World collapse, zombie apocalypse or simply the end of Earth. They have prepared us a lot for this, especially, not long ago they urged us to have a “survival kit” at home, remember? However, they haven’t told us exactly what to store (a portable battery, a Starlink antenna, a long-range flashlight, cans of tuna…). They’ve told us that the most valuable thing would be to have a flashlight, no!! The most valuable thing would be to have food, and if food runs out… how do we survive?
In such a critical situation where people would probably end up losing their minds… Adapt Research has conducted a study that says six crops could be the key to our survival in a world plunged into chaos. They ensure essential nutrients and can also adapt to the worst climatic conditions we can imagine (although we’re not sure if they would survive a zombie attack or an alien war). Want to know which crops we’re talking about?
Plants to withstand extreme cold
According to Adapt Research, four plants can withstand low temperatures without compromising their nutrients: spinach, sugar beet, wheat and carrots, perfect for any challenge. The best thing is that these crops have the amazing ability to grow in extreme cold conditions and still offer essential nutritional value, without losing a single drop of vitamins! (as your grandmother would say with orange juice)
So, in a scenario of nuclear winter, suburban areas would have to prioritize wheat and carrots, basic for obtaining energy and vitamins, while rural areas would be perfect for sugar beet and spinach, more resistant to ice and with fast growth.
The stars in hot climates
When climate change raises temperatures, the plants you choose can determine the difference between life and death. In that context, science indicates that potatoes and beans are the ideal crops.
Potatoes are versatile (did you know you can make more than 100 recipes with potatoes?) and the best part is that they are very easy to store and last a long time. As for beans, according to researcher Matt Boyd, they have the advantage of being rich in protein and adapting well to urban environments, besides being delicious! (Although we don’t like the gas part that much…) “If you want to feed someone, growing beans reduces the amount of land you need to feed them”, says Boyd. In other words, if you live in a hot city, beans are your best option!
Beyond climate: water and soil
Although this list of crops doesn’t sound bad at all, not everything depends on the type of plant. Scientists warn that there are other factors that could affect the success of these crops, such as water and soil quality (which is logical in any farming).
So, if the water is contaminated or the soil depleted, it may not produce the desired fruits, affecting not just the quantity, but also the quality of the food. So, besides choosing the right plants, the key lies in taking care of these basic resources!
The importance of diversity
Have you stopped to think that diversity will be crucial in this apocalyptic future? Pests, diseases, or bad weather can ruin the entire harvest and put us in a bind, so it’s important to maintain a balance in the crops we plant, on one hand growing plants resistant to cold, and on the other, those resistant to heat, so that you always have something to put in your mouth!
And the salvation kit?
Since we’re talking about making a lifesaving kit, we’re going to leave you some tips in case you also want to have it ready. Remember that one of the most important things will always be portable filters and water purification tablets, non-perishable foods, thermal blankets, flashlights, a multipurpose knife and matches to make fire. Missing anything?