When the future seems so frighteningly uncertain, many people are trying to prepare for the worst possible outcome by collecting foods that remain edible and nutritious for long periods of time. This list of the foods that practically never spoil will give you an idea of what to look for as you prepare to keep yourself and your family safe from any potential catastrophe.
Salt
It is no surprise that sodium chloride, a mineral we extract from the earth, is a permanent substance. Humans have leveraged salt’s moisture-removing abilities for many centuries to preserve food and even dead bodies.
However, the salt you keep in your cupboard may not last forever. Salt’s shelf life is greatly reduced if iodine is added. If you see a container with iodized salt, you can only expect it to last about five years.
Honey
Thanks to some fascinating chemistry and the brilliant work of bees, honey may be the only food that truly lasts forever. Bees mix the nectar from flowers with enzymes inside their bodies to create simple sugars. They develop a substance that’s inhospitable to bacteria—a liquid that is low in moisture and highly acidic. Although some see crystallized honey as a sign that the product has gone bad, crystallization is a sign of the honey’s purity. If the crystals bother you, just heat a jar of honey in hot water. The crystals will melt, and the honey will taste exactly the same.
White Rice
White rice will go bad eventually, but it will take a very long time. White rice has earned its place on this list of foods that practically never spoil because it will keep its nutritional content for over 30 years if it has been stored in an oxygen-free container. Brown rice does not last as long, and it goes bad in six months because it holds oils in its bran layer.
Dried Beans
Just like with rice, dried pinto beans are acceptable to eat even after 30 years. Their quality may have decreased, but they would still be considered edible and safe under emergency situations.
A day to listen deeply, learn humbly, and honor the living wisdom of Native communities on Native Heritage Day on November 28th.
Opening Reflection
Native American Heritage Day is more than a mark on the calendar. It’s a living invitation to hear the first voices of this land, voices that carry stories of stewardship, innovation, courage, and care. As we step into this observance, we honor the people whose cultures, languages, and traditions continue to shape our shared future.
Artificial intelligence isn’t just a theory from science fiction anymore. It’s reshaping industries all over the world, and construction is right at the center of this shift. From automated machines on job sites to smart data analytics behind the scenes, AI's role in shaping the future of construction is about more than efficiency; it’s changing how people build, design, and manage structures. Instead of simple automation, we're seeing smarter, more responsive worksites that can adapt to challenges faster than ever.
Picture this: the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow across your patio. Laughter fills the air as you grill steaks to perfection, a chilled drink in hand from your outdoor refrigerator.
Owning a car provides incredible freedom, but it also carries the responsibility of basic upkeep and preparation for unexpected events. You cannot predict every issue, but a curated kit turns a major headache into a minor inconvenience.
Thanksgiving on November 27th this year is more than a meal; it’s a stage for storytelling. Families are rediscovering the joy of sharing origin tales, funny mishaps, and heartfelt memories. Some hosts place a “story card” at each seat with prompts like “What tradition would you invent?” or “What are you most grateful for this year?” These sparks of conversation transform dinner into a living archive of family history. Recording or writing down these stories ensures they’ll be cherished for generations.
