I’ll admit it. We are weird. And our pantry is weird. We don’t have a lot of things that most people consider essential (like a microwave) and we have things that most people can’t imagine a use for (like five gallons of coconut oil). So here’s a list of things we try to keep on hand in our pantry.

BULK ITEMS IN THE BASEMENT

Coconut Oil – We use a lot so we buy it in bulk. We are on our second five gallon bucket and it looks like this one will last about 16 months. We use it for diaper cream, facial moisturizer, and of course cooking.

Charlie’s Soap – We buy this in bulk too. One container lasts us about 18 months. I love that I don’t have to carry heavy containers of laundry detergent home from the store, not to mention the plastic containers I don’t have to waste. I think Charlie’s Soap was my gateway drug to the crunchy and homesteader lifestyle. When we began cloth diapering, I found out that my regular laundry detergent (as well as my fabric softener and dryer sheets) were incompatible with the new diapers. The informational packet that came with the diapers explained that these products leave residue on the diapers (and any other laundry) that can stink when it comes into contact with pee. Anyway, it was the first step in leaving the mainstream for us . . .

Regular (Refined) White Sugar – I know, real foodies aren’t supposed to use white sugar, and they certainly shouldn’t be using so much of it that they buy it in bulk. I use it exclusively for making kombucha (you can’t use honey or maple syrup or any alternative sweeteners to brew kombucha). and I try not to make eye contact when purchasing it at the grocery store.

Vodka – It’s actually vanilla extract (in the making). After slicing lengthwise, I put the vanilla beans straight into the glass jars the vodka came in. It smells like vanilla already, but it is supposed to go for at least six month or so before it’s ready. I am actually planning to buy a few more bottles of vodka because I want to make some herbal tinctures!

IN THE ACTUAL PANTRY

Bragg’s (raw) Apple Cider Vinegar - I use this for so many things! I mix it with olive oil and a spice blend (21 Seasoning Salute from Trader Joe’s) for quick and delicious salad dressing (you can add mustard for a nice twist). I like to keep a few gallons on hand just so that I never run out.

local honey - I buy the Really Raw brand. Hopefully, I’ll have my own honey soon!

maple syrup - We buy this on our annual drive to Vermont with Kent’s parents in the Autumn. Last year, we bought two gallons! Yum!

unpasteurized soy sauce - can be used as a starter for ferments

compost – I use a 5-gallon compost bucket. I laugh at those wimpy counter-top compost bins! I used to use one but it would get full just from making breakfast. When you eat real food, you have a lot of scraps for compost (or to feed to the chickens, or to put in the freezer for chicken stock . . . )

IN THE FRIDGE

raw milk – we buy between three and six gallons each week and we use extra for yogurt and kefir. I know that most people think that raw milk is “dangerous” but really pasteurized milk is much more dangerous (and has killed more people in the last 30 years, while there have been NO deaths from raw milk in the last 30 years) and I will not allow my kids to drink pasteurized milk, ever.

raw cream (we buy one quart a week) – we use this to make ice cream in the summer and custard in the winter. Both are not overly sweet and sooooooo good.

Spring (raw) Butter – expensive ($15/lb) but worth every penny. It’s really important to have this when you are taking fermented cod liver oil because the Vitamin K2 in the cream/butter is an essential “activator” for the Vitamin A and Vitamin D in the cod liver oil. It’s all about the synergy, people =)

homemade yogurt

homemade kefir

Chicken or Beef Broth

homemade ferments – like sauerkraut, kimchi, etc. I still use the airlock method (described here), but I got a German fermenting crock (like this) for Christmas and I love it so much. I really want about 10 more! In fact I want to have a root cellar just like this to put them in:

fermented cod liver oil – We keep about three bottles on hand at all times, just so we never worry about running out. Once we get a root cellar, then I will really stock up, but for now it has to go in the fridge where space is at a premium.

IN THE FREEZER

Bones, cheese rinds,  and ends of veggies  – to be used in the next batch of stock. I love to add lots of chicken feet for the collagen they add to the stock. It is supposed to be even more effective than a glucosamine and chondroitin supplement. I even add egg shells for the added calcium.

OUT ON THE COUNTER

Two gallons of kombucha

Kefir

Probiotic deodorant – OK this is something I am so proud of. It really works!!! Even if I don’t shower right away the next morning I don’t stink! I don’t store it in the kitchen, but I made it in the kitchen. (info and recipe here)

ON DECK (projects I really want to start ASAP)

magnesium spray (more info here)

learn more about herbs for nutrition, for example nettle tea (info here)

fish stock (here)

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Here’s what you won’t find in our pantry here.

See pics of our kitchen and pantry here.