Beyond buckwheat and canned food: an expert identifies 5 food groups that will be useful to have at home when the unexpected happens

An unexpected storm, a power outage that lasts a few days, or an unforeseen situation where you simply can't go to the shops. In such cases, it is particularly useful to have a supply of long-life food at home – it helps to avoid stress, to feel calmer and to be prepared for any situation, even if it's unexpected guests. Expert  Povilas Rubinas talks about how to prepare for the unexpected in a targeted and practical way.

According to him, the most important thing at home – is not to load up on things we don't like or don't consume, but to maintain a natural, slightly larger amount of food we eat daily. This way, we avoid wasting food and always have something to pull out for any unexpected situation or to put on the table when unexpected guests drop by.

„When we think of food stocks, we think of canned food and buckwheat. Maybe it's because canned food doesn't last long and buckwheat is easy to prepare. Even if you pour cold water over them and leave them overnight, the buckwheat is edible in the morning. However, if we don't consume such products regularly, they will simply spoil over time – and then we throw away not only food but also money“, – notes the expert.

P. Rubin stresses that the stock in the kitchen cupboards or pantry should be in line with our habits and dietary principles.

When it comes to more specific choices, Mr Rubin identifies several categories of food that have a long shelf-life, are calorie-dense, convenient to consume and do not require complicated preparation. One of these, he says, is cured meats, which act as a source of protein and can be consumed immediately.

Also – canned and pickled vegetables, familiar to many from their childhood, when the autumn harvest would be stocked on the shelves for the whole winter. Nuts and various seeds are just as useful – compact, nutritious and easy to dose.

„While sweets are not essential, they often help to quickly regain energy and lift the mood. Just a bar of chocolate or a protein bar can go a long way to alleviate even the most uncomfortable situations," says the interviewer.

It's also worth stocking up on daily staples such as cereals or instant noodles, he says, because they have a long shelf life and are easy to prepare. Even products such as fizzy fruit drinks or other sugary beverages are important – they help maintain emotional comfort.