Freeze-dried backpacking food is an excellent choice for those looking for a fast, lightweight, and convenient way to fuel their outdoor adventures. Freeze-dried food is prepared by subjecting food to extreme cold temperatures, which causes the moisture in the food to evaporate.
Through this process, it becomes light and airy while also preserving its nutritional value. This makes freeze-dried foods an ideal option for backpacking trips since they take up very little space and can last for months without spoiling.
Making your own freeze-dried backpacking food is surprisingly simple. All you need is a deep freezer that can reach temperatures of -40°F or lower, plus a vacuum sealer, a sealing bag, and your desired ingredients.
Start by prepping your ingredients as you normally would — chopping vegetables, cooking meats, etc. — then arrange them on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper before freezing them overnight. Once frozen solid, place the ingredients into your vacuum sealer bag and seal it closed.
Next is the freezing process: place the sealed bag into the deep freezer for at least 24 hours. Once it’s sufficiently frozen (you should be able to hear some of the moisture evaporating in the form of steam), remove the bag from the freezer and place it into your vacuum sealer again. Vacuum seal it once more to ensure that all of the moisture has been removed from inside.
Your homemade freeze-dried backpacking food is now ready to go! It can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to several months without spoiling. Just make sure you store it away from direct sunlight or heat sources as this could affect its shelf life.
In conclusion, making freeze-dried backpacking food at home is easy with minimal equipment needs and time investment required. All you need is a deep freezer capable of reaching -40°F or lower temperatures, a vacuum sealer with bags, desired ingredients, and some patience! With your homemade meals ready to go, you can hit the trails with confidence knowing that you have nutritious snacks to keep you fueled along your journey.