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It’s hard to imagine a life without refrigerators and convenience stores. When hunger strikes on the go, most of us simply swing by a drive-thru or stop at a store. But what if those modern conveniences disappeared? Consider how our ancestors managed during times of travel or war.
Back then, they depended on hardy, portable foods—essentials for exploring the Wild West or heading into battle. These time-tested recipes are worth learning, especially if you ever face a survival scenario. Knowing how to prepare these foods and keeping the necessary ingredients stocked could make all the difference.
Hardtack
This is a simple, long-lasting cracker made from flour, water, and salt. It’s dry and tough but extremely shelf-stable and can last for years if kept dry. It is truly very hard and can be difficult to chew. Soaking it in stew or soup was one of the ways soldiers managed to get it down.
Johnny Cakes
Made from cornmeal, water, and salt, these are similar to pancakes and can be cooked on a skillet or griddle. They are easy to make with basic ingredients. You can add a little sugar or fruit if you have it.
Dried Beans and Peas
Beans and peas were a staple food because they’re easy to store and provide a good source of protein. They can be soaked and cooked in stews or soups. They are also lightweight. A little goes a long way.
Dried Fruits
Drying fruit was a common way to preserve it without refrigeration. Dried fruits can be rehydrated and used in cooking or eaten as is for a quick snack.
Cornbread
Cornmeal was widely available, and cornbread could be made easily with simple ingredients like water or milk. Grinding up dried corn will get you cornmeal.
Homemade Jerky
Dried meat was a key source of protein. Beef, venison, or other game meats were sliced thin, salted, and air-dried or smoked. Drying meat is a skill you want to learn now.
Civil War Coffee Substitute
Real coffee was scarce, so soldiers used roasted chicory root or grains like barley and rye as coffee substitutes. These can be stored long-term and brewed for a caffeine-free drink. It’s not quite the same, but it will work in a pinch.
Sorghum Syrup
Sorghum was used as a sweetener and could be stored without refrigeration. It’s a great alternative to sugar, which may be hard to find in a long-term emergency. Sorghum is a grain that used to be pretty popular in the south. You might see it growing in the wild.
Vinegar Pie
It doesn’t sound great, but it is not as bad as it sounds. It’s a simple pie made with vinegar, water, sugar (or honey), and a thickener like flour. The vinegar mimics the tartness of fruit, making it a dessert of sorts when fresh produce isn’t available.
Desiccated Vegetables
Dried, shredded vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions were compact and easy to transport. These could be rehydrated and added to soups or stews for extra nutrition. In a pinch, you could eat them dry.
Ash Cakes
A simple flatbread made from cornmeal and cooked directly on hot ashes or stones. It’s quick to prepare and doesn’t require anything more than water and cornmeal.
Pemmican
A mix of dried meat, fat, and sometimes dried berries. It’s highly caloric, shelf-stable, and can be stored for years, making it perfect for long-term survival. It was their version of a granola bar.
Molasses Bread
Made with molasses as a sweetener, this bread is dense and filling. Molasses has a long shelf life and should be stored now.
Pickled Vegetables
Pickling was a common way to preserve vegetables like cucumbers, onions, and beets. Even eggs could be pickled for a bit of protein. The acidity of vinegar helps to keep the food safe to eat for extended periods.
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19 Depression Era Recipes That Were Simple, Affordable and Surprisingly Good
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From the humble mayonnaise sandwich to the inventive mock apple pie, these Depression-era recipes are a reminder of how, even in the hardest times, resourceful cooks found ways to make mealtimes special with just a few basic ingredients.
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