Experimenting with Shelf Stability: One Year Later
Have you ever started a project full of enthusiasm, only to find that somehow, despite all your best intentions, you missed your own deadline?
That’s what happened to me recently. Back in July of 2023, I carefully packaged a selection of the Microsnacks we make at On the Edge Enterprises, labeled the box, and placed it on the pantry shelf. My intention was to test our product one year later. But as July 2024 rolled around, life got in the way, and that box ended up making its rounds throughout the house—moving from the kitchen, to the living room, to the office, and back again. Every time I glanced at it, I thought, “I really need to try those.” It wasn’t until early October, the day before my first show of the season, that I finally sat down with my husband and said, “We have to try these tonight.”
Why the Wait?
One year shelf-stability was always my goal. Maybe it’s a Gen X thing, or a result of living on the Texas Gulf Coast, or perhaps it’s just a reflection of today’s unpredictable world—but being a bit of a prepper has become important to me. I often wonder: what do you do if you can’t access fresh food? How incredible would it be to have all the nutrition of our fresh microgreens, in snack form, on the shelf and readily available for my family in a state of emergency?
Planning for Longevity
I put a lot of thought into how to package these Microsnacks. First, I needed the right type of bag. After all, I was essentially making “fruit jerky” out of microgreens and other natural ingredients. I considered how meat jerky is packaged—typically in plastic bags to maintain freshness. But the thought of sealing my product in plastic didn’t sit well with me. I’ve always been dedicated to keeping my products aligned with our sustainable practices. So, I chose a wax-coated brown paper bag that could be heat-sealed, offering a balance of protection and eco-friendliness.
Additionally, I knew I needed to include a desiccant packet. Desiccants are small, moisture-absorbing pouches commonly used to prevent spoilage and maintain texture by keeping the interior environment dry. Including one with each of my Microsnack bags would help guard against moisture that could lead to spoilage.
The Big Taste Test
When I finally pulled the box off the shelf and sat it down on the coffee table in front of my husband, I didn’t know what to expect. As he opened the first package—Broccoli Apple Walnut, his favorite—my heart skipped a beat.
“Yep,” he said, giving his approval as he chewed, savoring the familiar flavors.
One by one, we opened each package and tasted them. To my delight, each snack was as flavorful and satisfying as the day they were packaged. Fifteen months after I had set out on this quest for shelf-stable, nutrient-dense emergency rations, I had my answer: our Microsnacks had stood the test of time.
Lessons Learned
Of course, there were some minor signs of aging in a few varieties. The initial flavors of the Apple Walnut and Pea & Onion had mellowed slightly, which was expected. I had also realized early on that the Sunflower Carrot Ginger variety, with its honey binder, tended to break down after about three months. So I had removed it from the standard lineup, offering it only as a special order for customers who didn’t mind the shorter shelf life.
But overall, our Microsnacks performed exceptionally well, maintaining their quality, flavor, and texture beyond what I had hoped for.
The Takeaway
This experiment reinforced my belief in the value of preparation and persistence. Not only did we create a shelf-stable product that retains the nutritional benefits of fresh microgreens, but we also achieved this while staying true to our commitment to sustainability.
So, whether you’re a fellow prepper, a health-conscious consumer, or simply someone who likes to keep a few healthy snacks on hand, it’s reassuring to know that a little bit of planning goes a long way. Because you never know when life will throw you a curveball—and when it does, it’s nice to have something nourishing and familiar to reach for.
Keep growing!
Andrea Crossman