When it comes to backpacking, you’re often limited in the food and drinks that you can bring with you. Not only do they have to be lightweight and compact, but they have to provide enough sustenance to keep you going on your adventures.
Smoothies can be a great option for backpacking, but unfortunately, they don’t always stay fresh for long. That’s why some people choose to dehydrate their smoothies before taking them on the road.
Dehydrating smoothies for backpacking is actually easier than it sounds. All you need is a food dehydrator or even an oven at its lowest setting.
Start by blending your favorite ingredients into a smoothie – this could include fruits like strawberries and bananas, as well as other nutritious foods like oats and nuts. Then pour the mixture into shallow trays or onto sheets lined with parchment paper and place in the dehydrator or oven.
The dehydration process will vary depending on the type of equipment used, but generally speaking it should take around 10-12 hours. Once the smoothie has been fully dried out, let it cool before breaking it up into smaller pieces that are easy to pack away into your backpack. When ready to enjoy your treat while on the trail, simply add some water or milk and stir until all of the pieces are blended together.
The Benefits of Dehydrating Smoothies
- Lightweight – Dried smoothies are much lighter than their liquid counterparts making them ideal for carrying in a backpack.
- Long-lasting – Dehydrated smoothies can last for months if stored properly making them perfect for extended trips.
- Nutritious – Not only do these snacks provide a burst of energy, but they also contain plenty of nutrients from all of the fruit and vegetables used in each blend.
Tips for Dehydrating Smoothies Backpacking
- When blending your ingredients together make sure that there is enough liquid so that everything mixes easily without getting stuck in the blades.
- If using an oven instead of a dehydrator make sure that you use parchment paper or waxed paper underneath so that nothing sticks to the tray while drying out.
- If adding protein powder to your smoothie make sure that it has been fully dissolved before pouring into trays or sheets.
Conclusion:
Yes! You can definitely dehydrate smoothies for backpacking.
It’s an easy process that doesn’t take too much time or effort, plus it allows you to enjoy nourishing snacks while on the trail without worrying about them going bad after just a few days. All you need is a food dehydrator (or even an oven at its lowest setting) plus some parchment paper or waxed paper and you’re good to go!