Every once in a while I’ll notice someone saying or writing something negative about freeze-dried food.
Such as, it’s too expensive. Or that the freeze-drying process depletes the food’s nutritional value. Or simply that it doesn’t taste very good.
My first reaction is, none of that is true. My second thought is, I wonder what their preparedness alternative is.
Do they think they’ll be able to open and enjoy a can of soup in 20 years? In reality, that soup will probably go bad five years from now, tops.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. But if inaccurate myths about freeze-dried food get spread around, some folks might not stockpile it. And that could be hazardous to the health of them and their families someday.
Water removal the key
Today my goal is to debunk those myths. As well as a few others. If you’ve read my emails in the past, you know I sometimes like to toss in a little history. So, here goes.
The ancient Peruvian Incas of the Andes were the first to utilize the freeze-dried process. At least as far as we know.
They stored potatoes and other crops on mountain peaks. The temperatures would freeze the food. Low air pressure in high altitudes would slowly vaporize water inside the food.
These days, food is quickly frozen to start the freeze-drying process. Then the ice is turned into water vapor and removed by placing the frozen food in a vacuum. This results in a dehydrated product.
Now, about those myths…
Myth #1: Canned food is all you need.
Having some canned foods in your pantry is not a bad idea. It can’t hurt. But shelf lives probably fall well short of what you and your family may end up needing someday.
Freeze-dried foods last much longer. And they will taste as fresh in many years as they would today.
Freeze-dried food can stay good for up to 25 years. Assuming it is properly stored.
And that means keeping it in a cool, dark, dry place. Where air, light, moisture and rodents can’t get at it.
Myth #2: Freeze-dried food tastes bad and loses nutritional value.
Unlike canned food that can lose its taste and nutritional value over time, freeze-dried food tastes as good and fresh as the day it is packaged.
Natural food has moisture in it. That’s what helps it taste good. But that moisture also makes it vulnerable to microorganisms that cause spoilage.
When food is frozen, microorganisms are unable to grow. Freeze-drying removes nearly all moisture.
Once food is freeze-dried, it’s simply a matter of packaging it properly in airtight bags. Such as bags made of Mylar. And then storing it where it can’t be contaminated by the elements.
This process also helps freeze-dried food retain its nutritional value better than canned food. Without chemicals.
Myth #3: Freeze-dried meats don’t break down well in our bodies.
Some people have concerns about how freeze-dried meat might affect their digestive systems.
But freeze-dried food is usually more easily digested than canned food. That’s due to the fact that it does not contain additives or preservatives.
Myth #4: Freeze-dried foods are expensive.
People sometimes worry about the cost of freeze-dried food. Prices may seem higher because freeze-dried food is often sold in bulk.
But by using a calculator, you realize you’re saving money by purchasing freeze-dried food.
Myth #5: Your options are limited with freeze-dried food.
When many people hear “freeze-dried,” they first think of fruits and vegetables. And those are certainly items you should stockpile.
But freeze-dried pasta, beans, rice and more can also provide plenty of nutrition. Including much-needed protein, minerals and other nutrients.
Why is this important? For one thing, if a crisis goes on for more than several days, you’re going to desire something other than fruits and vegetables.
For another, the stress you’ll experience during an emergency will raise your cortisol levels. That means potential muscle loss. Maintaining strength will be a must in a crisis.
Lumberjack Survival Food Kit
As you know, we offer a wide variety of survival food with a long shelf life. But as I’m writing this, my stomach is grumbling from hunger. So, I want to mention one of my favorite kits that’s guaranteed to fill you up.
Our Lumberjack Survival Food Kit provides you with 20,800 calories of hearty preparedness in 80 servings.
These delicious family favorites include Classic Bean Chili, Cowboy Rice & Beans, Frank’s Favorite Alfredo, Nonna’s Best Lasagna-Style Marinara and plenty more.
Everything is stored in airtight, disaster-resistant, space-age Mylar packages. And guaranteed to stay fresh for up to 25 years. No refrigeration is required. It’s all secured in a convenient tote.
Claim yours here
