So, we like 'em

[Omega Sigma]

Now you've done it, BMERTA.

You've used your brain and ferreted out the truth.

Pray that others will follow.

That's enough for now.

[FrogTacos]

My .2 cents worth on ramen noodles: When compared to another pasta, like spaghetti it just doesn't measure up. It takes just over 5 packs of ramen to equal a pound of noodles. If storage space is any sort of issue for you, you already know you can store a pound of spaghetti in a hell of alot less space than you can 5+ packs of ramen. Without that little spice packet, the ramen noodles just dont taste very good (to me) where I would consider spaghetti noodles to be much more versatile. With that little spice packet, 1 package or ramen (being 2 'servings') contains 1580 mg of sodium. Ya, that is a hell of alot of sodium. 66% if you are even remotely following the 2000 calorie diet. If anyone in your home (anyone that will be eating from your stock when SHTF) has any of a large variety of medical conditions, that few cents you saved on ramen vs another pasta could hasten their trip to go see God. Anyway, that was just my .2 cents worth.

[hubste5]

My .2 cents worth on ramen noodles: When compared to another pasta, like spaghetti it just doesn't measure up. It takes just over 5 packs of ramen to equal a pound of noodles. If storage space is any sort of issue for you, you already know you can store a pound of spaghetti in a hell of alot less space than you can 5+ packs of ramen. Without that little spice packet, the ramen noodles just dont taste very good (to me) where I would consider spaghetti noodles to be much more versatile. With that little spice packet, 1 package or ramen (being 2 'servings') contains 1580 mg of sodium. Ya, that is a hell of alot of sodium. 66% if you are even remotely following the 2000 calorie diet. If anyone in your home (anyone that will be eating from your stock when SHTF) has any of a large variety of medical conditions, that few cents you saved on ramen vs another pasta could hasten their trip to go see God. Anyway, that was just my .2 cents worth.

That's a great point... think I'll start cutting the packet down by half, lot of MSG in there too... But the positives are still there -- they are cheap, already sealed, ready to store. The packet could be tossed altogether, or used to season a bigger meal, such as stew, where the sodium/MSG would be distributed to healthier levels. I assume when storing bulk pasta, you are using foodsaver for long term? more expense there...

I'm one of those guys that empties the salt shaker on everything I eat... gotta stop doing that... not a young pup anymore.

[cprdummy]

I am stocking Ramen myself. I think the product would work quite well as a source of nutrition if other food sources are in limited supply. I have eaten Ramen that was in the pantry for three plus years and it tasted fine. I am not relying on Ramen to be our only source of food, but I like it because it has good flavor, it is light weight, it has a fairly long shel-life...not sure it's as long as a cock roach...and it's versatile. I like canned tuna and chicken in my Ramen...I like to hydrate it a little...less than boiling, and sauteeing it with SPAM and a little barbeque sauce. The variations are limited by your imagination only. Would I buy a pallet? Probably not, but I have several cases on hand. Just my opinion...Bubba

[Lostinoz]

I am stocking Ramen myself. I like canned tuna and chicken in my Ramen...I like to hydrate it a little...less than boiling, and sauteeing it with SPAM and a little barbeque sauce. The variations are limited by your imagination only. Would I buy a pallet? Probably not, but I have several cases on hand. Just my opinion...Bubba

That is what I was going to say as well.. Many ingredients can be added to Ramen such as a couple of tsp of dehydrated mixed vegetables, drain and add a can of cream of chicken soup, etc.. I would love to see a contest here on the best Ramen recipe!! :)

[Oscar Wilde]

I like canned tuna and chicken in my Ramen......Bubba

Tuna .... in Ramen? :eek:

O.W.

[nakadnu]

I had some ramens that I had bought about 6 months ago. When I dumped in the water they had bugs in them. No way to know how old they were when I got them. Yeah sure if you get hungry enough who cares about bugs in your noodles. Just don't count on them being infallable.

[cbprice797]

It wasnt just Ramen that gets bugs as you know. There are several types of pests that like pasta and they are always there. They will show up if you do not use the pasta within a few months. Just boil them in the water with the noodles for a little extra protien.

[maric]

We always have tons of ramen on hand! We add spam, or tuna.. if we have left over meats, such as pork tenderloin, or chicken, we dice it, add seasoning, and veggie! For a few cents, it sure does beat spending 5bucks! Sure, its not something you would want to completely live off of, BUT when the SHTF, Id much rather eat some ramen, with a little squirrel meat, or rabbit, than nothin! :)
Also, you can use the little seasoning packet for a substitue for chicken broth cubes..Ive used it in homemade chicken and noodles, and it works great!

[maric]

Oh, also, we dont use as much water.. to cook sure, minimal, we drain the water and eat it more like noodle, not soup.

[Dawg Fan]

I stock up on ramen noodles also. I have a couple of cases on hand and will add more. In MY OPINION they're a lot better than an empty stomach. No they're not going to be my main staple or food source. I use them with other ingredients to make a more well rounded meal. Occassionally I will eat one just for a snack. I like to boil mine and drain the water then add part of the spice pack.

I was told a while ago that along with anything you're storing to eat make sure you prep with ALL ingredients neccessary which includes WATER. Don't store them if you don't have water to cook them with. Just my 2 cents.

[hford]

For what it's worth, we stock ramen as well. Not really for nutrition, but because it's good, in an odd, sodium-filled way. Takes me right back to childhood, lol. We add in all kinds of stuff. It's good to have some variety! Think of it like a piece of cake. Not really nutritious (unless you're Bill Cosby) but good. :)

[Snow Walker]

I agree with everything you said avking. It usually does hold true that you get what you pay for. I've lived long enough to know and experience that. It doesn't mean everything you buy/need should fall into that category though. That is where common sense 101 comes into play.

I love Ramen, but the nutritional value is very low and the sodium high, but then again the sodium is high in just about all freeze dried camping meals.

I have a package of Ramen in front of me right now with an expiration date of 10-31-2010, so yes there is an expiration date.

[Echo2]

poor boy fixing dinner for broke friends....

4 packs noodles....cook drain...

2 cans of cream of chicken soup....

1 can chicken....

mix together....put in 9x13 pan....

make one box chicken stuffing....

spoon over the top evenly....

broil until crunchy on top.....

feeds 4...or 2 if your really hungry...salt & pepper to taste....

even today under 5 bucks if you shop smart.

BTW....if you want to jazz it up....2 redpepper packs from pizza hut....or an onion.

[maric]

I agree with everything you said avking. It usually does hold true that you get what you pay for. I've lived long enough to know and experience that. It doesn't mean everything you buy/need should fall into that category though. That is where common sense 101 comes into play.

I love Ramen, but the nutritional value is very low and the sodium high, but then again the sodium is high in just about all freeze dried camping meals.

I have a package of Ramen in front of me right now with an expiration date of 10-31-2010, so yes there is an expiration date.

Ok, Ill be honest with you, Id eat that crap.. its not THAT expired, its noodles, you boil for goodness sakes! :)
Also, Im not a nutritionalist, but I do know their extremely high in sodium, but 5 grams protein and 26 carbs isnt too shabby.. Ive never mentioned before, but I am border line diabetic. Had gestational diabetes 4 times, mom has it, her dad and her brother dies from it, SO< I knwo I have to be very careful what I eat (easier said than done) But in a low blood sugar situation, it raises my blood sugar high enough, but does not crash hard, like somethings will do..So I keep plenty on hand, and I actually like them!
Its funny, hford, I grew up on them as well, not by choice.. Im surprised I can still eat them... maybe its my comfort food?? Gotta spice them up, thats the key!!