Rice is a Main Food Source for Over Half of the World’s Population.

The television show Survivor is largely a joke as far as any real survival techniques.  With one exception, they do make the contestants go hungry to a point.  The main food that they do provide them is rice which is a good survival food.

Rice is one of the most widely consumed foods in the world.  Large numbers of people live on rice and beans as the staple in their diet.  It is readily available and very inexpensive.  It is easy to store and can last for 30 years if properly packaged.  Studies show that white rice, also known as polished rice is a main food source for over half of the world’s population.

Rice is an excellent addition to your preps because it’s versatile, has lots of calories, and good shelf life.  Average families should store about 300 lbs of grains per person in a one-year supply.  Depending on your personal preferences, about 25 to 60 lbs of rice should be stored per person.  There are three main types of white rice that are generally available.  In additional there are some specialty types that are not as available, so we won’t discuss these.

Types of rice

Long Grain.  Long grain white rice is about three times longer than it is wide.  After cooking it is firm and fluffy (not sticky).

Medium Grain.  Medium grain white rice is between 2-3 times longer than it is wide.  Cooked U.S. medium grain is soft, moist and sticky in texture.

Short Grain.  Short grain Rice is less than two times longer than it is wide.  Short grain is very sticky and sometimes called sushi rice.

When you purchase white rice, you can choose the type depending on your intended use.  Purchase quality rice from a trusted source.  If in bulk, inspect it for insects or discoloration, prior to purchasing.  Do not buy it if it is infested with insects.  I have known people who did buy cheap infested rice, thinking they could kill the insects.  It is not a good place to save money.

Studies conducted by Brigham Young University sampling polished and parboiled rice stored from 1 to 30 years found that both types will keep their nutrients and flavor up to 30 years.

Brown rice is better nutritional than white but has a shorter shelf life. I do not recommend storing it for longer than six months. When rice is polished, it loses a good portion of its nutrients.  In the United States, vitamins and minerals: iron, niacin, thiamin, and folic acid are added to replace a portion of what is lost in the polishing.  Rice is high in starch and fiber.  In addition, rice is low in sodium and a good source of protein.  There are no known common allergies to it or its constituents.

I recommend storing rice in mylar bags using oxygen absorbers. Here are some links to pages that will show you a good method of preserving your food.  The Long term Bug Free Storage of Dry FoodsSealing Food in 5 Gallon Buckets

Howard

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