In the world of modern meal preparation, freeze-dried food has emerged as a convenient and versatile option. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, looking for a long term food storage option, or simply looking to enhance your pantry with long-lasting ingredients, cooking with freeze-dried food offers a unique set of advantages.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the basics of freeze-dried food and share creative tips to help you master the art of cooking with these lightweight and shelf-stable ingredients.
Freeze drying is a great emergency preparedness tactic to preserve food. If you are looking to freeze dry your own foods you will need a freeze drier. Although expensive, these machines can turn leftovers into freeze dried meals that can last up to 25 year if stored properly.
If you don’t want to invest in a freeze dryer you can buy freeze dried foods and meals from various companies. Here are some of my favorites.
Freeze Dried Food Brands:
Augason Farms:
If packaging your own food for long term storage stresses you out and you want to ensure that your food will last for 25 years try out freeze dried foods like Augason Farms.
I love buying their containers of individual fruits, vegetables and even bread mixes. Their breakfasts, dinners and lunch meal containers are great too. Another great option is their powdered peanut butter or honey. All last for 25 years.
These meals are easy make and all you have to do is add hot water.
You can use the code MOREMOMMA at checkout to get $10 off your order.
Mountain House:
Great for camping or long term food storage meals that require no thinking! I love this container that classic meals like beef stew and spaghetti and meat sauce.
Ready Wise:
Another great brand that has meal kits available. They offer a wide array of meals ranging from breakfast items to dinners. They also have bulk items like this 3 month supply with 894 servings.
Understanding Freeze-Dried Food:
Freeze-drying is a preservation process that removes moisture from food, resulting in a lightweight, shelf-stable product with a prolonged shelf life.
Freeze-dried foods retain much of their original color, flavor, and nutritional value, making them an excellent choice for a variety of culinary applications.
Rehydrating Freeze-Dried Ingredients:
- Water is Key: The primary step in working with freeze-dried food is rehydration. Most freeze-dried ingredients, such as fruits, vegetables, and proteins, require the addition of water to restore their original texture and flavor.
- Hot or Cold Water: Depending on the recipe and the specific ingredient, you can use either hot or cold water for rehydration. Hot water tends to expedite the process, but cold water works well for certain items, especially fruits.
- Consider Flavor Infusions: Enhance the rehydration process by infusing water with complementary flavors. For example, use fruit juice instead of plain water when rehydrating fruits or add herbs and spices to the water for savory dishes.
Incorporating Freeze-Dried Food into Recipes:
There are many ways to incorporate freeze dried foods into recipes. If you want specific recipes that uses freeze dried foods check out this post. Here are some other ways to incorporate freeze dried foods.
- Soups and Stews: Freeze-dried vegetables, meats, and legumes are excellent additions to soups and stews. Simply toss them into the pot, and they’ll rehydrate while cooking, infusing your dish with rich flavors.
- Casseroles and Baked Dishes: Include freeze-dried ingredients in casseroles and baked dishes for added convenience. They absorb moisture during baking, contributing to the overall texture and taste of the dish.
- Smoothies and Breakfast Bowls: Freeze-dried fruits are perfect for smoothies and breakfast bowls. Blend them with yogurt, milk, or a liquid of your choice for a quick and nutritious start to your day.
- Trail Mix and Snack Mixes: Create your custom trail mix by combining freeze-dried fruits, nuts, and other snacks. This is a convenient and energy-packed option for on-the-go snacking.
Storage and Shelf Life:
- Optimal Conditions: Store freeze-dried food in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Proper storage helps maintain the quality of the ingredients and extends their shelf life. Most can be stored for up to 25 years.
- Re-Sealable Containers: Once you open a package of freeze-dried food, transfer the remaining contents to a re-sealable container to prevent exposure to moisture.
- Rotate Stock: Regularly rotate your freeze-dried food stock to ensure that you use items before their recommended expiration dates.
Cooking with freeze-dried food is a culinary adventure that opens up a world of possibilities. From quick and nutritious meals to enhancing the flavor and texture of your favorite recipes, these versatile ingredients can become a staple in your kitchen.
Whether you’re preparing for outdoor adventures or seeking to look at long term foods storage ideas, mastering the art of cooking with freeze-dried food allows you to embrace convenience without compromising on taste and nutrition.
