One of the most common questions I hear from people starting their preparedness journey is:

"Do I need to freeze my grains before storing them in Mylar bags?"

The short answer is simple:

No, you do not need to freeze them if you are properly using oxygen absorbers and Mylar bags.

Let me explain why.

Weevils Need Oxygen Too

Think about it this way. You and I cannot survive without oxygen. If there is no oxygen available, we cannot breathe.

The same is true for weevils and other pantry pests.

Many grains naturally contain microscopic insect eggs. Before you panic, this is completely normal. Rice, wheat, oats, cornmeal, flour, and other grains may contain eggs that are invisible to the naked eye. Most of us have eaten products containing these naturally occurring eggs our entire lives without ever knowing it.

The concern isn't the eggs themselves—it's allowing them to hatch and complete their life cycle.

The Oxygen-Free Solution

When you package your grains in quality Mylar bags and add the proper oxygen absorbers, the oxygen is removed from the package.

Without oxygen:

• Adult insects cannot survive.
• Larvae cannot survive.
• Eggs cannot complete their development.
• The life cycle is interrupted.

The result is a safe, stable storage environment that helps protect your food for years.

This is why preparedness experts have relied on Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers for decades.

Why People Freeze Grains

Some people choose to freeze grains before storage because they believe it kills insect eggs.

While freezing may kill some insects or eggs, it is often an unnecessary extra step when you are already creating an oxygen-free environment.

Freezing also comes with a few drawbacks:

• Condensation can occur if the grain is not brought back to room temperature properly.
• Additional handling increases the chance of introducing moisture.
• It takes extra time and freezer space.
• Large quantities can be difficult to manage.

For many families building a three-month or one-year food supply, freezing hundreds of pounds of grains simply isn't practical.

My Preferred Method

As a preparedness educator and long-term food storage enthusiast, this is the method I personally use:

1. Start with clean, dry grains.
2. Place them in Mylar bags.
3. Add the correct oxygen absorber.
4. Heat seal the bag.
5. Store in a cool, dark, dry location.

That's it.

No freezing.

No complicated procedures.

Just proper packaging and storage.

The Importance of Oxygen Absorbers

The key is using the correct oxygen absorber for the size of your container.

A properly sized oxygen absorber creates the oxygen-free environment needed to protect your food from oxidation and interrupt the insect life cycle.

For example:

• Quart-size Mylar bags typically use a 200cc oxygen absorber.
• 2-Quart bags typically use a 300cc oxygen absorber.
• 5-Gallon bags generally use a 2000cc oxygen absorber for rice, beans, and flour.
• Oats and pasta often benefit from a 2500cc oxygen absorber due to their shape and air space.

Always make sure your bags are fully sealed and check them after a few days. Most bags will develop a slightly vacuumed appearance as the oxygen absorber does its job. It is not a complete vacuum since oxygen is only 21% of the hair left in the bag.

Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers sets come in a variety of sizes to meet any need from pint to 5-gallon. "Complete Storage Solutions: Mylar Bags with Desiccants & Oxygen Absorbers" pick your favorite size or a few different sizes. Some of Mimi's favorite combination sets are the Gusset Mylar sets they come in pint, quart, 2 quart, and gallon. Mylar Gusset Bags with Oxygen Absorbers

Final Thoughts from Mimi

Preparedness does not have to be complicated.

Many people become overwhelmed by conflicting advice online. They worry about freezing, vacuum sealing, buckets, insects, moisture, and a hundred other details.

The truth is that proper Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers do most of the heavy lifting for you.

Remember:

Weevils need oxygen just like we do.

When you remove the oxygen, you remove their ability to survive and reproduce.

So when someone asks, "Should I freeze my grains before storing them?"

My answer is simple:

To freeze or not to freeze? Save the freezer space. Use quality Mylar bags, the proper oxygen absorbers, and store with confidence.

Happy storing,

Mimi

There’s something magical about the sound of popcorn popping in the kitchen. For Mimi, it brings back memories of family movie nights, rainy afternoons, and simple moments that somehow turn into the ones we treasure most. And for Apollo? Well… the second Mimi pulls out the air popper, he comes trotting into the kitchen like it’s the greatest event of the day. Tail wagging, nose sniffing, and eyes locked on every flying kernel, Apollo has become Mimi’s official “wayward popcorn cleanup crew.” But somewhere between the laughter, the popping kernels, and Apollo catching runaway pieces mid-bounce, Mimi realized something important...sometimes the foods worth storing long-term aren’t just the necessitie, they’re the little comforts that make a house feel like home.

Apollo has that look.

You know the one.

The Golden Retriever eyes. The slow tail wag. The quiet sit, like he’s trying to be polite… but also very clearly saying, “Mimi… I smell something amazing.”

And on this particular afternoon?

It was popcorn.

Apollo + Popcorn = Instant Best Friends

Mimi had just pulled out her trusty air popper, because let’s be honest, it’s the easiest (and healthiest) way to make a fresh batch without all the extra oils.

As the kernels began to pop, the kitchen filled with that warm, toasty smell…

Pop! Pop! Pop!

And that’s when Apollo sprang into action.

Every now and then, a wayward popped piece would bounce right out of the bowl or miss its landing completely and Apollo was on watch, just waiting. Oh, he was ready.

A quick step. A gentle snatch. Mission accomplished.

Mimi couldn’t help but laugh.

Now, she doesn’t share buttery or salty popcorn with her sweet boy, he get lots of them in the kitchen as she is making popping them.

But those plain, air-popped little escapees, never lasted long.

Oh they were fair game (according to Apollo, anyway).

One little piece turned into two…
Two turned into a handful…
And just like that, Mimi realized something important:

Popcorn isn’t just a snack… it’s a pantry must-have.

Why Popcorn Deserves a Spot in Your Long-Term Storage

Popcorn kernels are:

• Shelf-stable
• Lightweight
• Easy to prepare (hello, air popper!)
• Kid-approved (and Apollo-approved)
• A morale booster when times feel uncertain

And let’s be honest, sometimes preparedness isn’t just about survival…

It’s about comfort.

A fresh bowl of popcorn, especially when it’s popping away in the kitchen can make everything feel just a little more normal.

But Here’s the Thing (Mimi Learned This the Hard Way…)

Popcorn is a little different than rice or beans.

It needs a tiny bit of moisture inside each kernel to pop properly. Too dry and instead of fluffy popcorn, you get sad little half-pops.

So storing it right matters.

Mimi’s Go-To Method for Storing Popcorn Long-Term

When Mimi puts popcorn away for the future, she does it like this:

• Uses PackFreshUSA 2-Quart Mylar Gusset bags (because they block out oxygen and moisture better than anything else)
• Adds a small oxygen absorber (just enough to protect, not overdry)
• Seals the bag above the zipper with a heat seal
• Stores it inside a food-grade bucket
• Keeps it off the concrete and in a cool, dark place

This keeps the popcorn fresh, safe, and ready for years.

Mimi Tip of the Day 

“Preparedness isn’t just about what lasts the longest… it’s about what brings a little joy when you need it most.”

What If It Doesn’t Pop Later?

Mimi’s got you.

If your popcorn gets a little stubborn after years in storage:

• Add a tiny bit of moisture back (like a damp paper towel in a jar for a few days)
• Let the kernels rest
• Try again

Most of the time, they’ll bounce right back.

Final Thought from Mimi (and Apollo)

That evening, as Mimi sat with her bowl of fresh, air-popped popcorn, Apollo rested his head gently on her knee, those soft golden eyes begging and still hopeful for one more “accidentally dropped” piece.

And Mimi smiled.

Because in that moment, it wasn’t just about food storage…

It was about taking care of today and tomorrow at the same time.

So go ahead and store the rice, the beans, the essentials…

But don’t forget the popcorn.

Because even in the future, you deserve a cozy night, a good snack, and maybe a Golden Retriever catching snacks mid-air right by your side. 

Happy Prepping,

Mimi

Well now… let me tell you a little story from back in January 2021.

You know… that time when everyone suddenly realized maybe having a little extra food on hand wasn’t such a crazy idea after all.

So there I was, helping my sister Tina move. Sweet Tina—she had done everything right. Buckets lined up in the basement, full of wheat, rice, and all the good prepper staples. I remember thinking, “Look at her go… she’s ready for anything.”

And then…

We started carrying the buckets upstairs.

Now Tina’s boys—strong as can be—were hauling those 5-gallon buckets up like champs. But after the second or third trip, I noticed something behind them.

A little trail.

At first I thought, “Oh, someone must’ve spilled a scoop.”

But no…

That trail kept going.

Wheat. Rice. A little of this, a little of that—sprinkled all the way up the stairs like we were reenacting Hansel and Gretel: Prepper Edition.

Turns out, some of those bucket bottoms had weakened over time.

No loud crack.
No warning.
Just a quiet little “I give up” from the plastic… and down it went.

Tina just stood there and said,
“Mimi… that’s my food storage…”

And I said,
“Well honey… now it’s also your stair décor.”

Mimi’s Lesson Learned (The Hard Way)

Now don’t get me wrong—buckets have their place.

But let me tell you what I learned that day:

Buckets alone are not a guarantee.

They can:

• Get brittle over time
• Weaken at the bottom from weight
• Be affected by temperature changes

And if that’s your only layer of protection… well, you might just end up with a breadcrumb trail of rice.

What Mimi Does Differently Now

Mimi has been using Mylar in 5-gallon buckets for years but not her sister, Tina.

After helping Tina sweep up what felt like half her pantry…

Tina changed how she do things.

Tina just doesn’t just store food.

Using Mimi recommendation they build a system 

Step 1: Mylar Comes First

Still using the 5-gallon bucket BUT with the 5-gallon Mylar bags fully lining the bucket. The food will fill the Mylar bag.

Not just any bags either:

• 4.3, 5.5 mil, or 7 mil Mylar Bag sets for my bulk storage
• Sometimes with a zipper, sometimes without—depends on how I’m using it.

Because if something fails on the outside… my food is still safe on the inside.

Step 2: Oxygen Absorbers Done Right

I don’t guess—I match my absorbers to the job:

• 1600cc–2000cc for most 5-gallon buckets
• Up to 2500cc for things like pasta and oats

That way I know I’m actually protecting my food—not just hoping for the best.

Step 3: Buckets = Backup, Not the Hero

Buckets are still part of the plan—but now they’re the outer layer, not the only layer.

And I follow a few rules I don’t break:

✔ No stacking more than 3 buckets high
✔ Always store them off concrete (2x4s or pallets work just fine)
✔ Every single bucket has Mylar inside it

Because I’ve seen what happens when you skip that step.

If you’ve worked hard to build your food storage…

If you’ve spent your time, your money, and your energy getting prepared…

Don’t let something as simple as a bucket failure undo all of it.

Trust me—watching your pantry trail up the stairs like a fairy tale gone wrong?

That’s not a lesson you want to learn firsthand.

Now Tina uses Mylar too!

And me?

I don’t store without it. 

Much love,

Mimi 

Mimi's Storytime

Oxygen absorbers are one of the most powerful tools in food preservation—and one of the most misunderstood.

At their core, oxygen absorbers are small packets filled with iron powder that reacts with oxygen, effectively removing it from a sealed environment.

Why does that matter?

Because oxygen is one of the biggest causes of:

• Food spoilage
• Nutrient loss
• Rancidity
• Mold and insect growth

When you remove oxygen, you dramatically extend shelf life—often from months to years or even decades.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Oxygen Absorbers (But Were Afraid to Ask) - PackFreshUSA

How Oxygen Absorbers Actually Work

Think of oxygen absorbers as a targeted remover—not a vacuum.

They don’t remove all the air…
They remove oxygen (about 21% of air)—the part that causes damage.

Inside the packet:

• Iron powder reacts with oxygen
• That reaction forms iron oxide (aka rust)
• Oxygen levels drop to near zero

This creates an environment where:

• Bacteria can’t grow
• Bugs can’t survive
• Food stays stable

Oxygen Absorber - The Myth, The Legend - PackFreshUSA

Why Oxygen Absorbers + Mylar Bags Are the Power Combo

Using oxygen absorbers alone isn’t enough—you need the right packaging.

Mylar bags act as a barrier, preventing oxygen from re-entering after it’s removed.

Together:

• Mylar keeps oxygen out
• Oxygen absorbers remove what’s inside

This combination creates a long-term, shelf-stable environment that protects food for decades when done correctly.

"Complete Storage Solutions: Mylar Bags with Desiccants & Oxygen Absorbers"

When to Use Oxygen Absorbers (Best Foods for Storage)

Oxygen absorbers work best with dry, low-moisture foods (under ~10% moisture).

Perfect for:

• Rice
• Beans & legumes
• Pasta
• Flour & grains
• Freeze-dried foods
• Powdered milk
• Dry herbs & spices

These foods benefit the most because removing oxygen:

• Prevents oxidation
• Stops insect activity
• Preserves nutrients

Blog- Storing Grains 1 person 3-months 
Legumes Storage Blog 1 Person3-Months

When NOT to Use Oxygen Absorbers

This is where a lot of people go wrong.

Not everything belongs in an oxygen-free environment.

Avoid using oxygen absorbers with:

• Sugar (turns rock hard)
• Salt (doesn’t need it)
• Baking soda/powder (loses effectiveness can cause bag to expand)
• Moist or sticky dried fruits (risk of spoilage issues / botcilism)

Using them incorrectly can actually ruin your food instead of preserving it.

Best Practices for Using Oxygen Absorbers

To get the most out of your storage:

• Only open what you can use quickly (ideally within ~20 minutes)
• Reseal extras immediately (Mylar bag, mason jar, or vacuum seal)
• Use the correct size absorber for your container
• Always pair with proper sealing (heat-sealed Mylar is best)

Bonus Tip:
It’s normal for absorbers to feel warm or show slight condensation when opened—that’s just the chemical reaction starting.

The Bottom Line on Oxygen Absorbers

Oxygen absorbers are small—but they completely change the game.

They allow you to:

• Store food longer
• Reduce waste
• Build real preparedness
• Protect your investment

And when paired with high-quality Mylar bags, they turn everyday pantry items into long-term food security.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Oxygen Absorbers (But Were Afraid to Ask) - PackFreshUSA

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Oxygen Absorbers for Every Need

Whether you’re just getting started with home food storage or scaling up for business use, having the right oxygen absorbers on hand makes all the difference. PackFreshUSA offers a wide range of options designed to fit both small and large-scale needs—from individually sealed oxygen absorbers for maximum freshness and convenience, to multi-packs of 5, 10, or 50 that make it easy to match your workflow and storage volume.

For everyday users, smaller packs help reduce waste and keep unused absorbers fresh longer. For businesses—like freeze-dried food producers, jerky makers, or bulk food packagers—larger quantity packs provide efficiency, consistency, and cost savings when working at scale.

No matter the size of your operation, the goal remains the same: create a low-oxygen environment that protects your food investment. When used correctly, oxygen absorbers help bring low-fat, dry foods (under 10% moisture content) into a stable, long-term storage condition—reducing spoilage, preserving nutrients, and extending shelf life for years to come.

With the right tools and a reliable supply from PackFreshUSA, you’re not just storing food—you’re building confidence, security, and a system you can count on.

Happy Prepping!

Ola D Griffin
Long-term Food Storage Expert
Customer Service, Safeguard Brands, Inc. dba PackFreshUSA
YouTuber Pandemic Prepsters - YouTube & Mimi.storytime - YouTube
Instagram - Ola Dee Griffin (@Preparedness101) • Instagram Photos And Videos 
Tiktok - Oladeegriffin (@Oladeegriffin) | TikTok 

Phone: (844) 857-8277
Mobile: (951)902-4644
Email:  customerservice@packfreshusa.com     
Website: PackFreshUSA.com
Toll Free 5 Star Service Line:  (844)8 5 STARS (844) 857-8277

When the world feels uncertain, people pay attention.

It doesn’t matter if it’s supply chain disruptions, economic instability, natural disasters, or geopolitical tension—history shows us one consistent truth:

Preparedness spikes when uncertainty rises.

But here’s the reality most people learn the hard way…
By the time everyone else is preparing, it’s already harder, more expensive, and sometimes too late.

That’s why the smartest preppers—and even everyday households—don’t wait for headlines.

They prepare before the rush.

Why Preparedness Increases During Global Events

Every surge in prepping behavior is driven by the same core fears:

• Empty shelves
• Delayed shipments
• Rising food costs
• Power outages or infrastructure stress
• Loss of access to everyday essentials

We saw it during past global events—stores cleared out of basics like flour, beans, rice, and even bottled water almost overnight.

And the biggest takeaway?

Access isn’t guaranteed. Availability is temporary. Preparedness is control.

The Problem With Last-Minute Prepping

When people rush to prepare, they often:

• Buy the wrong items
• Store food incorrectly
• Skip shelf-life considerations
• Waste money on short-term solutions

This leads to frustration and worse: food that doesn’t last when you actually need it.

That’s where proper storage becomes just as important as what you store.

The Foundation of Smart Food Storage

If you want your emergency food supply to last years (not months), you need two critical components:

✅ Mylar Bags

✅ Oxygen Absorbers

Together, these create a powerful long-term storage system.

Mylar bags protect against:

• Light
• Moisture
• Air exchange

Oxygen absorbers remove the oxygen inside the bag, which:

• Prevents spoilage
• Stops insect activity
• Extends shelf life dramatically

Important reminder: Oxygen absorbers don’t vacuum seal your food—they remove oxygen (about 21% of air), helping create a low-oxygen environment ideal for long-term storage.

Why PackFreshUSA Is a Go-To for Preppers

When it comes to reliability, quality matters.

PackFreshUSA offers:

• Durable Mylar bags (true thickness per side—not inflated specs)
• Reliable oxygen absorbers in multiple sizes 
• Stand-up pouches for easy organization and rotation
• Complete kits to simplify the process

Whether you’re storing bulk staples or building a rotating pantry, having dependable materials makes all the difference.

A Worry-Free Way to Get Started

If you’re new to food storage—or just want to simplify the process—a complete kit can take all the guesswork out of it.

The PackFreshUSA Box Set is designed to be a worry-free solution, giving you everything you need in one place: durable 7 mil Mylar bags in multiple sizes (gallon, quart, and pint), perfectly matched oxygen absorbers (500cc, 300cc, and 100cc), and even a free mini sealer to get you started right away.

No calculating. No second-guessing. No missing pieces.

Just fill, seal, and store with confidence—knowing your food is protected for the long haul.

7 Mil Mylar Box Set | PackFreshUSA

Start With the Basics: Building a Strong Pantry

You don’t need to do everything at once.

Start simple and build over time.

Grains (Foundation of Calories)

Rice, wheat, oats, pasta—these are your long-term energy sources.

1 PERSON 3 MONTHS - GRAINS - PackFreshUSA

Legumes (Protein & Nutrition)

Beans, lentils, peas—critical for balanced nutrition and shelf stability.

Beans: The Magical Legume - What to Store for 1 Person for 3 Months - PackFreshUSA

Sugar & Baking Essentials

Important for calories, morale, and food preparation flexibility.

Storing Sugars – Keeping Life Sweet -One Person for 3 Months Supply - PackFreshUSA

Additional Staples to Consider

• Fruits Sweet Survival: Storing 46 Pounds of Fruit for 3 Months - PackFreshUSA
• Vegetables Preparedness Beyond Rice & Beans: The Power of Vegetables (1 Person 3 Month) - PackFreshUSA
• Powdered milk & dairy alternatives Milk Matters: A 3-Month Emergency Dairy Supply for One Person - PackFreshUSA
• Fats & oils (stored properly) Stocking Up on Fats: The 3-Month Survival Guide for One Person - PackFreshUSA
• Cooking Essentials - Survival Starts in the Kitchen: 3-Month Cooking Essentials - PackFreshUSA
• Comfort foods for morale

Why Storing a 3-Month Supply of Food is Important: A Guide to Preparedness Based on FDA Recommendations - PackFreshUSA

Preparedness Is Not Panic—It’s Peace of Mind

There’s a big difference between panic buying and intentional preparation.

Preparedness means:

✔ Buying gradually
✔ Storing properly
✔ Rotating your supply
✔ Knowing your system works

When you have food stored correctly in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers, you’re not reacting to fear…

You’re operating from confidence.

Mimi’s Prep Tip 

“Don’t wait for the shelves to go empty to realize you should’ve filled your pantry.
A little prep today keeps tomorrow a whole lot calmer.”

And if Apollo had a say?
He’d remind you to store extra snacks… strictly for quality control purposes, of course 

Final Thoughts: Stay Ready So You Don’t Have to Get Ready

Global uncertainty will come and go—but your preparedness doesn’t have to.

Start small. Stay consistent. Use the right tools.

Because when the next surge happens—and it will—you’ll already be ahead of it.

Ingredients

• 6 cups Lucky Charms cereal

• 4 cups mini marshmallows

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but delicious)

• ½ cup extra Lucky Charms marshmallows (optional for topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare the pan
   Lightly grease a 9x13 pan with butter or line with parchment paper.

2. Melt butter & marshmallows

   • In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter.

   • Add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted.

3. Add vanilla (optional)
   Stir in the vanilla extract for a little extra flavor.

4. Mix in cereal
   Remove from heat and gently fold in the Lucky Charms cereal until coated.

5. Press into pan
   Transfer mixture to the pan and gently press down with a buttered spatula.

6. Top with extra marshmallows
   Sprinkle extra Lucky Charms marshmallows on top while warm.

7. Cool & slice
   Let cool about 30 minutes, then cut into squares.

Storage and Gifting

Storing these Cereal Treats couldn't be easier, since PackFreshUSA has so many different colors and sizes in the Stand-up Pouches make perfect packages.

Mimi’s Kitchen Hack

If you want extra colorful treats, separate some of the rainbow marshmallows from the cereal first and sprinkle them on top after pressing the mixture into the pan. They stay bright and pretty!

Fun Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt white chocolate and drizzle over the bars.

• Rainbow Sprinkle Version: Add green sprinkles for St. Patrick’s Day.

• Freeze-Dried Boost: Mix in freeze-dried strawberry or banana pieces for a fun crunchy surprise.

  Mimi’s Closing

  Sometimes the best treats aren’t the fancy ones — they’re the simple recipes that bring everyone into the kitchen. A bowl of cereal, a pot of marshmallows, and a few minutes of stirring can turn into something colorful, sweet, and full of smiles.

  These Lucky Charm Rice Krispy Treats are the kind of dessert that make grandkids giggle, friends ask for seconds, and even Apollo the golden retriever sit a little closer to the kitchen… just in case a crumb “accidentally” falls his way.

  So whether you’re making these for St. Patrick’s Day, a family movie night, or just because life could use a little more rainbow and marshmallow magic, remember that the real charm isn’t just in the cereal — it’s in the memories made while sharing it.

  Until next time, keep your pantry stocked, your treats colorful, and your kitchen full of laughter.

  With a sprinkle of sweetness,
  Mimi 

There’s just something extra special about preserving food you grew yourself. These butternut squash were grown right in Mimi’s garden, picked fresh, carried into her kitchen, and turned into shelf-stable comfort meals for later. These are 4 to 5 month old butternut squash that have been in Mimi's cold-storage, but it is time to preserve them. From garden harvest to freeze-dryer trays, this is one of Mimi’s favorite ways to stretch the love of summer into cozy winter meals.

Mimi’s Simple Oven Method (Before Freeze-Drying)

Mimi keeps this method easy, garden-fresh, and mess-free:

How Mimi Preps Her Garden-Grown Butternut Squash:

• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Cut the top end off the butternut squash
• Cut squash in half lengthwise
• Scoop out seeds
• Place squash cut-side down on a baking tray
• Add water to the tray (this steams the squash while it roasts)
• Bake until fork-tender (about 45–60 minutes depending on size)
• Let cool, then scoop out the soft flesh
• Keep the skin for dog treats, compost, or chicken treats

Once cooked, Mimi either cubes, mashes, or purees the squash before laying it on freeze-dryer trays. After freeze-drying, everything gets packed into PackFreshUSA Mylar bags or 5 mil Silver Mylar Stand Up Pouches with Oxygen Absorbers in 10-Packs for long-term storage.

Meal Ideas Using Freeze-Dried Butternut Squash

These garden-grown squash turn into pantry gold once freeze-dried:

Cozy Butternut Squash Soup (Garden-to-Bowl Comfort)
Rehydrate squash with hot water or broth, blend smooth, and add:

• Onion powder

• Garlic

• Salt & pepper

• Splash of cream or coconut milk

• Optional: curry powder or cinnamon

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce
Rehydrate, blend with garlic, parmesan, olive oil, and a little pasta water.

Butternut Squash Tacos
Rehydrated chunks sautéed with taco seasoning, onions, and peppers.

Garden Harvest Rice Bowls
Rehydrated squash mixed with rice or quinoa, black beans, and chicken or chickpeas.

Sweet Uses
Add rehydrated squash to muffins, pancakes, or oatmeal for a naturally sweet veggie boost.

Apollo’s Garden Squash Tax

Apollo somehow knows when Mimi brings garden squash into the kitchen. The moment the oven door opens, he’s there —

Head tilt ✔️
Big golden eyes ✔️
Zero shame ✔️

Once the squash skins cool and are safe, Apollo gets his tiny “garden tax.” Mimi says every good freeze-drying operation needs a Quality Control Supervisor with fur.

Storage Tip (PackFreshUSA Style)

Once fully freeze-dried:

• Let squash cool

• Pack in PackFreshUSA Mylar bags or 5 mil stand-up pouches

• Add the correct size oxygen absorber

• Seal and label with the harvest year

Perfect for:
✔ Garden harvest storage
✔ Pantry meals
✔ Emergency food storage
✔ Camping meals
✔ Soup kits

Long-Term Storage: How Long Does Freeze-Dried Butternut Squash Last?

One of the biggest benefits of freeze-drying your garden harvest is longevity. When butternut squash is properly freeze-dried and packaged correctly, it can last 25+ years while still maintaining good flavor and nutrition.

Freeze-drying removes up to 98–99% of the moisture, which prevents the growth of bacteria, mold, and enzymes that normally cause food to spoil. The key to achieving those long storage times is proper packaging.

How to Store Freeze-Dried Butternut Squash for 25+ Years

For maximum shelf life, store your freeze-dried squash using these steps:

• Ensure the squash is completely dry and crisp after freeze-drying
• Allow it to cool before packaging
• Store in Mylar bags or high-barrier stand-up pouches
• Add the correct size oxygen absorber
• Heat seal the bag to remove air exposure
• Store in a cool, dark place (ideally under 70°F)

Using PackFreshUSA Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers helps protect your food from oxygen, light, and moisture — the three biggest enemies of long-term storage.

Why Freeze-Dried Foods Last So Long

Three factors make freeze-dried foods ideal for preparedness and pantry storage:

✔ Moisture removal prevents microbial growth
✔ Oxygen absorbers stop oxidation and nutrient breakdown
✔ Barrier packaging protects from light, air, and humidity

When these three things work together, freeze-dried vegetables like butternut squash can remain shelf-stable for 25 years or more.

That means the squash you grew in Mimi’s garden this year could still be making soups, sauces, and cozy meals decades down the road.

And if Apollo has anything to say about it… he’ll still be supervising.

Mimi’s Closing

There’s something deeply satisfying about pulling a meal off the shelf months later and remembering it started as a vine in your garden. Mimi says freeze-drying her own butternut squash feels like saving sunshine for later — and sharing a little of that harvest love with future Mimi (and future hungry family members).

Apollo agrees. Especially about the squash skins.

With a full pantry and a happy heart,
— Mimi

We are back in the kitchen (again) with herbs taking over the counter. 
Between the garden, grocery runs, and “oops-I-bought-too-much-again” moments, fresh cilantro and spinach can go from vibrant to sad real quick. Freeze-drying has become one of my favorite ways to save those herbs at peak freshness — locking in flavor, color, and nutrients so nothing goes to waste.

Whether you’re a home gardener, prepper, or just someone who hates throwing food away, freeze-drying herbs is one of the easiest and most satisfying food storage wins.

Why Freeze-Dry Cilantro & Spinach? (or other greens and herbs)

✔️ Keeps bright color & fresh flavor
✔️ Preserves nutrients better than dehydrating
✔️ Lightweight, crunchy, and easy to store
✔️ Rehydrates quickly for soups, sauces & meals
✔️ Perfect for long-term food storage with oxygen absorbers

Step-by-Step: How to Freeze-Dry Cilantro & Spinach

1️⃣ Wash & Dry

• Rinse herbs thoroughly to remove dirt.

• Pat completely dry or spin dry — moisture left behind can cause clumping.

2️⃣ Prep

• Cilantro: Remove thick stems, keep leafy tops

• Spinach: Remove thick stems, tear large leaves into smaller pieces

3️⃣ Pre-Freeze (Optional but Helpful)

• Lay herbs flat on freeze-dryer trays.
  (This helps them freeze evenly and keeps leaves separated.)

4️⃣ Freeze-Dry

• Set your freeze dryer to a cooler drying cycle. I typically use a heat setting between 90–100°F.

• Run the cycle until the herbs are fully dry and snap easily when bent—that’s how you know they’re done.

Optional tip: To keep lightweight herbs from blowing off the trays, line the tray with parchment paper. I gently wrap the parchment around the tray and tuck it under the bottom edge to hold everything in place.

5️⃣ Condition Check

• Let herbs cool to room temperature.
  If any feel soft → run another short dry cycle. 

Packaging for Long-Term Storage (PackFreshUSA Tips)

For best shelf life, store freeze-dried herbs in:

✔️ PackFreshUSA Pint Mylar bags (7 mil) or 7 mil Gusset Mylar bags
✔️ Small oxygen absorbers (50cc–100cc)
✔️ Heat sealed with an impulse sealer or PackFreshUSA Mini Sealer 
✔️ Labeled with date + contents

For gifting or daily kitchen use:

• clear or colored stand-up pouches are adorable and practical.
• storing in mason jars with oxygen absorbers

Pro Tip from PrepPal:
Freeze-dried herbs are low moisture, so oxygen absorbers protect color and flavor. Desiccants are not needed unless humidity is high.

How to Use Freeze-Dried Cilantro & Spinach

✔️ Crumble into soups & stews
✔️ Toss into scrambled eggs
✔️ Add to smoothies
✔️ Sprinkle into rice & beans
✔️ Rehydrate for salsa, pesto & sauces

Rehydration tip:
1 tsp freeze-dried herbs ≈ 1 tbsp fresh once rehydrated.

Why Mimi Loves Freeze-Drying Herbs

Because nothing hurts Mimi’s heart like throwing away food she meant to use.
Freeze-drying lets her:

✔️ Stretch garden harvests
✔️ Save grocery overbuys
✔️ Build food storage
✔️ Keep cooking fun & colorful

Plus… little mason jars of freeze-dried herbs with PackFreshUSA oxygen absorbers make great and easy gift. Or PackFreshUSA Stand-up Pouches look downright cute on the shelf, using oxygen absorbers to keep them fresh longer, the zip allows for sealable access once opened.

In Closing:

Freeze-drying herbs is one of those small kitchen wins that adds up to big peace of mind. A little effort today means brighter flavor, less waste, and a pantry that’s ready for busy nights (or rainy days). Whether your herbs came from Mimi’s garden or the grocery store, preserving them at peak freshness is a gift to your future self.

Happy freeze-drying, friends—your soups, eggs, and stews will thank you later. 

Ola D Griffin

Long-term Food Storage Expert
Customer Service, Safeguard Brands, Inc. dba PackFreshUSA
YouTuber Pandemic Prepsters - YouTube & Mimi.storytime - YouTube
Instagram - Ola Dee Griffin (@Preparedness101) • Instagram Photos And Videos 
Tiktok - Oladeegriffin (@Oladeegriffin) | TikTok 

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