When it comes to preparing for emergencies, having a stockpile of food is crucial. While some people may opt to purchase pre-made survival bars, they can be expensive and may not suit everyone’s dietary needs. That’s where homemade survival bars come in – they are a great alternative that can be customized to your liking and won’t break the bank.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of making your own survival bars and provide a step-by-step guide on how to make them. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a busy parent on the go, or just someone who wants to be prepared for any situation, learning how to make your own survival bars is a valuable skill that can save you time, money, and potentially even your life in a crisis.
Selecting the Right Ingredients for Your Survival Bar
When it comes to crafting homemade survival bars, ingredient selection is a crucial step. You need to choose ingredients that are nutrient-rich, long-lasting, and provide ample energy. One critical factor to keep in mind is the shelf life of the ingredients you use. Opt for dried fruits, nuts, and seeds as they are less perishable and can be stored for longer periods.
Another important factor is nutrition. Choose ingredients that are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. This includes ingredients such as oatmeal, flaxseed, almond butter, and chia seeds. Balanced nutrition is key to ensuring your survival bars provide sustained energy and can keep you alive in situations where food might be scarce. With the right selection of ingredients, you can craft a homemade survival bar that is both nutritious and delicious, making it a great option to keep in your emergency kit.
Understanding Nutrient Composition for Proper Nutrition
It’s essential to understand the nutrient composition of your homemade survival bars, as the bars should not only serve as a source of energy but also provide sufficient nutrition. You can’t merely combine a variety of ingredients without considering their nutritional value, as some combinations may not be compatible or provide the necessary nutrients needed in a survival situation.
The ideal survival bars should contain ingredients that provide a balanced mixture of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Proteins such as nuts, seeds, and dried meat supply the body with amino acids necessary for muscle building and repair. Carbohydrates from dried fruits, grains, and oats are ideal for providing quick energy. Healthy fats from sources like nuts and seeds are perfect for sustaining energy levels and providing satiety. As such, before you come up with your homemade bar recipe, ensure that you research the nutritional content of each ingredient to meet your survival requirements.
Preparing and Mixing Your Ingredients
To prepare and mix your ingredients for homemade survival bars, you’ll need to start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. This typically includes a blend of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and other nutritious foods. Before beginning, you’ll also want to make sure you have all the necessary tools such as a mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, and a food processor or blender.
Once you have your ingredients and tools, begin by roughly chopping any larger items such as nuts and fruits. Then, combine all your ingredients in a mixing bowl and use a food processor or blender to pulse the mixture until it forms a thick, sticky dough. Be careful not to over-process, as this can cause the oils in the nuts and seeds to release and make the mixture too oily. Once your ingredients are well mixed, press the mixture into a baking dish, using your hands or a spatula to flatten it evenly. Refrigerate the mixture for at least an hour, then cut into individual bars or squares and store in an airtight container for up to a week or longer.
Baking or Dehydrating Your Survival Bar
Once you have mixed all the necessary ingredients for your survival bar, you can either bake or dehydrate it. Baking is the quickest and simplest method, but it might not produce the same level of preservation as dehydrating. If you choose to bake, preheat your oven at 350°F, spread your mixture on a baking tray and gently press the mixture down to create bars. Bake the mixture for at least 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. When done, remove it from the oven and cut them into bars or squares while it’s still hot.
Dehydrating your survival bar is a little more time-consuming than baking, but it’s more effective in preserving your bars. Dehydrating removes all the moisture from the mixture, leaving behind a nutrient-dense and shelf-stable bar. If you’re dehydrating, use a dehydrator or an oven set at the lowest possible temperature, usually 130°F – 145°F. Spread the bar mixture on a dehydrator tray and let it dehydrate for at least 8-12 hours or until it’s crispy and dry. Remove it from the dehydrator and cut them into bars or squares. Store them in an air-tight container and they’ll be ready to use whenever you need them.
Proper Storage and Shelf Life
Proper storage and shelf life are crucial factors when it comes to homemade survival bars. These bars typically have a longer shelf life than most other homemade snacks, but you still need to be careful about how you store them. Ideally, your survival bars should be kept in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Extreme heat or moisture can cause your bars to spoil quickly, so avoid storing them in areas with a high humidity or temperature.
The shelf life of your survival bars will vary depending on the ingredients used and storage conditions. On average, a well-made survival bar can last up to 6 months if stored properly. However, it is recommended to consume them within 3 months to ensure freshness and quality. Don’t forget to mark the storage container with the manufacturing date or the expiration date to keep track of its shelf life. By following appropriate storage practices, you can extend the life of your survival bars and have a reliable source of energy in challenging conditions.
Customizing Your Bars to Meet Your Needs
Customizing Your Bars to Meet Your Needs
When making homemade survival bars, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Depending on your situation, you may want to adjust the ingredients to give yourself the necessary energy and nutrients to sustain you. For example, if you’re planning on a long hike, you may want to add more carbs for sustained energy. If you’re looking for a meal replacement, you may want to add more protein and fiber to keep you full. Additionally, you can add in different herbs and spices to enhance the flavor.
Beyond just the ingredients, you’ll also want to consider the packaging and size of your bars. For a backpacking trip, you may want to make smaller bars that are easy to pack. For a long-term survival situation, you may want to package your bars in airtight, waterproof containers to ensure they don’t spoil. By customizing your bars to meet your needs, you can ensure that you have the right fuel to keep you going in any situation.
Tips for Incorporating Homemade Survival Bars into Your Emergency Supplies.
When it comes to emergency supplies, it’s essential to have a variety of items on hand to sustain you during an unexpected crisis. Homemade survival bars are a great addition to your emergency supplies. Here are a few tips to help you incorporate them into your kit:
1. Label and Store Properly – It’s crucial to label your homemade bars with the date of preparation and ingredients used. This will help you keep track of the freshness and nutritional content of your bars. Also, consider storing them in airtight containers in a cool, dry place.
2. Rotate Regularly – Homemade bars have a shorter shelf life than store-bought bars. Hence rotate them out every few months. Doing so, you can rest assured that your survival bars will always be fresh and ready to eat in an emergency.
By applying these tips, you will be on your way to creating and storing a reliable and nutritious emergency snack for when it’s needed the most.
The Bottom Line
Homemade survival bars are an excellent choice for people who enjoy planning ahead for emergencies or outdoor activities. Not only are they easy to make, but they can also be customized with different flavors and ingredients to suit individual tastes and dietary needs. By creating your own survival bar, you can ensure that you have a reliable source of energy, nutrition, and satisfaction in uncertain situations.
In conclusion, making a homemade survival bar is a simple and practical way to prepare for unexpected events or outdoor adventures. With a few basic ingredients and tools, anyone can create a high-quality, nutritious, and tasty bar that can sustain them in challenging situations. Whether you are a survivalist or a fitness enthusiast, a homemade survival bar is an excellent addition to your toolkit. So why not experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create a bar that is perfect for you?