Dehydrating rice for backpacking is a great way to keep your meals light and easy on the trail. Dehydrated rice can be rehydrated quickly in boiling water and has a longer shelf-life than cooked rice. The dehydration process involves removing the moisture from the grains, which also helps preserve their nutritional content and flavor.
To begin, you’ll need to choose your rice – white or brown, long or short grain – based on your preferences and what you plan to use it for. Long grain rice is ideal for dishes like pilafs, while shorter grain varieties are better suited for things like sushi or risotto. Once you’ve chosen your type of rice, rinse it thoroughly under running water in order to remove any dirt or debris that may be present.
Next, spread the rinsed rice out onto a thin layer of paper towels and let it dry completely before transferring it to a baking sheet. Spread the grains out as evenly as possible so they will dehydrate evenly.
Place the baking sheet in an oven preheated to 135°F (57°C). Bake for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until all of the moisture has been removed from the grains.
Once done baking, allow the dehydrated rice to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or freezer bag with desiccant packets (little packets of silica gel that absorb moisture). It’s important that you store dehydrated food items away from sources of humidity such as cupboards near stoves or dishwashers. Stored properly, dehydrated food can last up to 12 months in an airtight container at room temperature and even longer when stored in a refrigerator or freezer.
When ready to use, rehydrate your dehydrated rice by adding ¾ cup of boiling water per every cup of dried grains you’re using. Let it sit covered for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork – voila! You now have delicious rehydrated backpacking rice ready for your next outdoor adventure!
Conclusion: Dehydrating and rehydrating rice is an easy process that can save time and money while preserving its nutritional value and flavor. With just a few simple steps – rinsing, drying, baking and storing – you can enjoy tasty backpacking meals without having to worry about taking up too much space in your pack!