Freeze dried food is generally one of the most popular “go to” foods in the average prepper’s long term food storage plans. It has many of the benefits we look for: easy preparation, compact, portable, long-lasting and nutritious.
As avid hikers and campers, we like it because it’s not only lightweight and compact, but it can be ready to eat in just a few minutes. Add some hot or cold water and you’re ready to go.
As a staple in our long-term food pantry, it stores in #10 cans or buckets that take up relatively little shelf space.
Feels good knowing we have a food supply that can last up to 25 years or more when stored in a cool, dry environment. Hands down, we believe, freeze dried foods are a prepper’s best friend.
But not everyone agrees.
Myths That (Amazingly) Some People Actually Believe:
Over the years, a number of myths about freeze dried (FD) foods have cropped up in various articles and online blogs.
Fortunately, there’s more fiction than fact in these myths—which is why they’re myths. Let’s have a closer look at 5 of the more common ones.
Myth #1: FD foods upset the digestive system.
Where this myth originated, no one seems to know. We wouldn’t be surprised if someone somewhere actually did experience a problem digesting a FD food item. That can happen with any food.
But that incident likely had more to do with how the food was processed than anything else.
The truth is, there’s nothing in FD foods that make them universally indigestible due to either their ingredients or the FD process itself (done safely and properly).
If you purchase a can of FD fruits or vegetables, that’s what you get. No additives and no preservatives. You can’t say the same for canned or packaged foods.
Myth #2: FD food is expensive.
These days, just about any food is expensive. Part of this myth about FD food being expensive may come from the fact that it is usually purchased in bulk. That would make it cost more.
But pound for pound vs other foods, FD food is a better bargain than foods sold in smaller packages.
How is that? Less waste.
Compare FD food to the fruits and veggies you just bought at the local grocery store. How much of that produce will go to waste? How many canned foods in your pantry will sit on the shelf long past their expiration dates?
Rarely if ever will you have to throw out FD food.
Assuming FD food is properly stored in a cool, dark and dry place where air, light and moisture cannot get at it, it can remain fresh and nutritious until you open the bag,. So compared to the food you throw away, FD food is a great value.
Myth #3: Freeze Dried food generally tastes bad and has little nutritional value.
One of the great benefits of FD food is that it tastes as delicious over time as the day it was first packaged. So that part of the myth is simply bonkers. It’s just not true.
As to nutrition, the freeze drying process retains nutritional value far better than other processes such as canning. Freezing the food prevents micro-organisms from growing and removes nearly all moisture.
This helps preserve the food’s nutrition until the day eventually you open the package and eat the contents. It’s still tasty, still nutritious.
Myth #4: Freeze dried meats in particular don’t break down well in the body.
This goes back to Myth #1, but seems to focus more on FD meat than other foods.
The truth is, freeze drying meat does not create a digestive problem at all. In our experience, some have had problems because they prepare the meat incorrectly.
If you boil it or hydrate it in hot water, you risk overcooking it and that could lead to digestive problems. It changes the texture and makes the meat taste rubbery.
To avoid this, use cold or room temperature liquid. Then let it sit for around 15 minutes before adding it to a dish. Add seasonings as necessary.
Myth #5: Freeze dried camping food needs to be refrigerated.
Not true at all. Freezing is required only in the dehydration process.
By removing the water and tightly sealing the food to permit rehydration, FD foods no longer have to be frozen. They can be stored in a cool, dry location without refrigeration of any type.
So if you’re a camper, you can toss some packages into your backpack, hike along sunny paths and still find the FD food in perfect condition when you get the campfire going later that day.
And by the way, with the water removed, your FD food will weigh as much as 70 to 90% less. No wonder it’s such a popular food choice for campers and preppers everywhere.
Freeze Dried Foods:
Forget the myths. Enjoy the food.
With freeze dried foods, the bottom line is that they are a remarkable useful and beneficial food option for anyone looking for both short or long term needs.
After the freezing/drying process is completed, you get a product that retains all the color, taste, nutrition and benefits of the pre-processed item, yet with an amazing shelf life.
The truth is, for preppers like you and us, FD foods are a no-brainer.