Exploring biofortification of beans with zinc to combat deficiency

In this review, South African researchers discuss the causes of zinc deficiency, which has become prevalent in low-income families in South Africa. They also explore possible solutions to this, such as the biofortification of locally-preferred common bean cultivars. This article was published in the journal Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section B — Soil & Plant Science. In … Continue reading Exploring biofortification of beans with zinc to combat deficiency

Home gardening tips: For how long can you store vegetable seeds?

Growing your own food gives you access to fresh fruits and vegetables – something that is invaluable post-SHTF. Knowing how to store seeds properly ensures that you’re always ready for the next planting season. To the untrained eye, dry and brittle seeds may seem useless. However, gardeners know that vegetable seeds are key to starting … Continue reading Home gardening tips: For how long can you store vegetable seeds?

Proper food storage: 6 Ways to preserve food at home

Being self-sufficient means looking for ways to help your family survive without relying on outside sources for food, water and other necessities. If you’re a homesteader, one way to become more self-sufficient before SHTF is to learn how to safely preserve and store food for future use. (h/t to FoodRevolution.org) Storing food properly can help reduce food waste … Continue reading Proper food storage: 6 Ways to preserve food at home

Food supply 101: Top 14 food items for your survival stockpile

Before SHTF, a prepper’s stockpile will already have an assortment of food supplies like beans, rice and clean drinking water. But if you’re looking for more items to add to your stockpile, consider uncommon but equally important foods like canned tuna or honey. (h/t to HomesteadSurvivalSite.com) The foods listed below are nutritious and have an extended shelf … Continue reading Food supply 101: Top 14 food items for your survival stockpile

Home gardening basics: 24 Plants to grow in a bucket garden

Bucket gardening is popular among urban preppers because it allows you to grow assorted herbs and vegetables even if you live in a small apartment. Also known as container gardening, this method is a great way to start your own garden if you’re a beginner who doesn’t want to feel overwhelmed with a full-sized backyard garden. (h/t to UrbanSurvivalSite.com) Why … Continue reading Home gardening basics: 24 Plants to grow in a bucket garden

Coronavirus looms over fruit and vegetable growers, threatening yet more disruptions of the food supply

Outbreaks of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) are emerging in U.S. fruit and vegetable farms and packing plants, causing officials to worry about further disruptions to America’s food supply. The outbreaks come after thousands of meat plant employees contracted the virus, which led to those plants shutting down. This resulted in shortages of meat in groceries around the country. Workers harvesting … Continue reading Coronavirus looms over fruit and vegetable growers, threatening yet more disruptions of the food supply

Prepper tips: How to keep your food stockpile safe

In these uncertain times, whether you’re worried about the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic or riots throughout the country, stay focused on setting up your preps, including food supply. Setting up your food stockpile doesn’t mean simply filling your pantry with survival foods; you also need to make your supply last for a long time. Take measures … Continue reading Prepper tips: How to keep your food stockpile safe

Healthy prepping: 7 Superfoods you should add to your garden and stockpile

It’s important to prepare for emergencies, as these can happen without a moment’s notice. For most people, that means stockpiling enough food to keep themselves fed in the event an emergency happens. But as you fill up your storage spaces with quick fixes like rice, spaghetti and survival rations, why not balance it out by adding nutritious … Continue reading Healthy prepping: 7 Superfoods you should add to your garden and stockpile

Packaged food and beverages in the U.S. are ultra-processed and ultra unhealthy

Food supply has a huge impact on the health status of a given population. It also plays a central role in the development of chronic diseases. In the U.S., the food supply is dominated by packaged foods and beverages, and about 80 percent of the total calories consumed by Americans come from these store-bought products. This shows that … Continue reading Packaged food and beverages in the U.S. are ultra-processed and ultra unhealthy

Quick and easy storage: Here’s how to turn your vegetables into chips

Potato chips are a guilty pleasure snack for people of all ages. They’re salty, savory and bad for your heart and waistline. If you can’t resist chips but you want to improve your eating habits, learn how to make your own veggie chips — with all the savory crunch but none of the harmful additives. … Continue reading Quick and easy storage: Here’s how to turn your vegetables into chips