QUARANTINE CHECK LIST
With the threat of coronavirus and possible isolation / quarantine procedures hanging over us. As well as the threat of borders being closed and shops running out of certain foods then I thought now is a good time to check your cupboards / freezer to make sure you are prepared. Now I’m not talking about mass panic buying and emptying the supermarket shelves. But more precautionary and sensible planning.
The first thing I would advise is to do a cupboard and freezer inventory. Below I have listed the food items I would think you should have just in case. Print it off and take it into the kitchen and tick off what you have and what you may need to buy in.
ESSENTIALS
You will need enough bread and milk to last 14 days so I would suggest uht milk or powdered milk as the easiest solution or if you have space you could buy fresh milk and freeze it. When it comes to bread again you could buy fresh and freeze or you could buy part baked bread but the cheapest solution is to make your own. I have included enough here to make 14 loaves.
MILK POWDER OR LONG LIFE (UHT) MILK – 14 LITRES
STRONG BREAD FLOUR – 4 X 1.5KG
YEAST – 100G
VEGETABLE OIL – 3 LITRES
DRIED GOODS / STAPLES
PASTA
RICE
NOODLES
INSTANT MASH
LENTILS
CHICK PEAS
SALT
PEPPER
STOCKCUBES
PORRIDGE OATS
CEREALS
TEA
COFFEE
SUGAR
SQUASH
MEAT / FISH / VEGETABLES/ FRUIT
This will really depend upon how much freezer space you have. Buying frozen (or buying fresh and freezing yourself) will give you more variety but won’t be possible for everyone! Whether that is due to cost or storage space.
MEAT / FISH
FROZEN – CHICKEN, MINCE, BACON, SAUSAGES, PORK CHOPS, GAMMON JOINT, WHITE FISH, SALMON
TINNED – CORNBEEF, CHOPPED HAM, HOTDOGS, CHILLI, CURRY, CHILLI, TUNA, SARDINES, PILCHARDS, SALMON
VEGETABLES
FROZEN – CARROTS, PEAS, SWEETCORN, LEEKS, SPINACH, ONIONS, PEPPERS, CHIPS, MASH, ROAST POTATOES
TINNED – TOMATOES, BEANS, POTATOES, PEAS, CARROTS, SWEETCORN,
FRUIT
FROZEN – BERRIES, BANANAS, APPLE, MANGO, PINEAPPLE,
TINNED – PEACHES, PEARS, MANDARINS, PINEAPPLE
LONGER LIFE FRESH ITEMS
Things like eggs, cheese and butter can be frozen but should be ok in the fridge for 2 weeks so I would advise buying an extra pack (or two) of each but you will have to rotate them so that they don’t go out of date!
OTHER ITEMS
Don’t forget to also stock up on medication, baby milk, nappies, dog / cat / pet food as well as anti bac hand wash, loo rolls, toiletries and washing up liquid, cleaning supplies!