Having a healthy pantry is always a good idea, but especially important right now during these uncertain times. Knowing you have a stocked pantry, fridge and freezer will give you the freedom to prepare nutrient dense foods to support your immune system while you hunker down.
As much as we love our fresh vegetables, now is probably not the best time to buy fresh spinach for instance, as it will probably go bad before we get a chance to use it. The best foods to buy right now (if you can find them) are going to be frozen vegetables and fruits. However there are a few fresh produce items to purchase and these are ones that have a sturdy peel that helps protect them, such as:
. Garlic
. Onions
. Winter squash
. Lemons, limes and oranges
. Sweet potatoes
. Carrots
. Apples (sliced with almond or cashew butter makes a delicious snack)
. Pears
Other great staples are:
. F๐ก๐ค๐ช๐ง๐จ: almondย flour,tapioca/arrowroot, coconut in hand. These are staples in a lot of our baking.
. N๐ช๐ฉ๐ง๐๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ๐๐ก ๐ฎ๐๐๐จ๐ฉ and other spices: garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, cumin, chili. They last forever and add so much flavour.
. C๐๐ฃ๐ฃ๐๐ ๐๐ค๐ค๐๐จ: diced tomatoes, olives, tuna/salmon/sardines, artichoke hearts, almond/cashew butter, strained tomatoes etc.
. N๐ช๐ฉ๐จ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐จ๐๐๐๐จ as well as dried fruit: We always have almonds, cashews, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, dried raisins (Delicious added to salads). These are best stored in the fridge or freezer to maintain freshness.
. O๐๐ก ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ง : cold pressed olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, sesame oil (for Asian inspired dishes), as well as apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, and balsamic.
. M๐๐ก๐ : we like to keep cans of coconut milk in the fridge as well as almond and cashew milk.
. F๐ง๐ค๐ฏ๐๐ฃ ๐๐ง๐ช๐๐ฉ: this can often be healthier and more nutrient dense than the premature picking and artificial ripening found in most grocery stores. In a morning smoothie made of frozen fruit, vegetables (like cauliflower) will be over powered by the fruit so you wonโt taste the cauliflower, but it will give you some awesome benefits. In addition, collagen (optional, but a great way to get some quality amino acids) is the perfect way to start your day and boost your immune system.
. E๐๐๐จ: free-range if possible. A definite staple for us.
. S๐๐ช๐๐๐จ: coconut aminos (soy sauce substitute), hot sauce, mustard, red Thai curry paste.
. P๐ง๐ค๐ฉ๐๐๐ฃ: chicken, minced turkey, salmon, beef, shrimp.
Having these pantry staples will make you feel calm, in control and prepared. Always do a check to make sure youโre well stocked. Stay safe!
