Wheat: Get it! Store it!

Kelly Beeson azbeeson@hotmail.com

The most important thing you can do with wheat is to get some! We have been counseled to first get a three month supply of non-perishable foods we would normally eat, and then begin to build our long term storage.

“For longer-term needs, and where permitted, gradually
build a supply of food that will last a long time
and that you can use to stay alive, such as wheat,
white rice, and beans.

These items can last 30 years or more when properly
packaged and stored in a cool, dry place. A portion of
these items may be rotated in your three-month supply.”
From “All is Safely Gathered in”

“A portion of these items may be rotated in your three-month supply.” This does not say we need to change our diet significantly. It doesn’t say wait to buy any wheat until you commit to making bread every week and you have a grinder! It says to store the foods. We should be rotating our 3 month supply regularly, but using our long term storage is optional! Rotating it is a smart option. But if your paralyzing fear of wheat and grinders and bread-making is keeping you from storing wheat and other grains, remember, store first, ask questions later! Most of these foods last a long time (30 years in climates cooler than ours. Make sure it is in the house, the cooler and darker the better), so you have a long time to figure out something to do with it all.

To rotate: For example, my family of 6 stores 1000 pounds (total cost about $300.00) of wheat. To rotate it over 25 years, I need to use 40 pounds (6 cans, or one box) per year. Then I buy 40 pounds (6 cans or one box) to replace it. Cost: $12.00 per year. Or, if you didn’t use it, give away 1 box, and buy a new one.

Wheat to store:
Hard Red: Use for yeast breads. Nutty flavor

Hard White: Use for yeast breads. Higher in protein. Makes “lighter” flavor bread

Soft wheat: Use for quick breads, cakes, pastries, ers, cereals. Lower in gluten, notsuitable for yeast breads. Shorter shelf life.

Durum: Use for pastas.

To begin storing wheat, buy Hard Red or White. Most people store White. Add Soft wheat to your storage only if you plan to use and rotate your wheat. The cannery only sells Hard Red and Hard White.

Some Local Wheat Resources
Mesa Cannery: Order at church on Sunday in the books labeled “Food Storage and preparedness” and give your money to a member of the bishopric. I can it at the cannery and bring it to you. All for the bargain price of $2.00 per can! (You can also come and help. I need two volunteers every month). The cannery no longer allows us to bring in our own items to can, but you can buy product there and can it yourself if you reserve a time.

Foodsource International: (480) 829-0886 2625 S Roosevelt St., Tempe, AZ
http://www.fsiaz.com/. I bought my Montana hard white here, and put it in buckets.

Purato’s Bakery Supply 480.829.0167 You need to call the day before and make your order. 2635 S. Roosevelt, Tempe, AZ. About Mill Ave. and Southern. I got my soft wheat here.

Shar’s Bosch Kitchen: 480.558.1191. Shar’s will sell in bulk or also in smaller quantities. Her prices aren’t the best, but this is a great place to visit if you want to start using your wheat. It is probably excellent quality as well. She has grain mills, mixers, and classes on how to use them. I buy small bags of 14 grain mix to add to my wheat bread. 1130 N. Gilbert Road, Ste. 2, Gilbert, AZ. Gilbert between Baseline and Guadalupe.

Sprouts Market: Ask about bulk prices. Various locations. The closest is on Higley and Southern.

Grovers: 480.827.8011. They sell bulk bags, or 50 pound nitrogen packed buckets for around $25.00. 130 W. Hampton, Mesa. East of Country Club, north of the 60 freeway, behind Golfland.

If you want to buy your wheat (or other products) in bulk (from the cannery or other places, like Costco or Sam’s Club) and can it yourself, you can use the stake canner. Call me (Kelly Beeson) for information or Leigh-Anne Aller (Stake Canning Specialist) to reserve the canner.

There are also places online to buy wheat, but it would probably cost a lot to ship it!