Emergency FreezeDried Food Types How to Build a Stockpile That Can Feed Your Family for Weeks or Months

Introduction

It's essential for your family's security and wellbeing to have a prepared emergency pantry. Freeze-dried foods are useful in situations like natural disasters or power outages. They can last up to 25 years, if stored right.

This guide has all you need to know about picking and storing freeze-dried food for emergencies. You'll learn the various types of freeze-dried food, how to decide which one is best, and how to store it to keep optimal quality. With these tips, you'll be sure that your family is provided with nutrition during an emergency, so they can stay safe.

Types of Freeze-Dried Foods

Freeze-dried foods are ideal for emergency meal preparation. Just a few servings can create a food stockpile that can last for weeks or even months. What type of freeze-dried food should you consider? From proteins to veggies, let's look at the different kinds and their benefits:

• Proteins
• Veggies

Freeze-Dried Fruits

Fill your pantry with freeze-dried fruits! Stock up on these light-colored cans that are packed with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, apples, and more. Freeze drying preserves nearly all of the nutrients from the fruits, like when they were fresh! Most brands offer unsweetened and minimally sweetened varieties.

These fruits are perfect for snacks, recipes, and emergency situations. Each #10 can contains 8 servings! So, build an emergency food stockpile with freeze-dried fruits from Augason Farms. Yum! Enjoy the delicious variety all year round.

Freeze-Dried Vegetables

Freeze-dried veggies? Yes! They're the perfect way to stretch your food storage. Convenient and long-lasting, they are ready in a jiff with just a bit of water.

Common types include carrots, potatoes, peas, corn, and peppers. Dehydrated or powdered carrots add a tasty touch to soups, stews, and casseroles. Freeze-dried potatoes make great snacks. Peas, green beans, corn, and sweet peppers all work great in salads and stir-fries. Corn is a great main course when combined with pasta, chicken, or beef. Peppers make salads and tacos colorful and crunchy. Hot peppers add a kick to salsas, sauces, and chili. Yum!

Freeze-Dried Meats

Freeze-dried meats are a great way to supply your food with something more nutritious than canned meat. You can store them for 25 years if you keep them airtight and in temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can be used in almost any recipe you would use canned meat – casseroles, chilis, tacos, soups and more! Freeze-dried meats come pre-cooked and they can be rehydrated quickly. They are usually less salty than canned meats and taste more like home cooked meals.

Examples of freeze-dried meals are:

• Beef Stew
• Chicken Teriyaki
• Mexican Chicken with Rice
• Beef Burrito Bowls
• Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
• Ground Beef Chili with Beans

Additionally, there are many types of freeze-dried meats you can buy that don't need to be cooked before you eat them – such as jerky or sausage links. These make great additions to an emergency stockpile because they provide healthy amounts of protein that won't spoil over time like fresh meat products.

Freeze-Dried Dairy Products

Freeze-drying locks in the freshness and nutrition of milk, cheese, yogurt, and even butter. It comes in lightweight, easy-to-store packages. No need for refrigeration or special storage. Shelf life of up to 25 years! Quickly reconstitutes when mixed with water.

Dairy foods are a great source of protein, calcium, phosphorus, riboflavin, and other vitamins and minerals.

Popular freeze-dried dairy products:

• Whole Milk: Reconstitute with water for drinking or cooking/baking.
• Powdered Milk: Fat-free drinking mix or whole milk for baking.
• Cream Powder: Use like fresh cream in mashed potatoes, cobblers, etc.
• Cheese Powder: Usually cheddar, but also American cheese varieties. Sprinkle over potatoes, soups, or pasta.
• Butter Powder: Mix with water to make spreadable butter. No need to keep chilled.

Other freeze-dried dairy options include hard cheeses, yogurt powder, meat substitutes, like bacon bits and sausage crumbles. These have a combination of soybeans, oil supplements, and whey protein powder to make them taste almost like the real thing!

Freeze-Dried Grains

Grain staples, such as oats, wheat, and barley, are reassuring in times of emergency. These grains can be stored easily and can still look the same after adding water. You can eat them on their own or make a delicious breakfast with them. Grains also offer carbs for energy and fiber to fill you up.

Some freeze-dried grain foods are:

• Oats. A popular breakfast item and baking ingredient, they are full of fiber and protein.
• Wheat. It looks like whole grain flour when reconstituting and is rich in vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, protein and healthy fats.
• Barley. Nutty and chewy when cooked right, it has antioxidants that reduce inflammation and fibers that lower cholesterol.
• Quinoa. High in protein and amino acids, it's gluten-free and a great diet choice for avoiding wheat products.

Benefits of Freeze-Dried Foods

Freeze-dried foods are a hit! Light and easy to store, they give your family a balanced diet when grocery stores are not an option. Nutritional value stays high, and shelf life is long with proper storage.

Let's explore the pros of freeze-dried foods. Plus, how to create a stockpile to feed your fam!

Long Shelf-Life

Freeze-dried foods provide an excellent source of emergency nutrition. Since World War II, they've been used by the military to preserve fresh produce. Nowadays, they're commonly recommended for emergency preparedness.

Unlike regular kitchen freezer food, freeze-dried products have a long shelf life. In ideal conditions, they can last up to 25 years. This makes them great for long-term storage.

Another benefit is their lightweight design. They're easy to transport if evacuation is needed. Plus, they're usually cheaper than canned items, while still providing good nutrient value.

Nutritional Value

Freeze-dried foods are great for emergency stockpiles. They're lightweight, durable and have a long shelf life. Freeze-drying is a process where food is frozen, then the ice crystals evaporate in a vacuum. This leaves the food in its original state, with more nutrients than other processed foods.

The advantage of freeze-dried foods is they don't need water to rehydrate, so they produce no waste. This makes them ideal in emergencies when water is scarce. They have high nutrient content too, because they don't have oxidation or residual enzymes. Vitamins have to be added back but in lower amounts.

Studies show that freeze-drying can extend shelf life to 25 years. Some products are still nutritious after 2 decades without cooking. Safety needs to be controlled when storing these products, however. Quality suppliers will ensure home users get healthy meals for months or years in case of emergencies like pandemics or natural disasters.

Taste and Texture

Freeze-dried foods are great for taste and texture. Canning can change the flavor, but freeze-drying keeps it close to the original. You can enjoy meals that are both nutritious and tasty! Plus, they can last up to 25 years!

Certain brands try to match the texture of fresh ingredients. The taste might be slightly different, but still delicious!

Freeze-dried foods are great for enjoying your favorite dishes even when you don't have access to fresh ingredients. These meals will last months or even years, so you can have a wholesome diet while travelling or stocking a home pantry.

How to Build an Emergency Stockpile

Building a stockpile of emergency food is vital for any prepper's plan. Your stockpile should have a selection of food types, with essential nutrients. Freeze-dried items are a great choice, as they can last for years correctly stored.

Benefits of freeze-dried items? They're perfect for your emergency stockpile! Build one that will feed your family for weeks or months!

Calculate Your Family’s Needs

It's important to consider how much food your family needs for an emergency stockpile. First, figure out how many people are in your household and their age and physical activity level. You'll need enough food to provide essential nutrients for everyone.

Calculate how many calories per person you need daily. Most experts suggest 2000-2500 calories. It might vary due to age and activity.

Store calorie-dense food like freeze dried meats, veggies, canned goods and snacks like trail mixes and nuts. Include a variety of food for all scenarios.

To be prepared for one month of emergency, aim for 77,000 total calories per person. Include foods high in protein like lentils, beans, nuts and seeds. Include 2-3 pounds of freeze dried fruit and veggies per person, per day. Don't forget comfort food like chocolate and candy! Make tasty, nutritious meals for kids, if needed.

Research and Compare Products

When it comes to emergency food supplies, deciding what to stock up on can be tricky. To make the process easier, learn about freeze-dried survival food options. Read product labels to compare taste, ingredients, packaging method and nutritional content. Many companies offer packs with different servings per pack – from single meals to large boxes for a whole family. Look for food with no artificial flavors or preservatives and check for expiration dates.

Researching different types of freeze-dried foods will give you peace of mind knowing that you are prepared in case of disaster. Maximize your investment in an emergency food storage system so you're ready if disaster strikes!

Consider Your Budget

Creating an emergency food stockpile can be hard work, but it's worth it. To be prepared, make a budget. Think of the cost of food, space to store it, how long it will take to buy, and what your family needs to eat.

If you want to purchase freeze-dried or processed food, search for different suppliers and compare what they have. Think about what food would fit well with your daily meals, and any special dietary requirements. You may need extra freezer space if you're buying this kind of food.

Choose budget-friendly options that meet your family's nutritional needs, even when access to fresh produce is limited. Buy items in bulk when you can, so you can save money and build a complete stockpile for the future. Perishable goods like fruit and veg must also be in the budget. Keep them in the fridge before cooking, to make sure they're safe to eat.

Choose the Right Storage Containers

Preparing an emergency stockpile requires the right containers. Plastic or metal with a tight seal is perfect. The container must be waterproof and rust-resistant.

The size depends on how much food you're storing, and where. For limited space, smaller containers are better. Big airtight containers or several smaller ones, sealed together with plastic wrap or tape, will do the job.

The material matters too. Plastic bins are lightweight, affordable and come in different shapes and sizes. But they are not great for long-term outdoor storage, as sunlight and other extreme weather can cause them to degrade quickly. Metal containers are best for outdoors, as they can endure all kinds of weather.

Conclusion

It is wise to have a stockpile of freeze-dried food for times of crisis. There are plenty of options available, like fruits, vegetables, proteins, and more. Invest in long-term storage containers to keep your freeze-dried foods fresh. Make sure to rotate out food every few months. Doing this will help ensure nutrition when times get tough.

With careful consideration and planning, you can build a stockpile that provides sustenance during hard times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What types of emergency freeze-dried food are available?

A1: Freeze-dried food types for emergency stockpiling include fruits, vegetables, proteins, grains, and dairy items. These items come in a variety of forms such as whole, shredded, diced, powdered, and more. There are also ready-made meal options available.

Q2: What's the shelf life of freeze-dried food?

A2: Depending on the food type, freeze-dried foods can last up to 25 years if stored in a cool and dry place.

Q3: What kind of storage containers should I use?

A3: The best storage containers for freeze-dried food is a mylar bag or airtight container. These will ensure the food stays fresh for the longest possible amount of time.