Here’s a question I just thought of (don’t laugh, it’s just a question):
In an emergency, is it possible to soak rice in water to make it edible (if there is no heat source for cooking)? If so, how long must it soak?
Bags of rice have a 2-year shelf life and you can buy a 20lb bag for $15.
Normal rice (unlike converted or boil-in-bag) requires heat.
The shelf life of white rice is much longer than 2 years.
We have several 20 lb bags of white rice we bought at SAM'S Club for Y2K. We use it almost daily and it is still perfectly good. It is about 12 years old now.
We keep it in our basement in it's original plastic bags. We have taken no special precautions other than storing it in plastic storage tubs bought at Wal Mart (not air tight, no Oxygen inhibitor) just to keep it dry and any vermin out. The basement is dry but has little heat and the temperatures range from 40-80 degrees depending on time of year. We do run a portable humidifier during the summer or when it is wet outside in the Spring and Fall.
As we eat it up, we replace it and have added additional quantities. The price has really gone up recently but it is still a great bargain. It is cheap and easy eating. It is versatile and it can be cooked and then mixed with and nicely flavored with practically anything to make a hearty supplement or even a full meal.
It makes a lot of meals for only pennies. It is a major staple for our diet and will be especially so if things turn really bad.
“In an emergency, is it possible to soak rice in water to make it edible (if there is no heat source for cooking)? If so, how long must it soak?”
http://www.solarcooking.org/plans/
There’s always a heat source. Make a solar oven with the kids using a cardboard box and a roll of foil. Fold it up and store it away for that emergency.
http://solarcooking.wikia.com/wiki/Pasta_%26_Rice
Solar cooked rice is very easy and has a good nutty taste.
You need a rocket stove. I believe that CCC has a link for those.