Backpacking meals are one of the most important components of a successful backpacking adventure. However, many people are not sure what type of meals they should be looking for when they go backpacking. Are they freeze-dried or dehydrated?
The answer is that both freeze-dried and dehydrated meals are suitable for backpacking.
Freeze-drying is a process in which food is quickly frozen to -60°C and then placed in a vacuum chamber where the moisture is removed from the food. This leaves behind a lightweight, shelf-stable product that can be reconstituted with water to bring it back to its original state. Dehydrating is a process in which food is cooked at very low temperatures and then dried, removing most of the moisture from it. This also leaves behind lightweight, shelf-stable products that can be reconstituted with water.
Benefits of Freeze Dried Backpacking Meals
Freeze-dried meals offer several benefits over dehydrated meals. One major benefit of freeze-dried meals is that they retain more nutrients than dehydrated meals due to the quick freezing process.
Freeze-dried foods also tend to have better flavor and texture than dehydrated foods because the freezing process helps to preserve more of the natural flavors and aromas. Additionally, freeze-dried foods typically have longer shelf lives than dehydrated foods.
Benefits of Dehydrated Backpacking Meals
Dehydrated meals offer several benefits as well. One major benefit is that dehydrating requires less energy than freeze drying, making it more environmentally friendly than freeze drying.
Additionally, dehydrating helps to preserve more minerals and vitamins in food than freeze drying does, making it a healthier choice for backpacking trips where nutrition may be an issue.
Conclusion:
Both freeze-dried and dehydrated backpacking meals have their benefits and drawbacks depending on your needs. Whether you choose one or the other will depend on your individual preferences and needs for your backpacking trip. In general, either type of meal can provide you with nutritious and delicious options while on your adventure.