand-picked only these 4 freeze-dried products. Given my recommendation of them, they have apparently been swamped with proposals from other manufacturers to carry their product. While I’m certain that they will carry more freeze-dried products in the future, they insist on a complete vetting process in their selection. As a result, to date they have only settled on these 4 fruits.

    5) I believe that there is actually more info on their site about their freeze-dry process used, but it is the exact same process that N.A.S.A uses for food products. It’s superior to other methods because it does not use any heat in the process. (Whoda thunk that heat would be used in a freeze-drying process?!) As you’re no doubt aware, heat compromises the shelf-life, nutritional content, color of the food, and taste. A great deal of freeze-dried companies that you’re familiar with get their product from Oregon. The Oregon product does use heat in their process.

    6) The Five Star freeze-dried products are not stored in a warehouse until the items are sold. They are actually more “fresh” than the majority of products on the market. While I love a lot of the Blue Chip products and others, I love the fact that I’m getting the Five Star stuff with it only passing through 2 hands–the farmers in Taiwan and the manufacturing plant. The fruit and vegetables are harvested, cleaned freeze-dried, packaged, and then delivered as appropriate. While this is not necessarily “convenient” in some instances given that it comes from out of the States, it definitely comes across in the taste of the produce that I’ve come to love. Just like you need to be mindful of the pre-storage time of MRE’s and other food items you bring into your home, I am mindful of how much shelf-life I really have once I bring a product into my home.

    Well, there you have it. All you wanted to know and then some. 🙂 Bottom line, I have no reservations about this product. And frankly, I intend for that to always be the case whenever I recommend something.

      Michelle · May 5, 2010 at 1:25 pm

      Thank you so much for your thorough reply! It was definitely more than I was expecting and I feel a lot better about trying out their mango chunks now. 🙂

Michelle · May 4, 2010 at 9:58 pm

KB, I’ve just been directed to your website and have been poring over the materials today. I must say you’ve already convinced me to change directions on fruit and vegetable storage. My previous tack was to buy canned goods, but I’m switching to freeze-dried.

However, I have one question for you concerning your endorsement of the freeze-dried goods from Five Star Preparedness. I went to their site and signed up for their group buy info email. I was a little shocked to receive the PDF attachment from them stating that the fruit is grown in China, then cleaned and freeze-dried in the US.

Considering China’s poor track record for clean foods, I’m pretty turned off from ordering any of the freeze-dried items from Five Star. Your thoughts?

Thanks for the great site!

    Kellene · May 4, 2010 at 11:31 pm

    I can certainly appreciate your concerns on this matter. I too had to reconcile my traditional concerns with this fact. You may not be aware, but I’ve been hired as a consultant (marketing, sales, recipes, packaging, etc) for several different companies that distribute freeze-dried foods. I was quite surprised to discover that in actuality, the majority of freeze-dried produce comes from Asia. Unfortunately, very few companies actually share this information publicly. In fact, a great deal of the freeze-dried comes from Taiwan, Indonesia, and parts of China. The interesting fact is that our own nation could not support the produce production needed for the freeze-dried market popularity. I was actually pleased that Five Star presented this fact front and center.
    In conducting additional research specifically on the Five Star brand (which is my favorite, actually) I am comforted by several different facts.

    1) The produce is processed in the same manufacturing plant which Kellogg’s uses. This isn’t just some errant, street vendor that they are using to obtain their product from. While Taiwan itself may not have the standards that we are familiar with here in the U.S., their production contracts do outline and thus demand such standards. In other words, they are contractually required to provide the quality dictated by the company. “If you process our food, you have to follow our protocol.” In order to avoid massive litigation costs and high insurance rates, the manufacturer actually has a U.S. representative on site to oversee the quality and that the protocol is followed. They actually reside there, not visit, in order to ensure consistent quality.

    2) The freeze-drying process requires that the produce is thoroughly cleaned prior to the freeze-drying as many chemicals weigh more than water. If there are remnants of chemicals on the produce, the freeze-drying process would be compromised. This gives me great comfort and confidence in this particular product selection. The product is truly clean by nature of the technology used to produce the freeze-dried produce.

    3) I actually trust Five Star MORE because they are upfront about this issue. Many companies hide behind the extensive number of hands that the product passes through by the time it gets to you. As such, they are legally able to claim that their product is from somewhere other than its true, area of origination. I’d rather be given the opportunity to make an informed decision.

    4) I also have a great deal of respect that Five Star has hand-picked only these 4 freeze-dried products. Given my recommendation of them, they have apparently been swamped with proposals from other manufacturers to carry their product. While I’m certain that they will carry more freeze-dried products in the future, they insist on a complete vetting process in their selection. As a result, to date they have only settled on these 4 fruits.

    5) I believe that there is actually more info on their site about their freeze-dry process used, but it is the exact same process that N.A.S.A uses for food products. It’s superior to other methods because it does not use any heat in the process. (Whoda thunk that heat would be used in a freeze-drying process?!) As you’re no doubt aware, heat compromises the shelf-life, nutritional content, color of the food, and taste. A great deal of freeze-dried companies that you’re familiar with get their product from Oregon. The Oregon product does use heat in their process.

    6) The Five Star freeze-dried products are not stored in a warehouse until the items are sold. They are actually more “fresh” than the majority of products on the market. While I love a lot of the Blue Chip products and others, I love the fact that I’m getting the Five Star stuff with it only passing through 2 hands–the farmers in Taiwan and the manufacturing plant. The fruit and vegetables are harvested, cleaned freeze-dried, packaged, and then delivered as appropriate. While this is not necessarily “convenient” in some instances given that it comes from out of the States, it definitely comes across in the taste of the produce that I’ve come to love. Just like you need to be mindful of the pre-storage time of MRE’s and other food items you bring into your home, I am mindful of how much shelf-life I really have once I bring a product into my home.

    Well, there you have it. All you wanted to know and then some. 🙂 Bottom line, I have no reservations about this product. And frankly, I intend for that to always be the case whenever I recommend something.

      Michelle · May 5, 2010 at 1:25 pm

      Thank you so much for your thorough reply! It was definitely more than I was expecting and I feel a lot better about trying out their mango chunks now. 🙂

Mary · May 13, 2010 at 9:49 pm

Kellene, what a wonderful service you are doing, for those of us that are trying to do what needs to be done to get prepared, you are a life saver. It is nice to be able go to your website and get so much information about items which will help in any emergency. I am afraid that so many of the people we know have become lax in the preparedness area. I hope that you continue the information. Thank you. Mary

    Atul · March 31, 2012 at 4:28 am

    sooner or later the most comprehensive food rgsoate is going to run out in a SHTF situation. With that in mind I am learning a lot about growing my own food and food foraging. Food foraging maybe the only way of feeding your self in a worst case scenario. If people dont recognise it as food they will leave it alone and you can then gather it. Also skills are very important so that you always have something to trade even if you don’t have anything else.My faith in a loving God is the most important asset I have. Coupled with a belief that when people are desperate you cant blame them for wanting what you have. So as much as possible look like you dont have anything. To escape notice is the most effective means of defense.

Mary · May 13, 2010 at 9:49 pm

Kellene, what a wonderful service you are doing, for those of us that are trying to do what needs to be done to get prepared, you are a life saver. It is nice to be able go to your website and get so much information about items which will help in any emergency. I am afraid that so many of the people we know have become lax in the preparedness area. I hope that you continue the information. Thank you. Mary

    Atul · March 31, 2012 at 4:28 am

    sooner or later the most comprehensive food rgsoate is going to run out in a SHTF situation. With that in mind I am learning a lot about growing my own food and food foraging. Food foraging maybe the only way of feeding your self in a worst case scenario. If people dont recognise it as food they will leave it alone and you can then gather it. Also skills are very important so that you always have something to trade even if you don’t have anything else.My faith in a loving God is the most important asset I have. Coupled with a belief that when people are desperate you cant blame them for wanting what you have. So as much as possible look like you dont have anything. To escape notice is the most effective means of defense.

DianaBurk · January 30, 2012 at 8:46 pm

Hi Kellene! I recently completed a food storage class and want to try some of the ideas to improve my food storage. Where can I buy cheese wax in Utah? I’ve called around and haven’t had any luck so far. Thanks!

DianaBurk · January 30, 2012 at 8:46 pm

Hi Kellene! I recently completed a food storage class and want to try some of the ideas to improve my food storage. Where can I buy cheese wax in Utah? I’ve called around and haven’t had any luck so far. Thanks!

Pennie · February 14, 2012 at 3:13 pm

Hello Kellene,
If you purchase cheese that is already waxed can you put that on your shelf. Or does it need to be redone?

    Preparedness Pro - Kellene Bishop · February 14, 2012 at 6:28 pm

    @Pennie Definitely redone unless it’s old-word cheese. But that Tillamook wax is just for marketing purposes, not storage.

      Pennie · February 14, 2012 at 6:36 pm

      This is Edam cheese bought in balls at SAMs Club.

      Pennie · February 14, 2012 at 6:37 pm

      Can the wax that is on them red wax be reused ??

        Preparedness Pro - Kellene Bishop · February 15, 2012 at 12:58 am

        @Pennie I wouldn’t trust someone else to load my firearm and I won’t trust some commercial source to preserve my cheese either. If it has paraffin in it, it will crack and you will have wasted a lot of money. I wouldn’t chance it.

Pennie · February 14, 2012 at 3:13 pm

Hello Kellene,
If you purchase cheese that is already waxed can you put that on your shelf. Or does it need to be redone?

    Preparedness Pro - Kellene Bishop · February 14, 2012 at 6:28 pm

    @Pennie Definitely redone unless it’s old-word cheese. But that Tillamook wax is just for marketing purposes, not storage.

      Pennie · February 14, 2012 at 6:36 pm

      This is Edam cheese bought in balls at SAMs Club.

      Pennie · February 14, 2012 at 6:37 pm

      Can the wax that is on them red wax be reused ??

        Preparedness Pro - Kellene Bishop · February 15, 2012 at 12:58 am

        @Pennie I wouldn’t trust someone else to load my firearm and I won’t trust some commercial source to preserve my cheese either. If it has paraffin in it, it will crack and you will have wasted a lot of money. I wouldn’t chance it.

Pennie · February 14, 2012 at 10:39 pm

The cheese I bought was Edam at SAMs Club in red wax. Can I reuse this red wax? Also Colby from Walmart in yellow wax. Thank you for your help.

Pennie · February 14, 2012 at 10:39 pm

The cheese I bought was Edam at SAMs Club in red wax. Can I reuse this red wax? Also Colby from Walmart in yellow wax. Thank you for your help.

mike · February 27, 2012 at 9:57 pm

Do you have a food prep cookbook with recipes, sources, tips/tricks etc? Yes, I saw you on Nat Geo and thought “This lady really has the shelf stable food storage thing down.” You demonstrated on the show that eating shelf stable food can be ENJOYABLE. I have neither the time nor inclination to duplicate your efforts but am willing to pay for your efforts. Anything to offer or in the works?
Thanks

    Kellene Bishop · February 27, 2012 at 9:59 pm

    Yes, the cookbook is underway! I can’t wait for it to be finished! 🙂

mike · February 27, 2012 at 9:57 pm

Do you have a food prep cookbook with recipes, sources, tips/tricks etc? Yes, I saw you on Nat Geo and thought “This lady really has the shelf stable food storage thing down.” You demonstrated on the show that eating shelf stable food can be ENJOYABLE. I have neither the time nor inclination to duplicate your efforts but am willing to pay for your efforts. Anything to offer or in the works?
Thanks

    Kellene Bishop · February 27, 2012 at 9:59 pm

    Yes, the cookbook is underway! I can’t wait for it to be finished! 🙂

Ercel · March 22, 2012 at 10:40 pm

Do you have any vegan food preservation info. Or suggestions?
Thanks

    Kellene Bishop · March 23, 2012 at 3:08 am

    The article that was just posted today actually addresses that. Some great resources in that article.

Ercel · March 22, 2012 at 10:40 pm

Do you have any vegan food preservation info. Or suggestions?
Thanks

    Kellene Bishop · March 23, 2012 at 3:08 am

    The article that was just posted today actually addresses that. Some great resources in that article.

Carol from OK · September 24, 2012 at 4:42 pm

I FINALLY found it!!! “FoodSaver Saves the Day”. What a relief!

Carol from OK · September 24, 2012 at 4:42 pm

I FINALLY found it!!! “FoodSaver Saves the Day”. What a relief!

Lynda H. Smith · October 17, 2012 at 8:12 pm

Hi Kellene, Can you recommend a website that is honest about the shelf life of most foods? Thanks

Lynda H. Smith · October 17, 2012 at 8:12 pm

Hi Kellene, Can you recommend a website that is honest about the shelf life of most foods? Thanks

Kellene Bishop · October 18, 2012 at 12:19 am

Sorry. I can’t. I think part of the reason is that shelf-life is so subjective to the storage conditions. Augason Farms gives accurate shelf-life on their products as does Thrive/Shelf-Reliance ( http://www.fivestar.shelfreliance.com/fivestar ) but they do so with the caveat that it’s stored in ideal conditions. Usually the “dishonesty” is on the conservative end of things rather than the exaggerated end of things because the company wants you to buy more, sooner rather than later,

Kellene Bishop · October 18, 2012 at 12:19 am

Sorry. I can’t. I think part of the reason is that shelf-life is so subjective to the storage conditions. Augason Farms gives accurate shelf-life on their products as does Thrive/Shelf-Reliance ( http://www.fivestar.shelfreliance.com/fivestar ) but they do so with the caveat that it’s stored in ideal conditions. Usually the “dishonesty” is on the conservative end of things rather than the exaggerated end of things because the company wants you to buy more, sooner rather than later,

Cheryl · October 29, 2012 at 9:39 pm

Kellene and other preppers,
I have yet to start prepping, being unemployed makes it hard and living in an RV trailer is harder still. Anyone have any suggestions on getting started? Also how would you handle family members that mock you and think being a prepper is totally not necessary, that people have been prepping for years and nothings happened yet? Very frustrating! Thanks for this site cause I know where to go when I can get started!

    Kellene Bishop · October 29, 2012 at 9:44 pm

    All of the answers to your questions are on here. First look up an article entitled “Prepping for Beginners” and then look up an article entitled “I’m Coming to Your House” The search bar is your friend. 🙂

Cheryl · October 29, 2012 at 9:39 pm

Kellene and other preppers,
I have yet to start prepping, being unemployed makes it hard and living in an RV trailer is harder still. Anyone have any suggestions on getting started? Also how would you handle family members that mock you and think being a prepper is totally not necessary, that people have been prepping for years and nothings happened yet? Very frustrating! Thanks for this site cause I know where to go when I can get started!

    Kellene Bishop · October 29, 2012 at 9:44 pm

    All of the answers to your questions are on here. First look up an article entitled “Prepping for Beginners” and then look up an article entitled “I’m Coming to Your House” The search bar is your friend. 🙂

Cheryl · October 29, 2012 at 10:22 pm

Thanks Kellene, you rock! LOL

Cheryl · October 29, 2012 at 10:22 pm

Thanks Kellene, you rock! LOL

Erika · December 3, 2012 at 3:12 pm

I just found a really good sale on these along with my coupons, my question is should I take them out of the box and put them in a food safe bucket for longer term storage?
I’m not sure where to post my questions to so I hope this is the right spot.

Erika · December 3, 2012 at 3:12 pm

I just found a really good sale on these along with my coupons, my question is should I take them out of the box and put them in a food safe bucket for longer term storage?
I’m not sure where to post my questions to so I hope this is the right spot.

Erika · December 3, 2012 at 5:05 pm

OOps just noticed the sub line doesn’t appear. I was talking about Betty crocker Potatoes.

    Kellene Bishop · December 4, 2012 at 1:16 am

    I’d preserve them in the large Mason jars with the FoodSaver if it were me.

Erika · December 3, 2012 at 5:05 pm

OOps just noticed the sub line doesn’t appear. I was talking about Betty crocker Potatoes.

    Kellene Bishop · December 4, 2012 at 1:16 am

    I’d preserve them in the large Mason jars with the FoodSaver if it were me.

Crystal · December 7, 2012 at 9:11 pm

So, I saw someone ask about a book for shelf stable foods/etc… which was my question as well! 🙂 I just wanted to know if you have it out yet!? I have been searching your site, but not seeing anything about it… am I missing it… or have you not completed yet?
Thank you! 🙂

Crystal · December 7, 2012 at 9:11 pm

So, I saw someone ask about a book for shelf stable foods/etc… which was my question as well! 🙂 I just wanted to know if you have it out yet!? I have been searching your site, but not seeing anything about it… am I missing it… or have you not completed yet?
Thank you! 🙂

Kellene Bishop · December 7, 2012 at 10:40 pm

It’s not out yet, unfortunately. 🙁

Kellene Bishop · December 7, 2012 at 10:40 pm

It’s not out yet, unfortunately. 🙁

Crystal · December 7, 2012 at 11:27 pm

lol! okay! Thank you … I will just have to keep waiting then! :)LOL!

Crystal · December 7, 2012 at 11:27 pm

lol! okay! Thank you … I will just have to keep waiting then! :)LOL!

Jean · February 16, 2013 at 8:08 pm

What has happened to your daily newsletter or whatever you called it. It has stopped coming for about two weeks now. Can I re-sign up or what if I have missed it for some odd reason. Please advise.

    Kellene Bishop · February 18, 2013 at 7:21 pm

    Nope, there’s nothing you need to do. There’s been a family emergency that I’ve been dealing with. All is well though. We’ll be alive and kicking again tomorrow.

Jean · February 16, 2013 at 8:08 pm

What has happened to your daily newsletter or whatever you called it. It has stopped coming for about two weeks now. Can I re-sign up or what if I have missed it for some odd reason. Please advise.

    Kellene Bishop · February 18, 2013 at 7:21 pm

    Nope, there’s nothing you need to do. There’s been a family emergency that I’ve been dealing with. All is well though. We’ll be alive and kicking again tomorrow.

Alice Josey · February 19, 2013 at 3:04 pm

I would like to find the article you wrote about must haves in the kitchen. It started off with 1. All American Pressure Canner. Please let me know how to find it again.
Thanks,

Alice Josey · February 19, 2013 at 3:04 pm

I would like to find the article you wrote about must haves in the kitchen. It started off with 1. All American Pressure Canner. Please let me know how to find it again.
Thanks,

Kellene Bishop · February 19, 2013 at 10:33 pm

Put in “Four Must Have Items in Your Kitchen” in the search bar and it will come up. There’s also another one called Gidgets and Gadgets that supplements that list.

Kellene Bishop · February 19, 2013 at 10:33 pm

Put in “Four Must Have Items in Your Kitchen” in the search bar and it will come up. There’s also another one called Gidgets and Gadgets that supplements that list.

Kellene Bishop · April 11, 2013 at 10:42 pm

It’s just the plastic tarp that they sell at Costco. There’s only one. I believe it’s two sided now.

Kellene Bishop · April 11, 2013 at 10:42 pm

It’s just the plastic tarp that they sell at Costco. There’s only one. I believe it’s two sided now.