For those who have or are ordering the soup mixes the stake is offering – These soups are not packaged for storing. Here is how to fix this so that you can store them for at least 10-15 years.
First Choice: For each bag of soup you want to put away in storage, you will need a 3 cup canning jar and a new lid or one that has been used before for dry pack foods (not heat processed), band/ring, an oxygen absorber pack for each jar, scissors, tape, permanent marker or label.
Start by opening your oxygen absorbers and removing just enough to place one in the bottom of each jar. Tighten the lid back on them for as little air exposure as possible. Place an absorber in the bottom of each jar. You may need to take a spoon or chopstick and poke the oxygen packet against the bottom of the jar.
After a few hours check to make sure the lids have sealed. *If you have special attachments for vacuum-pack sealing jars you can use that method instead of the oxygen absorber, but put the seasoning closer to the bottom if you do it that way.
The Next Best Way to Store the Soups
The Runner up! – Since not everyone has canning jars and lids, and finding them can be difficult right now, there is another option that is almost as good, and not as breakable. You can use a 24-25 oz clear plastic bottle like this one (Check the bottom for a little triangle with a 1 in it to make sure you have a PET 1 bottle.) After the beverage is gone, wash with same warm soapy water you would wash dishes in. Rinse well and let both bottle and lid air dry totally. Now all you have to do is follow the steps above. Using an oxygen absorber and making sure you tape on labels and date the lid.
Store in a dry, cool, dark place, and you should have these soups for a long time. I personally recommend that you use them and enjoy them before 10 years are up. Then refill your containers with another delicious storage item. After all, the longer beans and other legumes sit the harder they get and the longer you need to cook them.