Post 755 - Hoping to Survive Our Survival Food

Before the present Unraveling, there was the Initial Undoing of 2017-2021, during which time we invested in "long term storage" versions of certain foodstuffs.  

Lest we make a surprise discovery on our initial use, we thought it prudent to explore some of the 120 bags of material to see just what was in there.  At this point, it had been eight years since the initial purchase. Rodents had eschewed the sealed containers, so that was a good sign.  Maybe.

Here is one example:  "Cheesy Broccoli Rice" - The directions were rather straight-forward, and look at that list of chemicals.  

 Noteworthy, besides the inclusion of an "oxygen absorber" for the sake of longevity, is the 20-year "freshness" presumption - moreso if you read the fine print -

The lot was dated August 2017, and it is "best by" August 2042.  I know I'd be a bit past my prime by then (I'm long past it now!)

 

The "oxygen absorbant" was removed, and the contents placed in an ancient popcorn bowl (ca 1978, my first essential purchase on arrival in Battle Creek that December): 

The brick-like powder, asking only for "8 1/4 cups of boiling water"

 

All is a-boiling

And frequent stirring was suggested for a 15-20 minute simmer - those 8 year old chunks were not very cooperative

The Result?

Well, it's no gourmet experience - in fact, the 15-20 minutes turned into 45-50 minutes, and then it was very soupy.  So we added chopped carrots and frozen peas, a load of "Bragg's" seasoning, salt and pepper, and since all those preservatives cast a bit of a bitter aftertaste, some good old fashioned cane sugar, about 1/8 cup.  At that, it was, meh.  It represents a useful source of calories, and is labeled as eight servings.  

In case of Armageddon, I'd suggest a prep of 4 1/2 cups of boiling water for about an hour, with whatever non-radioactive canned food you'd want to add, keeping a sharp stick near the campfire to scare off zombies or wolves or people who realize they can't eat all that ammo they've been hoarding.

Next test - "Creamy Potato Soup!"  But we'll wait at least 72 hours to be sure we survive this particular experience first.