Freeze Dried Food: The Ultimate Emergency Food Solution for Long-Term Storage

In times of emergency, whether it's a natural disaster or a global pandemic, or now significantly increased load shedding cycles, having access to nutritious and long-lasting food is crucial. Freeze dried food has become a popular choice for such emergencies, as it offers a number of benefits over other types of food.

Freeze drying is a process that involves removing the water content from food by freezing it and then subjecting it to a vacuum. This results in a dry, lightweight, and shelf-stable product that can be stored for years without spoiling. Here are some of the benefits of freeze-dried food for emergency preparedness:

1. Long shelf life

One of the main benefits of freeze-dried food is its long shelf life. Since the water content has been removed, the food is less prone to spoilage and can be stored for years without refrigeration (stocking up one's deep freeze at the moment is really nerve-wracking with these high stages of loadshedding). Kept under the right storage conditions, Freeze dried food is known to last for 25 years. 

2. Lightweight and portable

Another benefit of freeze dried food is it is lightweight and portable. Since the water content has been removed, the food is much lighter than its fresh or canned counterparts. This makes it easier to transport and store, especially in emergency situations where you may need to evacuate quickly.

3. Nutritious

Freeze dried food is also a nutritious option as freeze-dried foods retain some 98% of their nutritional value, thereby preserving the vitamins and minerals in the food. This means that you can still get the nutrients you need even when fresh food is not available.

4. Convenient

Freeze dried food is also very convenient to prepare. Freeze dried meals only require adding hot water to rehydrate and are ready to eat in minutes. RAW INGREDIENTS? This is ideal in emergency situations where you may not have access to cooking facilities or may need to conserve fuel.

5. Cost-effective

Finally, while the upfront cost may be higher than buying fresh or canned food, the long shelf life means that you can buy in bulk and save money in the long run and won't waste money stocking up your deep-freeze only to have the food spoil due to power outages!

How is Freeze Dried Food Made 

So, how is freeze-dried food made? The process involves freezing the food and then placing it in a vacuum chamber, where the ice is evaporated without melting. This results in a lightweight, shelf-stable food that can be stored for years without spoiling. The process is complex and requires specialised equipment, but the end result is a high-quality food that can be quickly prepared when needed.

 

How to Store Freeze Dried Food 

When storing freeze-dried food, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. It is important to keep the food in a cool, dry place that is free from direct sunlight and moisture. Additionally, storing the food in airtight containers or packaging can help prevent exposure to air, which can shorten its shelf life. Rotating your emergency food supply regularly is also important to ensure that you are consuming the oldest items first and replacing them with fresh supplies.

Freeze dried food is not only a good option for emergencies, but also for outdoor enthusiasts such as hikers, campers, and backpackers. It's lightweight and portable nature makes it an excellent choice for those who need to carry their food with them over long distances.

It is also worth noting the sustainability benefits of freeze dried food. The process of freeze drying requires less energy than canning or dehydrating, and it also results in less waste since the food is preserved in its entirety. This makes freeze dried food a great option for those who are conscious of their environmental impact.

In summary, freeze-dried food is an excellent choice for if you want to be prepared for potential emergencies due to its long shelf life, portability, and ease of preparation. It is also a sustainable and environmentally-friendly option that can be used not just for emergencies, but also for outdoor activities. When considering your emergency food options, be sure to take the pros and cons of each type into account and choose the one that best suits your needs and situation.